By Takemore Chikweza
Construction is at an advanced stage at the Zion Christian Church wellness centre in Winterveldt, Pretoria, located 65 kilometres from Pretoria city centre, just off the M39 route to Mmakaunyane.
Dube Wellness Centre is in Greater Pretoria B, in South Africa’s Region 2 and will serve the surrounding community.
It will add to the 121 centres that the church has set up around the world.
Work here began in January 2020 and, so far, a boundary wall and ablution facilities with a septic tank and soakaway have been completed.
Electricity has been connected, a guardroom constructed, and the elder’s sanctuary extended.
Church members are donating cash and offering volunteer labour.
The construction team is made up of a planning committee, some members of the brass band and church members who come from various parishes in Region 2, and they plan to complete work next month.
Mr Samuel Chauke, a well-wisher who recently joined the church has donated towards construction of a metal gate at the centre, amongst other contributions.
“The Bishop taught us that access was granted to gentiles, and Zion is no longer for the Jews only, with the kingdom of God now open to everyone. This is one of the sermons that touched me most,” he said.
“I have subscribed to the church’s YouTube channel, and I listen to sermons on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The way Bishop Mutendi preaches is not like other pastors I have seen in other denominations.
“He is practical all the times, and shares both verses from scripture and real-life examples. Such pragmatic teachings are more profound for me,” added the 48-year-old CEO of a state entity.
ZCC wellness centres are places where church members, and others in the community who thirst for a deeper walk with Jesus Chris come to meet church elders and to surrender their fears in prayer, as read in Matthew 11: 28-29.
Centres are located next to well-known Zion Christian Church buildings in communities.
Many visitors come afflicted with physical ailments and spiritual distress, and Elders help them achieve physical and spiritual balance through counselling and prophetic teachings.