Story by Sifiso Sibanda
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says government cherishes the role of the church in nation building, and it is a key partner in consolidating nationhood given its multi-dimensional responsibilities.
He said this as he officially commissioned the Harvest House International Conference Centre in Bulawayo this Sunday.
The Harvest House Church in Bulawayo has invested into a mega structure that houses a church, a 10 000-seater conference facility, a health and wellness centre, a mini mall and a recording studio amongst others as part of its contribution to the growth of the city.
Commissioning the facility this Sunday, President Mnangagwa said this investment confirms Bulawayo as a premier destination for meetings, exhibitions, conferences and events.
“This structure is one of the largest of its kind in our country. I am further pleased to learn that in addition to spiritual nourishment, which is the reason for its existence, this building will also provide an outreach to the community. As such, this infrastructure will aid in the ongoing quest by my administration to grow Bulawayo into a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions. The building of any country is not an event but a process,” he said.
The President went on to challenge the church to spread its wings and leave no one and no place behind in its work.
“I commend you Bishop and Harvest House as a whole, for pressing on towards the goal that has seen you realise this success. In line with Vision 2030, I challenge you to plant many more churches in rural areas, and no one and no place should be left behind. The gospel should be preached all our people wherever they are, as it was in the early church.”
The Head of State further implored the church to work with government in fighting the drug and substance abuse especially among the youth.
He said, “Going forward, I exhort you to scale up initiatives not only to inculcate Godly values and work ethics, but also spur production and productivity among your congregates towards economic prosperity as well as a higher quality of life in our motherland. I also call upon you to help strengthen upright moral living and God fearing society.”
The history of Harvest House International Church dates back to 1995 where it started with just eight attendees, but has grown to become a mega institution with congregates and branches in a number of countries that include Ghana, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Europe and Australia.
