Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
LAST week’s gospel concert dubbed “A Call to Worship Africa” proved that despite belonging to different sects or churches Zimbabweans are indeed one family. Though the inter-denominational concert held at the Harare International Conference Centre was largely evangelical in content, it proved that people are ready to fellowship anywhere and anytime as opposed to following individuals, pastors, apostles or prophets from their churches.
And coming from this background, “A Call to Worship Africa” was a resounding success as people came in their numbers to praise and worship the Lord in a truly humbling experience where worshippers received not only the word but also soothing music.
The concert was attended by different pastors and church leaders, among them Pastor Chichi Bismark, Apostle Java of Tabernacle of Grace and Pastor Charlotte Pike, co-founder of Ebenezer World Outreach Ministry, which organises the annual event.
Held under the theme “Releasing the Glory of God” taken from Isaiah 60 vs 1, “A Call to Worship Africa” was meant to minister the word of God through music and creating a channel for reaching individuals by spreading the gospel.
One of the highlights of the event included the words of encouragement by Pastor Chichi as well as other guest speakers on the night. There were also declarations made about Zimbabwe which is going through its own challenges.
Musically, the concert showed that even at church, people could dance, sing, shout and praise the Lord just like at any other concert where they play secular music.
The Praise and Worship Team dazzled with its members drawn from across different churches in Zimbabwe.
Comprising over 100 singers from 31 denominations including the United Methodist, Roman Catholic, New Life Covenant and Tabernacle of Grace, the choir had everyone on their feet as it churned out popular hits.
The show was a clear testimony that whatever is happening in the physical world could also happen in the spiritual world.
More importantly, the level of tolerance at these praise and worship gatherings is commendable than in other realms, for instance in politics.
While “Zora Butter” craze is doing the rounds at football matches and at gigs by Alick Macheso, the same is happening in church where youths perform the “Zora Butter” dance to gospel music.
Even some of the chimurenga songs have been reinvented or remixed to give them a gospel flavour, which is adding excitement among worshippers. Last year’s edition of “A Call to Worship Zimbabwe” featured the American Grammy Award- winning gospel artiste Don McClurkin at a hugely successful concert held at the Glamis Stadium in Harare.
According to Pastor Philip Pike of Ebenezer World Outreach Ministry, one of the organisers, the event was initially a call to worship Zimbabwe.
“As you are aware we are not a church but a ministry which unites the body of Christ. This is why we had representatives from the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches as well as several other church leaders, business people and Government officials.
“We also had representatives from countries like Angola, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The first one was called ‘A Call to Worship Zimbabwe’ but then God spoke to us and said it’s no longer about Zimbabwe but Africa. So this was the launch of the series and we are hoping to stage another one in July in Malawi and then in October we stage another one in Kenya,” Pastor Pike said.