Friends of Pakati wishes everyone a HAPPY EASTER!
Following a special request, with many people on lockdown across the world, I have put together a sort-of Easter Sunday blog post. Thanks must go to the following Friends of Pakati for the content – Pastor Aggie Fombo Maravanyika and her husband Joseph – also a Pastor – both based in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and Lorraine Mapuranga, former student of mine, long-time friend and regular contributor to this blog based in South Africa, also for additional material (photos included) and the idea in the first place.
“Easter is known to be recognised by Christians the world over but has been a different one this year, as the Church leadership fully supports the Government in lockdown regulations in fighting the pandemic of Covid 19. Instead of the usual mass gatherings, the Methodist Church of Zimbabwe among many other churches did not shun the Easter programmes, but decided to do livestreaming of all programs since the Holy week, Jesus Triumpal Entry into Jerusalem, his Last Supper through to good Friday when he was crucified.
Saturday we are live streaming services of a “quiet Saturday” when He is in the Grave. As Christians we believe in His resurrection and awaiting tomorrow for this. A very Unique scenario here showing a last Supper prepared from homes being guided by the live stream proceedings, as Christians do follow as the Presiding Bishop Rev Doc Zwana led the service.”
Under lockdowns in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, many Zimbabwean Christians of different denominations are getting their services broadcast in different ways – including livestreaming online or on TV, by radio, via whats app groups where for example, at a farm community where facebook is not available. Here, therefore, is a short piece by Pastor Aggie and Pastor Joseph relevant to today’s situation wherever you are, part of their broadcast to their followers:
“Acts 27:23-25, Let us not get discouraged brethren. Let’s be hopeful and keep positive attitude : There will be no losses because God will be with us. May the trust shown by the apostle assist us also at this time of global pandemic.
We should avoid acting as scaremongers, or panicked – on the contrary, we must be positive as we share the hope with those around us, who sees us, hear us and follow us.
Meeting in our homes will be more and more relevant for prayers and reading of the Bible, fellowship, and witnessing. When lockdown period is over we should use this experience as our evangelism platform telling people that JESUS CHRIST is coming soon.
God is in control, we must always be ready to listen to his voice. He is speaking let’s be sensitive to his word.
Bless you Pastors J and A Maravanyika. Lamour Community Kingfisher Church. We are Pentecostals.”
For those who may question the wisdom of lockdowns, here is a quote given to me by Lorraine which she says is from Isaiah 26 vs 20 describing why it is televant today:
Today the Methodist Church of Zimbabwe is livesteaming by Bishop Chinhara.
“As Christians the greatest emphasis is on conquering obstacles just like Christ conquered death on the Cross”
This post is probably a one-off, as I expect Covid-19 restrictions will be a distant memory next Easter. In order for that to be true, please take care all of you…stay home, go to work only if you need to, wash your hands, keep social distances of 2 metres from people who are not from your houshold, limit outside trips to basic food and medicinal needs or brief exercise, and if you feel unwell with the symptoms of Covid 19, or someone in your home does, self isolate for 14 days.
Stay safe all Friends of Pakati
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