PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday hailed church leaders for their rallying call for unity saying the broader society must emulate the example set by the clergy.
President Mnangagwa also committed to addressing concerns raised by indigenous churches, including access to land for purposes of worship as well as other viable programmes to materially promote their development.
With 2020 having been declared a year of production, the President implored churches to inspire their members to hard work and production in line with the national vision.
President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Indigenous International Council of Churches (ZIICC) National Day of Prayer at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
Addressing about 30 000 congregants at the convention, President Mnangagwa said the initiatives being undertaken by the Government to transform the country’s economy needed to be complemented by divine intercession. The President, who demonstrated his spiritual side by regularly quoting biblical scriptures, implored the nation to commit its aspirations to the Almighty.
“However, as a country; we must pray for divine protection, economic prosperity and peace without ceasing.
The Bible commands us to pray and to give thanks in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in. 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 17-18 Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
We must always commit all our national aspirations to the Almighty God; casting our burdens to him for surely he shall sustain us,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa urged church leaders to drive their members to be productive, in line with Government’s theme for 2020.
“I have declared the Year 2020 as a year of productivity and trade. I, therefore, call upon the leadership of all churches in Zimbabwe to engage, teach and encourage their congregants to be hard working and productive. God has given us abundant natural resources throughout the country,” he said.
“We must harness these natural endowments to improve the quality of life for our people.”
He implored churches to “be visible and relevant to Government development initiatives” such as the devolution programme.-State media