By Margaret Kamba
Johane, the 5th of Africa International Church Founder Archbishop Dr Andby Makururu has been awarded a Solidarity Award by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for the support given to the people of Palestine.
His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa who has always encouraged churches to pray for their country through his mantra, "Nyika inonamatigwa nevene vayo," has created an enabling environment for people to worship freely and show their loving nature.
This nature which makes part of a tourism feature of the people of Zimbabwe has also resulted in a lot of investment coming in to assist them in building their country.
Affectionately known as J5, Johane the 5th of Africa International Church has seen a fair share of congregates covering the SADC region praying for their ruling Government as this is part of the church's teaching.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Palestinian Embassy this Wednesday, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Tamer Almassri said the relationship and support received from the J5 church is a blessing from Allah.
"We are grateful for the sincere relationship we have with you which is built on principle and is a blessing from Allah. For that reason, our doors of our country are open to you at any time," Ambassador Almassri said.
"We know that you are sincerely praying from the heart and are close to the leadership and ZANU PF. Looking at the work that you have been doing in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has given you a Gold Medal Award and Certificate. This honour has only been given to two individuals in Africa."
The Award is written "Holy Land of Palestine Solidarity Award Presented to Commander Bishop Andby Makururu of the Republic of Zimbabwe Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine in the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Alnakba." This is the highest order of award given to religious leaders and at the order of the country's President.
Receiving the award, Archbishop Makururu highlighted that all this is due to a peaceful environment that has been created under the able leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
"I am happy with the relationship between the J5 church and Palestine. As you are aware, our nation is peaceful and our President, Cde E.D Mnangagwa teaches us to love everyone because we are one. For that reason, I will continue to pray for Palestine," Archbishop Makururu said.
"The Holy Spirit says there is something that it is doing for the people of Palestine and we as J5 will continue to assist its people."