Angry Family Demands Apology from ZAOGA Pastor Over False Anointing On Rhodesia-Streets
12 January 2025
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By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The family of a “goblin-casting” Pastor Michael Vareta, a respected leader of ZAOGA Forward In Faith Church, with three identities, has demanded a public apology after he claimed in a sermon that he was anointed by God while living as a street kid in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The family accuses him of fabricating this story to enhance his spiritual reputation.

Family Outrage

The Vareta family, led by a wealthy businessman in Mt. Darwin, says Pastor Vareta’s claims are false and damaging to their reputation. They argue their firstborn brother, born in 1957, never lived as a street kid in 1978 and accuse him of dishonoring the family for personal gain. His siblings say the family provided a stable upbringing, making his story untrue and unnecessary.

Michael Vhareta also has 3 identities

One family member said, “He’s painting a false picture of neglect when we supported him. This is not our story.”

ZAOGA pastor in trouble | video

The Pastor’s Controversial Claims

Pastor Vareta asserts he lived on the streets of Salisbury (modern-day Harare) for over eight months during the liberation war in 1978. However, critics argue this was impossible due to Rhodesia’s strict racial segregation and security measures at the time.

Historical evidence shows black men of his age were either conscripted into the Rhodesian army or targeted by nationalistic guerrilla fighters. Many have questioned how he could have survived undetected in a heavily policed city center under such conditions.

Public Debate

Critics accuse Pastor Vareta of fabricating this backstory to appear more spiritually “anointed.” They argue the claim creates a false narrative to inspire trust and attract followers. A ZimEye interviewer confronted him, asking, “Are you trying to build your career on a lie to appear as someone God miraculously raised from nothing?”

Pastor Vareta’s Defense

In a lengthy interview, Pastor Vareta stood by his story, attributing his survival to God’s protection. He said, “This is my testimony. It happened, whether people believe it or not. I cannot lie before God.”

However, he admitted his claims conflict with historical records and acknowledged gaps in his story, saying, “It’s like surviving a car crash—you can’t always explain how it happened.”

Impact on the Church

The controversy has raised concerns about leadership integrity within ZAOGA FIF Church. Some compare Vareta’s claims to previous allegations against the church’s founder, Ezekiel Guti, who has faced criticism for exaggerating his spiritual experiences. Critics argue this pattern undermines the church’s credibility.

Family and Community Concerns

The Vareta family and community members worry his claims tarnish their name and the church’s reputation. They demand an apology and a retraction of the story. One sibling said, “He needs to tell the truth, not create a fantasy for fame.”

What’s Next for Pastor Vareta?

To restore trust, Pastor Vareta faces mounting pressure to:

1. Clarify His Story: Provide evidence or acknowledge exaggerations.

2. Reconcile With Family: Engage in private mediation to resolve tensions.

3. Refocus on Ministry: Shift the focus back to spiritual teachings instead of personal stories.

The allegations against Pastor Vareta highlight the importance of integrity in religious leadership. To preserve his credibility and rebuild trust, he must address the controversy openly and honestly, reaffirming his commitment to the gospel.