By Bridget Mukwena
Rebuilding Lost Hope, a Zion Christian Church psycho-social and mental health support and advocacy group, hosted an online event recently that shared messages against drug and substance abuse with youths.
The virtual campaign targeted ZCC youths and used drama, music, poems, presentations, as well as teachings from His Grace Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi and other invited speakers.
In his remarks, Bishop Mutendi urged the youth to avoid falling captive to drugs, saying many are perishing because of lack of knowledge on the long-term consequences of substance abuse.
He said youths should not focus all their attention on the challenges they face in life, as many end up indulging in drugs.
His Grace said youths should instead be addicted to the word of God, as abuse of alcohol and drug leads not only to drug use disorders but to many social ills such as dropping out of school, losing a job, domestic violence, divorce, getting into trouble with the law, and teenage pregnancies.
Bishop Mutendi said walking on the Zion road leads to a good future for youths, when the road of illegal use of drugs frequently leads to death and hell.
He urged youths to replace any personal fears they have with faith in God, and to seek Godly counsel from elders at church wellness centres.
Several youths from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe also shared their views on the causes, effects, and possible ways of combating drug and substance abuse amongst the youth.
Senior church officials, Mr Sanctions Mutendi and Mr Mufandaedza also spoke to youths.
They reiterated that youths should not be influenced by what they see on television and social media, adding that they should direct cravings to activities like reading the word of God, all night prayers, and ministering to others.
Rebuilding Lost Hope is a project set up by some Zion Christian Church youths to assist church and non-church youths affected by depression.
The organisation has also carried out campaigns to raise awareness about suicide amongst youths and church members.