By Margaret Kamba

The role of religion in shaping the mindset towards national development can never be underestimated. This is clearly rooted in the founding principles that govern the church, and that merged with the country’s national strategies are a powerful tool for development.

Fortunately for Zimbabwe, this is espoused in His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision and supporting mantras of building Zimbabwe Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Nyika inonamatigwa nevene vayo, leaving no one and no place behind are there to build confidence in the indigenes of their minute but critical role.

Johane, the 5th of Africa International Church, has taken its founding principles seriously and strategically positioned itself in the Government’s thrust of leaving no one behind. Over the weekend, the church brought the Madziva community to a standstill, added color to it, and left many amazed.

The meeting not only also brought ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha on the ground but also the Palestinian Ambassador, His Excellency, Tamer Almassari whose country recently awarded the church Founder a Gold medal and Certificate of solidarity given only to two religious leaders in Africa and the first in Zimbabwe so far showing that they are brothers in arms indeed.

“I was very pleased with the teachings that I heard here today that there is no leader who rules unless chosen by God. Many want to rule, but only one is appointed by God. His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is the one chosen at the moment and being prayed for by us his people so that he can work to uplift our lives,” Cde Machacha said.

 “I want to thank Johane the 5th of Africa, which is constantly on its knees praying for the country, praying for the leadership and praying for the President. There are many that want to rule, but it's not all dreams that come true but are from demons. We listen to what we are told by the prophets from God, like the Archbishop Makururu.”

He commended the church for the uniformity within the church and Party, with the difference only being in garments. He added that the church provides a guiding campus to the government, which in turn provides an enabling environment for the church to thrive.

Speaking at the same event, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Tamer Almassari said he is very pleased with the relationship between the church and his Government.

“I want to commend you for your true worship and that you as a church fight to protect your dignity and sovereignty. You are well protected in this church founded by the real Commander, who thinks constantly about believers everywhere, even in Palestine.

Since I met my great brother, he hasn't lost his campus as a believer. He came to pay a solidarity message to the Palestinian people. As a brave man, he announced that his religion doesn't support the fight in Palestine. He told me that the people of Zimbabwe who suffered from the colonial regime can not watch in silence.

We have many common principles that unite us as people. We both struggle against racist. We both work for our people. Both of us protect our common histories. We both know that distance can not cut the relationship between the two countries."

The Ambassador disclosed that every four minutes there are air strikes against innocent people with at least 53 000 killed to date while 13 000 people under the rubble can not be recovered adding that 130 000 are wounded among them children. He added that the enemy is using starvation to kill the people of Palestine. More than 90 percent destroyed.

The church’s Founder, Archbishop Andby Makururu said it is the role of the church to pray for the leaders.

"We as a church have a role to play in building our country. Our President, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has provided a good environment for us to pray peacefully. For that reason we will continue to pray for peace, unity and development. We will also work to build our country because of the mantra Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo," he said.

He warned the church members against rebellion adding that if a people can turn against their country, it is easy for them to turn against him as their church leader.

Over 4000 delegates attended the meeting which saw delegates from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia joining the local congregates from the country's ten Provinces.