Famba Zion.
Ndafara hama dzangu, kuwana mukana uno nemi, tichiyeuka kutifira nekumuka kwemwana komana waMwari. It is with great humility and profound sense of pride, that together with my family and colleagues from
Government, as well as representatives of industry, we come here to this sacred shrine of the Zion Christian Church, Mbungo, famously known among you as the ‘City of Peace,’ to fellowship and worship with you at this special Easter Church Service.
Since its establishment, the Zion Christian Church remains one of our dependable and reliable partners in development, including in various sectors such as agriculture, education and tourism, among others.As we gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound impact His life, death, and resurrection have on each one of us.
Easter highlights the idea that Christ was the original Conveyor of Peace, through love, faith and forgiveness. This is not merely a statement, but a call to action.
John 13 verse 34 states that “… A new command, I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
As leaders, believers, and citizens of this world, we are urged to embody the spirit of Christ, who, through His example, teaches us the true meaning of peace.
In a world fraught with conflict, disruptions and natural disasters that are induced by climate change as well as the negative effects of illegal sanctions, the importance of peace, unity and development cannot be over-emphasised. Against these realities, we mustremain vigilant, focussed and hard-working, insulating our economy as well as addressing any vulnerabilities.
Colossians 4 verse 2 says in summary, we must continue to devote ourselves to prayer, being alert and watchful as well as giving thanks to the Lord Almighty.
Through prayer and fervent interceding for our country, Victory is certain for us to achieve our Vision to be an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society. With God, nothing is impossible. Kocho MaZion;
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, came into this world not to condemn but to bring reconciliation. As He walked among us, He showed us that true peace is rooted in love, love for God and love for one another.
When He forgave those who crucified Him, in Luke 23 verse 34 saying, “Father, forgive them, for they knownot what they do,” He demonstrated the ultimate expression of love and forgiveness.
It is here that we find our model and template to guide our interaction, while consolidating the gains of our social cohesion, peace and unity. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to those who hurt us, those with whom we disagree, and even those who seem beyond hope. Love is a powerful instrument. It breaks down barriers, dismantles hatred, and fosters understanding.
In our communities, where divisions can often feel insurmountable, we must remember that Christ’s love breaks down cultural, racial, and social boundaries. As Head of State and President, I recognise the weight of our collective and individual responsibilities. I urge each one of you to recognise your capacity to influence and sustain the ongoing national development transformation.Sekuvakwa kwakaitwa Jerusarema idzva, we must all continue to play our part. Ibwe pamusoro perimwe ibwe. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.
As we go about our daily lives, may we grow in understanding our dual role of serving the Almighty God, while honouring the responsibilities given to us to develop, modernise and industrialise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. I commend the Church in general, for mobilising congregants across the country to participate in our
Government led people centred projects and programmes. Under the auspices of the Presidential Pfumbvudza/ Intwasa Programme, Village Business Units and other empowerment programmes, we are a nation that is now capable of feeding itself and provide feedstock to our industries, while household incomes have generally been on a steady increase.
Meanwhile, as we convene at this gathering, let us be reminded that Easter is not only a celebration of Christ’s victory over death, but a constant reminder of our call to be peacemakers, as highlighted in Matthew 5 verse 9, which says - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Forgiveness is the very cornerstone of good relations, reconciliation and peace. It is not a weakness or shortcoming, but an act of strength. When we forgive, we liberate ourselves from the burdens of bitterness, hatred and sheer resentment.
As we move forward from this day of celebration, let us take this message of peace, love, and forgiveness into our everyday lives. Let us commit to building relationships that foster unity and understanding.In our homes, workplaces, and communities, village by village, let us practice kindness and remind ourselves that every act of love is a step toward peace. As we celebrate Easter, let us be living testimonies of Christ’s love and forgiveness as well as securing the welfare of the vulnerable members in our society. The Bible in Matthew 25 verses 35 to 36 states that;
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
This is our national character trait as an independent, free and sovereign people. The values of communalism, underpinned in the philosophy of Ubuntu/ Hunhu, should continue to perfect the righteous path of every one of us.
Our light must shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven.I commend the role that the ZCC is playing in our national development, particularly in education. The Church opened three schools this year and I am told more might open next year. This is a welcome development.
I also want to commend the Church for being one of the top farmers in Masvingo and a contributor to our record wheat harvest last season. Our aim as a country is not just to be self-sufficient in food but to be a net exporter and the breadbasket for the region. Tinotenda Mwari nemvura yakawanda gore rino.
Ndinoti kunemi mose vema Church, nemi ma Bishop muchikurudzira kubatana nerudo yedu ye Zimbabwe. we have in our beautiful nation for granted. Let us not take the peace
It is disheartening that as we celebrate Easter, we are also mourning with those who lost their loved ones due to road traffic accidents. As we go back home from the various places we are congregating, I urge all motorists to be extra careful.
In conclusion, I once again encourage each one of us to embrace the mantle of peace, love, and forgiveness. As our late Vice President and National Hero, Cde John Landa Nkomo once said; “Peace begins with me, peace begins with you, peace begins with all of us.
May the grace of our Lord continue to empower us; the love of Christ guide us, and the joy of Easter live in our hearts and memory as we labour for peace, unity and the prosperity of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
Rugare.
Kotso maZion.
Famba Zion.
God bless you.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.