MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE ZIMBABWE!!!

“… I don’t know whether I am preaching this to the right people. I am going to ZIMBABWE to preach this there…”

Many times we heard our Prophet say these words and on the 26th of May, 2023, the prophecy was fulfilled: our Father came home to Zimbabwe! What a great blessing it was!

He was welcomed by hundreds of his children within the United Denominations and United Organization at the Robert Mugabe International Airport, some travelling from as far as South Africa, Zambia and Botswana! The Art of Shepherding describes a ‘Great Shepherd’ as ‘when you have large numbers of sheep under your care’. Only a great shepherd can make people travel from as far as 2,500 km just to catch a glimpse of the one they love so dearly. The welcoming party included Pastors and their members from churches outside the United Denominations and United Organization as well, who are hard followers of his Ministry.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, was in Zimbabwe to be a speaker at the ‘ACTION CONFERENCE 2023’ an annual conference organized by Pastor Tom Deuschle, of the Celebration Church. Celebration Church is one of the largest churches based in Harare. Pastor Tom, is dearly admired by our Prophet as being an American who one day heard God saying, “go to Rhodesia” having never heard of the country. He found it on a map and packed bag and baggage with his newly wedded wife and arrived on the 21st of February, 1979. He has lived and ministered here in Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia) ever since.

Prophet was honoured to preach twice on Friday; in the afternoon and the evening. During the afternoon session, he preached “The church must send or it will end”. In the evening, where he was the only speaker for that session, he preached “I come seeking fruit” from his book, “Fruitfulness”. Both sessions were electric. For the most part, the congregation was on its feet. There was fire. ‘Mustard Seed’, a song composed and produced by our Prophet and ‘We are the Church’ became instant hits as Mother Maya ministered powerfully.

The highlight for we his children was our being able to pull off a surprise gathering for him in between his two preaching sessions. Aided by Pastor Tom (God bless his soul), we managed to lure him into a decorated hall. The shock on his face was evident as he walked into a jam packed room to the singing of ‘Dear Bishop Precious to us’.

Well wishes, Testimonies and songs, from Bishops, Pastors and members of Others International Church (OIC Zimbabwe), Strong Christian Church (SCC South Africa) and Firstlove Church (FLC, Botswana and Give Thyself Wholly board members residing in Zimbabwe gave a very emotional tone to the gathering. The impact of our Daddy’s life and ministry was captured in the love filled speeches.

Aided by Bishop and Rev. Mrs. Collin Nyathi and Lady Pastor Ama Bortei-Doku, a cake was cut to celebrate his Sixtieth Birthday. There was minshee in the house.

Our hearts are full from this encounter and we believe that Zimbabwe will never be the same again!

Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku