The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
THE Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe, arguably the biggest and oldest Pentecostal denomination in the country, will today (Friday) till Sunday roll out a three-day spiritual conference at its citadel in Chikanga.
The spiritual conference presents congregants with an opportunity to reconnect after a two-year Covid-19 lockdown which saw church gatherings being put on hold.
Over the past two years, the AFM has been relying on virtual conferences and services as the country worked on putting Covid-19 under control.
This year’s conference will run under the main theme ‘Preparing Ourselves for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ’, which is buttressed by the sub-theme ‘When He Appears What Will He See?’
AFM Manicaland Central Overseer, Reverend Benson Katakwa said preparations for the conference are on course and attendees should follow Covid-19 protocols.
“Even if you are vaccinated, wearing a mask to protect yourself and others is a grear idea. Hand washing, sanitisation, mask-wearing and physical distancing are mandatory,” said Rev Katakwa.
“During the lockdown the church remained the conduit of sharing vital health information to protect our own members and wider communities from the pandemic. We provided pastoral and spiritual support during emergencies. The AFM disseminated helpful information to reduce fear and stigma around the pandemic.
“We anticipate a big turn-out and we have put up a line-up of powerful preachers to ensure spiritual gratification for our congregants. Mass conferences strengthen the church and quench the eagerness for spiritual interaction with people and God,” said Rev Katakwa.
The AFM’s teachings are rooted on a rigid following of the Bible, the AFM doctrine and salvation.
The church believes that God is the eternal, triune, the father and author of creation and salvation.
The most unique belief of the church is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of its fruits and gifts in any believer.
The AFM worships on Sunday, the day the Lord Jesus Christ resurrected, having been crucified of Friday.
The AFM does not accept abortions for reasons of birth control and strongly believes that heterosexual marriages are the only biblically ordained grounds for sexual intimacy.
It abhors same-sex marriages, and individuals who are openly homosexual cannot be ordained and will be excommunicated.
The church believes in divine healing while allowing its members to seek medication.
