Zimbabwe Christian Alliance

Lupane home destroyed by rains

This year Zimbabwe has a season of abundant rains but in some places, it left a trail of destruction to homes, crops, and livelihoods.

In Silwane village of Lupane District, a family had their house destroyed at night whilst they were asleep in it. The Christian Voice got the sad news from Pastor Dumisani Ncube who is a Peace Ambassador under the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA).

“On the 15^th of March 2021 in Silwane village, under the kraal leader Bhalanu Sibanda, there is a family whose house was destroyed whilst they slept inside. This was the house with all their belongings after all other houses were destroyed by rains”, said Pastor Ncube.

Pastor Ncube added that the grandmother whose home was destroyed was saved by her grandchildren after they heard the roof falling.

“The widower was saved by her grandchildren, who when they heard the roof falling they wake her up. In the morning she found herself trapped under a roof, we thank God that she came out unhurt”, said Pastor Ncube

In view of that, the widower is seeking help from well-wishers, since she does not have a bigger house. She was only left with a small hut which she shares with her grandchildren. Pastor Ncube said, one of the children was left traumatized and in fear because of what happened. The hut they are left with might also be destroyed.

“What happened is very disheartening. We request well-wishers to bounce their weight and help. In the previous years, we had similar encounters which befell nine homes. This troubles me, and I request people to come through with any help. James 1 verse 27 says we have an obligation or duty to help widows and the fatherless who are in affliction”, said Pastor Ncube

There are also five homes whose boreholes were destroyed by rains. Whereas others had their houses destroyed and that calls for people to help.

“Its costs R8000 to dig or drill one borehole”, revealed pastor Ncube

Sacrificial Leadership

Leadership is more than just being on top of the ladder; it is sacrifice. Jesus Christ is one great leader who gave us timeless lessons of sacrificial leadership. Jesus is one great leader, who from the few 12 disciples, changed the world. But, what made Jesus unique and outstanding? In this article, I glean into lessons that I have built from an acronym of the word sacrifice.

Service

Jesus said, if anyone among you is to become great he must serve (Matthew 20: 26). A leadership position is not for the leader to harvest from the advantages he has, but to add value to humanity and society. However, what we see in the world generally is that most leaders want to be served. Personal gravitas and gratification becomes the center stage and the leader becomes someone to be feared because they own “the power” to control.

Accountable

Great leaders are responsible for the people they lead, their organizations, the church, and the future. The future is as good as the quality of the leaders we have today. Accountable leaders walk in the principles of God’s word.

Courteous

Jesus was moved but the pains of people and the bible said “He wept” (John 11: 35). In one instance Jesus is heard saying; let the Children come to me (Matthew 19: 14), which showed that he cared for the powerless. John C. Maxwell once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Give people your heart before you ask them for their hand.

Relentless

Hard times are part of leadership. At times the very thing you want to do will be questioned not only by your enemies but the ones close to you. The seasons can be so harsh, but it is the leader that must encourage others, despite being in pain. It is said the true strength of a great leader is proved when there is a storm. It is in hard times when great leaders emerge.

Influence

Influence goes beyond endearing as a leader but making a positive difference. Influence is not about control. True influence is seen when people want to buy into your vision in order to live a life that is bigger than them. The word influence is interlinked with the word influenza. Influenza is viral, in the sense that it is infectious. So is influence from a positive point of view, affect people that they want to become part of your dream.

Focused

Focus means sticking to the vision or commission. Additionally, it means, staying on the vision despite the pain. Jesus knew that he was to face the cross, and he kept focused on that mission of seeking and saving the lost. Someone could have said, but why would I need to face such a tempestuous and torturous time? Jesus endured every pain that a human being could imagine. Leaders go through changes in life, but they need to remain focused.

Imaginative

Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life's coming attraction." The role of a leader is to think, visualize and imagine a better future. He might not know exactly the results of his thoughts but through faith, he pushes on. Hebrews 11: 1 (Amplified) says, “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. A leader that is imaginatively ignited and who has fervent faith spurs followers to do more.

Capable

A leader must lead by example. He must be capable, agile, effective, efficient, and skilled in leadership. His capacity and wisdom come from God and an internal hunger to learn more. In this generation, technology has taught us that things change fast and that requires a leader with learning agility. Arie de Gues in his book, The Living Company said, “Your ability to learn faster than your competition is your only sustainable competitive advantage.”

