A FORTNIGHT ago, two young women from an organisation called “All Occasions”, which was created by Christian women to promote and stage special occasions, e.g. organising and hosting breakfast meetings, seminars, luncheons, dinners and various events, spoke to me about an initiative that will see Zimbabwe’s 2012 Mother’s Day celebrated differently and in a special way.
It is an idea that will see us depart from the norm — not just recognising and appreciating our biological mothers and/or guardians, but also turning our focus on women who help mould our spiritual well-being. It is an event where we will just say thank you for being there for us.
One of the organisers Nyari Viki-Mavindidze said, “May is the month when we pay respect to mothers. However, this Mothers Day, we celebrate the lives of women who have dedicated their lives to impact the lives of others spiritually and otherwise.
“On May 19, we will do that by hosting a luncheon for our mothers, pastors’, elders’, deacons’ wives, ministry leaders and mentors from different denominations in the country, at Chapman Golf Club in Eastlea, Harare.
“The luncheon will be held under the theme, “Woman, adorn your heart”. It’s an event that will also provide a platform for our mothers to meet, fellowship, and network and inspire each other”.
They are inviting everybody to be a part of this event by sponsoring these women to attend the Mothers Day luncheon.
Nyari added, “The interdenominational element is important. We also realise that denominations like the Catholic Church have different leadership structures, where there are no leaders’ wives.
“But, there is the Mothers Union where women hold leadership positions and impact lives spiritually. They should also come. That way, all mothers who shape our spiritual well-being are honoured.”
She added that although individuals could sponsor one mother or more, it would be ideal and more fun if people contributed as a group: “For example, in a church five young women can contribute US$10 each to enable Amai Mufundisi to attend the luncheon. Doing it corporately will see more mothers at the luncheon.”
This is an idea, which we hope will not just take place at one venue, but whose buy-in is national. Mothers are special to everybody. Sometimes, words cannot explain how important they are. It becomes even more special when they add value to our spiritual growth and development.
The physical and spiritual bond between the Lord Jesus and His mother Mary is evident in all the four gospels. Before His death, He made sure that His mother would be taken care of.
The Bible says in John’s gospel, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:25-27, NIV)
Apart from my biological mother who was the first woman to teach me about the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are countless women in Zimbabwe and other parts of the world, whose spirituality and selflessness have made lasting impressions in my spiritual walk.
My pastor’s wife and other leading ladies in our church have made me grow immensely.
Pastor Petunia Chiriseri of His Presence Ministries International was the first woman pastor on The Arena, the Thursday column I anchor, and she did that when it was in its infancy.
She has since become that ever present spiritual mother-figure of the column, giving the writer the confidence to write on.
Through this column, I have also interacted with many mothers from various walks of life.
Currently, I have five books for review, all written by women in ministry, books which are sources of encouragement and spiritual enrichment: “Suffering loss” by UK-based Zimbabwean Moillah Ndoro, “Prophetic prayers and declaration”, “The amazing love of a shepherd” all by Bishop Patience Itai Hove of Elshaddai Ministries International, “Count it all joy when you are in trouble” by Annah Gasseler-Govereh, a Zimbabwean based in Zambia.
And, “Touching heaven through prayer: secrets of a prayer warrior” by Kenyan prophetess Lucy Natasha.
Women like Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave are also an inspiration. Performing at cultural galas, she never forgets that her mission is to spread the word of God.
She punctuates the transitions from one song to another with, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord”.
Last Saturday, I also met two extraordinary women — women who make motherhood and being a wife a source of pride. These are Mrs Chimbande, wife of the deputy Director for the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, Mrs Grace Majonga, wife of Zimbabwe Media Commission head, Godfrey Majonga.
To these phenomenal women, we say thank you for representing the Lord’s love in such an admirable manner.
Mothers Day is a week away, and the planned luncheon is two weeks away. Let us pray for all Zimbabwean women who have done exceptional things for the spiritual growth of our nation.
Let us declare on them divine health, abundance, wisdom, leadership based on Christian principles, courage and fear of the Lord.  Let us also pray for Zimbabwe’s mothers that they are always filled with the Holy Spirit.
There are numerous biblical references on mothers and their spiritual impact not only on their children, but on nations as well.
We have Rebekah, Moses’ mother, King Solomon’s mother, Naomi and Ruth, Queen Esther, Deborah, Mary, Anna, Elizabeth and more. Many women ministered unto the Lord during His ministry, and Paul also worked in ministry with a number of women.
But, Moses is typical of how women (mothers) can be used to preserve life in order to fulfill God’s purpose. There are more than five women in Moses’ life — used by God to preserve his life: Jochebed his mother, the widwives, Miriam, his sister, Pharaoh’s daughter and his wife Zipporah.
Forthcoming events
Event: Leader Life Development Convention 2012
Dates: May 21-27
Venue: Bible Life Ministries, City of the Lord Complex, Broadhurst, Gaborone, Botswana
Host: Dr Enock Sitima, Bible Life Ministries
Guest speaker: Bishop I V Hilliard (USA)
Contacts: +267-395-7298/390-9879
E-mail/Web: www.biblelifeministries.org

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Event: Mothers Day Luncheon
Date: May 19
Venue: Chapman Golf Club, Eastlea
Host: All Occasions
Theme: Woman, adorn your heart”.
Contacts: 0772907257; 0772273888
E-mail/Web: allccasions@gmail.com

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Event: Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe Ladies Conference
Dates: May 3-6
Venue: Rufaro Mission (Chatsworth/ Masvingo)
Theme: The Power of God’s Covering (Psalms 91: 4-6)
Speakers: Mrs T Chiweshe; Mrs T Madawo; Mrs Fibangani; Mrs Mashumba
Contacts: 0772734341; afminzimbabwe@gmail.com
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Event: Celebrating Pentecost 7th after Easter – Mabasa Ezviratidzo Apostolic Church
Dates: June 8-10
Venue: Budiriro Park, Harare
Speaker: Bishop Colin Mutasa
Contacts: 0772958814/0733230868/055-68280

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Event: Revival: Connecting People to their Destiny – Victory Church International
Date: May 1-6
Venue: Mufakose Community A Hall (near Tendayi Primary School)
Time: 3pm-5pm
Speaker: Pastor Paul
Contacts: 0772874189

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Event: Prophetic Conference — International Interdenominational (Zimbabwe)
Dates: May 7-12
Theme: Such as I Have
Venue: Anglican Church Hall (N Mandela/S Nujoma)
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Speakers: Prophets Nathaniel O Yeboah and Selasie Addae
Contacts: 0772213434; 0772125188; 0773452331

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“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)

l tendai.manzvanzvike@zimpapers.co.zw