By Suremore Muchuweni
The leader of Zion Christian Church, Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi has challenged ZCC youths across the globe to be agents of hope who instill faith and courage in their peers.
He said this whilst supporting the Rebuilding Lost Hope awareness campaign against drug abuse that was broadcast live on the church’s online platforms.
Rebuilding Lost Hope is a campaign spearheaded by a group of ZCC Youth who are inspired by the guidance of the ZCC leader, Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi. Their mission is to win souls to Christ for the glory of God.
Bishop Mutendi described drug abuse as a clear sign of lacking knowledge, quoting from Hosea 4 verse 6 and Isaiah 5 verse 13, the latter which reads, “Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst.”
The 81-year-old cleric added that he had seen most drug abusers failing to achieve their goals in life.
“Many have even dropped out of school while others cannot have successful marriages and businesses, with some succumbing to drug abuse related illnesses and conditions,” he said.
Citing, Mathew 6 vs. 25, he explained that most young people resort to drugs because of worrying about their future, when it is fruitless to worry about what you cannot solve.
He explained that God is the only one who knows about our future, and that is the reason why we should seek the Kingdom of Heaven first, as read in Mathew 6 vs. 33.
“Fear is a demonic spirit which contaminates our faith, so do not entertain it. Only the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” he added, urging youths to walk by faith and not by sight as taught in 2 Corinthians 5 vs. 7.
Finally, the Man of God implored ZCC youths to be addicted to the word of God and to remain pure in heart by avoiding the illegal use of drugs.
Artists in the church such as Vince Ndiradzi, TK Takudzwa Masiko, and Nyika Makorose have released songs supporting the campaign against drug abuse.
Their songs, which have informative lyrics warning about the consequences of drug abuse, are now available on their social media platforms.