By Own Correspondent- Members of the Johanne Masowe Echishanu Apostolic sect are not allowed to advertise their work through media channels such as radio, television and newspapers, a senior member has warned.

The warning comes at a time unsuspecting people are being fleeced of their valuables or even raped by ‘fake’ prophets who advertise.

However, the issue has been received with mixed feelings with some saying advertising helps in attracting people seeking deliverance while others say the work of God does not require marketing.

The sect is made up of the big five comprising Edward, Israel, Katsiru, Mathias and Gibson.

Some members of the church refused to comment on the issue.

One of the big five, Madzibaba Katsiru distanced the church from members who purport to be real Madzibaba going against the doctrine.

“The first thing is that the doctrine doesn’t allow members to advertise and no one should pay for being helped by our members.

“Anyone who is asked to pay should tell us, but they are doing it secretly.

“Some are not even part of us, like anaMasango avo, we differ on the doctrine,” said Katsiru

He added:

“Some are not even the real Madzibaba, they just come from nowhere and you guys (journalists) are taught the wrong things mototanga kufamba nevanhu ivavo.”

Madzibaba Katsiru’s sentiments were echoed by Madzibaba Mose who said:

“The good name of the church was made by our elders, zita rakagadzirwa izita rakanaka zvekuti munhu wese anongofara kuti Johanne Masowe.

“So we have some people who end up having Johanne Masowe Zambuko , chakati chakati but ours is called Johanne Masowe eChishanu no other additions.

“And those who come to advertise is not our culture, they have their own agendas.”

He added:

“If we look at churches in Zimbabwe, our church has many branches and if you look at your backyard, there is our church, so if people have problems and are looking for help from Masowe, they can go anywhere.

“If there is need for further assistance they then be referred to seniors, so it’s not even a way of quick advertising.

“If you look at our elders they don’t do such but vamwe vanhu vanenge vane madeals avo.

“Members from Johanne Masowe should follow the doctrine of the church, we can’t say names but some are disturbing the name of the church. God won’t be happy and some results are not good, so people shouldn’t play with the name of the church.”

Below is what some members of the sect said:

Madzibaba Spenlodge – I don’t advertise, because I can’t say to people come I will help you because God’s work can’t be advertised.-HMetro