Story by Yolanda Moyo
A shared commitment to national peace and development was reaffirmed at the 8th Annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service convened by the Faith for the Nation Campaign (FANA), in association with the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) in Bulawayo this Sunday.
The event, a significant moment on the national calendar, saw religious leaders, government officials, and citizens converging to express gratitude for the nation’s blessings and dedicate themselves to its continued progress.
President of the Faith for the Nation Campaign (FANA) Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe and Patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi emphasised the profound purpose of the service and stressed the importance of unwavering faith and perseverance towards national growth.
“This gathering is not merely a ceremonial occasion. It is a spiritual and national renewal. We come before God to acknowledge His grace, to repent of our shortcomings, and to seek His guidance as we strive to build a prosperous and just nation for all Zimbabweans. We gather not only as a religious community by with the leaders of our country. Our delegates have pledged that when they go back they will recommend the platform to their fellow clergy and government officials. The theme our country our opportunity.
“When we understand the liberation of the colonised nations is a gift of the blood of the lamb. We are celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential of our country Zimbabwe. As we celebrate the unprecedented progress which we have witnessed that has leaped Zimbabwe towards development we should do it with high morale and excitement for the future.
“We need to give thanks to the Lord for the progress achieved in Zimbabwe. Our country is moving towards Vision 2030 and the Lord gave us a good leader that we are confident in and we need to continue working with him. There are people who are spreading misinformation about our nation on media platforms these people do not have what it needs to be patriotic,” he said.
Bishop Mutendi said, “Challenges are inevitable. Let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better future for Zimbabwe, knowing that with patience and perseverance, our nation will overcome all obstacles.”
Other religious leaders echoed the sentiments of national unity and development.
Government officials led by Vice President Kembo Mohadi spoke on the crucial partnership between the church and the government.
“The national thanksgiving and dedication service is an annual event that brings together people from different religious backgrounds and walks of life to thank God for the country’s leadership, progress and development. It is therefore the duty of every one of us to pray for the country regardless of our political and socioeconomic status for 1 Timothy 2 verses 1-4 calls us to do,” said Vice President Mohadi.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri spoke on the role of the church in nation-building.
“We recognise the significant role the church plays in nurturing our values, providing social services, and contributing to national stability. The government has consistently created an environment that allows churches to thrive, free from undue interference.”
Hon Judith Ncube, the Minister of Bulawayo Metropolitan Affairs and Devolution also said, “Today is more than a gathering of faith but to draw our inspiration and to reignite our resolve to build a better Zimbabwe. As Bulawayo we are steadfast in embracing the spirit of developing the nation.”
The church service was also attended by traditional leaders led by President of the Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo who stressed the vital role of people in driving national development from grassroots.
He stated, “Our President has been moving around the country preaching the Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo mantra and people have actually taken this message and are actually building the nation from grass roots. We need to be on the forefront of the development of our nation from our areas and as Chiefs we are going to work towards the development of our nation.”
The National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service concluded with a renewed sense of national unity and a commitment to working together to build a brighter future for Zimbabwe.