Engage

Great leaders flee from being engorging to being engaging. Leaders usually have easy access, and that can make them lose meekness to being mean. They lose humility to become haughty. Position at times makes them lose touch with people. Great leaders know how to work with people. They know how to pick the best human capital that will help them excel. That can only happen when the leader is in touch with people.

Parting point: Jesus Christ was indubitably a great leader. He sacrificed more to save humanity. As we celebrate Easter, rethink your leadership skill and pray that God gives you the strength and sagacity to lead his people.

Jonah Nyoni is an author and speaker.

Celebrating New Life: Easter Reflections from a Biblical perspective

By Kimion Tagwirei

Countless Christians in Zimbabwe and across the world celebrate Easter from this Friday hitherto Monday, albeit mostly in virtual ways, observing government and World Health Organization (WHO) restrictions set in attempts to curb the spread of the tragic Coronavirus. The virus which reportedly started in Wuhan late 2019 has killed more than 1.6 million, sickened more than 70 million people globally to-date.

This article reflects on transforming good news about the newness of life from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ outshining endless debates on Easter name, dates, origins and related historical matters.

Traditionally marked by massive Church conferences, family get–togethers’, travels and outings, Easter has remained widely celebrated.

What is the meaning of Easter?

While those who critique Easter from pagan origins and related misgivings condemn it, the value of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ keeps undeniably important and worthy continuous reflections and celebrations.

To my concurrence, New Testament scholar Dr Taremeredzwa Bishau once spoke through Sunday Mail (16 April 2017) that “historians concerned themselves with dates and venues, but New Testament scholars know that for early Christians, dates were not as important as the events that were celebrated. What happened was that Jesus was transforming already existing Jewish feasts which were celebrated on specific dates following the Jewish calendar giving them new meaning in the light of his advent. He transformed the Passover celebrations into celebrations about his sacrifice on the cross. He gave the Passover meal a new meaning and called it the new covenant. That is what was important for the early Christians. Just like with the birth of Jesus, the early Christians never specified the actual date of birth because what was critical and therefore what was celebrated was the Epiphany itself”.

Concurringly, various theological scholars find no problems with differences about dates, places and direct their focus on the meaning as well as relevance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter can be understood from Pesach (Passover), which Biblically speaks to the spilling of blood for liberation of sinners, which foreshadowed the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that redeemed humanity, not only Christians, but all human beings from fatal enslavement of sin to holistic freedom in Jesus Christ. While the term Easter was historically associated with an ancient goddess, it can be rightly used today, as dates and names are given meanings, value and relevance by people for intended purposes. According to Fairchild (2021), Easter is about celebrating the life–bearing death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, well accounted in Matthew 27:27–63; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56; and John 19:16–42.

Is it therefore wrong to celebrate Easter? Arguably as it is not wrong to remember the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it is commendable for all human beings to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ without any pagan influence, but with biblical inspiration and conviction. Similarly, as the Bible does not mention eggs, bunnies and chicks as connected to his death and resurrection, the way we celebrate Easter as Christians must not spiritualize the unbiblical.

Reflecting on New life from the Cross

Has attending Easter conference, family gatherings, outings, enjoying special meals and meeting people meant anything important since time immemorial? Is Easter significant to you and me today? These questions sound critical if we deepen and widen thoughts about Easter, and this article uncovers part of the essentials. The lifetime significance of Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection means eternal life granted to everyone who believes in Him. The purpose of Easter celebration therefore stems from the accomplishment of Jesus Christ’s three–year ministry – expression and fulfillment of God’s love, grace and salvation of humanity.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the gospel. As Paul observes, if Christ is not raised from the dead, our preaching and hope lie in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Essentially, without the resurrection, Christian preaching and faith would be empty. The death and resurrection affirm Jesus of Nazareth beyond being the prophesied Messiah of Israel to being the King and Lord of humanity on earth and in heaven.

Consequently, Easter celebrations glorify Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and His transformative assurance of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Few of several inspiring Bible verses about Easter include; 1 Peter 1:3,“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. This reflects that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ delivered us from our old dirty, sinful and shameful ways of living into our new clean, righteous and glorious life in Christ.

Additionally, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” also assures that while we may suffer and die on earth, we are guaranteed of eternal life free of earthly troubles in heaven. Realizing this inspires faith in God, and endurance on earth for a guaranteed life beyond the grave.

There are several other Biblical references indicating what we got from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which deserve reflection and celebration, mostly rooting on the fact that Jesus Christ brought us new life. As Spurgeon (1891) once voiced, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is glorious in contrast with his humiliation. It has sufficient redemptive glory from the painful shame of his crucifixion. Mathew 20:18–19 says that he was to be betrayed, condemned to death, delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, scourged, and crucified; but remarkably all gloom of that tragedy got dismissed by his resurrection. Great victory overtook sorrow as death succumbed to resurrection.

