By Suremore Muchuweni
Addressing a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) audience in an online sermon last week, Bishop Mutendi encouraged his followers to draw inspiration from some of the church’s founding heroes and heroines.
He said this while teaching on 1 Corinthians 9 verse 24, which says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it”.
The bishop said, “the church at large will never forget its pioneers who played an immense role in the expansion of the church from a modest beginning.
“When I commenced my role in 1977, the ministry did not even have a single building in towns, and to make matters worse we used cars owned by well-wishers for church missions.”
Some ZCC founding members supported the running of the church using their own property, with many dedicating themselves to God’s work.
Bishop Mutendi singled out the likes of the late Champion Gwande and Samuel Mushonga, both members of Rev. Samuel Mutendi evangelism office, and who later served under him.
“I vividly remember when we used the cars owned by the late Wilson Matekenya, the late Phineas Hamadziripi, Nelson Masvisvi, the late Austin Murove, and Elder Saul Charamba of Bikita for church missions,” he said.
He added that Mr Maketenya’s truck was one of the first to be used at Mutarara Mission during Rev. Samuel Mutendi’s era in the 1960s.
“The late Minister Phenias Hamadziripi of Mashava helped the Man of God, Rev. Samuel Mutendi to introduce our church in towns,” he added.
“The late Chairperson of Town Cooperation, Jemias Maibha, is remembered for his exemplary commitment, and for always staying in touch with the church administration,” said Bishop Mutendi.
He also mentioned Mr Hillary Shenjere, now based in USA, and the late Minister Kefasi Manyawi as important figures in Harare, including the late Mrs Urita Nago Chuma of Bulawayo, Michael Marecha of Chegutu, Fredy Mamombe, and Thomas Mambodza for playing a key role in introducing ZCC in Zimbabwe’s urban areas.
“Some ZCC patriots were known for their hospitality, like the late Elder Philip Moyana of Kwekwe, the late Gedion Mazhetese of Masvingo, The Poto family of Mbungo, Elder Abias Juuro of Gweru, and Mr Misheck Mutendi at Hunters Road in Kwekwe. They opened up their homes for church business,” said The Man of God.
He also mentioned many who are now departed, including Elder Eliot Tichaona Murozvi of Masvingo, Mrs Chakurira, Mawaro, Elder Isaka Muroyi, Jestos Makore, Rodgers Mhanga, Hlasela Billows ‘Pirosi’, Simon Mhepo Kunhengenda ‘Ndada’, Judhas Zindove, Hezekia ‘Ezekiel’ Mudzova, Joseph ‘Chigayo’ Chauke of Save, Mr Pikirayi Joseph Mujuru, Elder Batanayi ‘Bota’ Njuwa of Zaka, Joshua ‘Fingy’ Chinhara of Marozva, Bracky Chitumbu, Tariro Hungwe ‘Mundebele’, Chief Giby Mazungunye, Jordan ‘Jorodhani’ Mungoma at Mushana, and Petros Mupinga.
He said the list cannot be complete without mentioning the likes of the late Agritex Officer Mupare Charity Mudefi, Chomu Makore, Smart Munaki, Lucky Munaki, and Ezekiel Mupinga, all who used their resources to support the church in its early days.
“Elder Vinto ‘Bhosvo’ Mutombe, Clifford ‘Toro’ Zvidzai, Elder Sylvester ‘Defe’ Ncube of Gokwe Nenyunga, a former bandsmen and diligent giver, and Tobias Gwenga, added flavour to ZCC’s brass band in the late 1970s to 1980s,” he continued.
The likes of Johannes Runameso Maname, Elder Naison Chikoore and Lazarus Chineka ‘Mavhayivhayi’, among others, were very influential in spearheading ZCC during their tenure in the Rural Youth Cooperation Wing.
Bishop Mutendi concluded by saying he had mentioned only a few, many who were already promoted to the glory of God, since we, the survivors, were still competing in this race and expected to do good for the glory of God until our departure from earth.