Jesus Christ freed us from the deadly bondage of sin (John 3:16), and fulfilled God’s redemptive word (Isaiah 53:4–12). It is so apt to reflect on newness of life during this Easter period. Rethinking that when we are born again in Him, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17), old things pass away, everything becomes new and we experience new living inspired and guided by God’s word – showcasing celebratory new life. Scriptures portray it like a turn around, manifesting through a dramatic shift of lifestyle, values, relations with God and other people.

Remembering Jesus Christ’s new commandment for us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34–35) cements the foundation of newness. When we love each other as Jesus loved us, we mature into new talks and walks of life. We become real disciples of Jesus Christ who live in love, grace and peace – further depicting a sweet new life. It leads us to loving ourselves, loving others, caring for ourselves, caring for others, reaching out to others with the gospel and taking part in the transformative Great Commission presented through Mathew 28:19–20.

More–so, this new life beams with new hope that defies death. Remembering the cross pictures God offloading our burdens, as Jesus Christ carried our sins. As Jesus Christ questioned, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Mathew 27:46), He endured being forsaken by God to redeem you and me from our sins. The cross staged inexplicable love, grace and care of God for us. It transferred us from pain to gain, sorrow to celebration and enslavement to liberation – sin to righteousness, forgiveness to sanctification as well as hopelessness and helplessness to hopefulness and helpfulness in Jesus Christ.

We now live-in high hope in His promises. Regardless of various spiritual, social, economic and political challenges we face today, we can now always hold on to the hope in our loving, gracious and caring God, as His word assures answers to our needs and eternity (1 John 5:13–14 and 1 Peter 1:3–6).

Conclusively, nothing beats the joy of holistic liberation from the bondage of sin that could haunt our lives forever down to burning hell. This article unapologetically submitted that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the bedrock of Christian Easter celebration without any pagan influences, with Biblical inspiration and conviction well reflected herein for us to celebrate new life graciously freed from our old sinful lives.

Easter under lockdown!

This year Easter was different especially for children who are in boarding schools as the government recently announced that they will not be go back to their homes whilst churches were discouraged from travelling for Easter Camps so as to reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting services, Mrs Monica Mutsvanga announced the developments after a cabinet meeting. According to the cabinet press briefing, she said school children will not be travelling to their homes for the holiday but will remain at their respective schools.

“School learners who are in boarding schools will not be permitted to travel back home. Equally, no parents will travel to concerned schools for purposes of visits,” read the statement.

The move comes as means of reducing the spread of Coronavirus in the country. The President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa in his statement also mentioned that travellers without Covid-19 PCR tests not more than 48 hours will be quarantined for 10 days.

“In keeping with Christian practices, Zimbabweans flock to different places of worship with some visiting holy shrines. The risk of the transmission during this period is thus predictably high. To safeguard our nation, we need to take some additional measures to avoid a third wave of the pandemic which is already attacking some Nations of the World,” he said.

He encouraged citizens to be vaccinated against the pandemic so that the country reaches herd immunity.

“People from different localities are encouraged to come forward to designated centres for vaccination so that our nation builds towards herd immunity. Wearing of masks and social distancing will be strictly adhered to and enforced,” read the statement.

Church gatherings and any other gatherings are still pegged at a maximum of 50 people. Churches are advised to follow the World Health Organisation guidelines so as to reduce the spread of the virus.

“All gatherings including church services, funerals and weddings will remain limited to not more than 50 people. The general public is encouraged to defer unnecessary travel outside localities of residence,” he said.

Writing on his Twitter page, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya encouraged people to stay at home as danger was still lurking. He urged people to take extreme measures to protect each other from the pandemic.

“As we approach the holidays please take extreme measures to protect yourselves, and others. There is absolutely no need to go out to crowded places. Spend time at home with your family. There will be other holidays ahead. There are now new deadlier variants,” he said.

He said the third wave was looming and it was possible for it to be catastrophic due to its sudden appearance.

“This is not the time for false excitable reassurance thinking that the virus has gone away or has been defeated. The risk looms large, the 3rd wave is being brewed by us alone, by our human action.

The 3rd wave as I was saying, will appear suddenly due to the amazing complacency displaced at all levels. And it will be catastrophic due to its sudden appearance. However, we alone can prevent it by taking extreme measures,” he said.