The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda
“Psalm 68:11 opines that women are a great army. We can’t belittle the work of our sisters and we see they are modeled along the great women of Old Testament who showed great character in the face of adversity,”
ABOUT 1 000 Jehovah’s Witnesses congregants gathered at Checheche over the weekend for the circuit convention whose theme was derived from Hebrews 13:7 which put emphasis on faith and the importance of following the footsteps of pioneer Christians.
Mr Blessing Mutombera started the ball rolling when he gave the Bible story of Gideon, where he appealed to the gathering to take Gideon as a model of humility.
He said it was difficult to emulate someone for long and one may deviate from the model’s deeds and has to be re-directed. Temptations such as old age, ill health, loss of employment are some tests that may compromise one’s desire to follow Jesus’ footsteps.
“Jeremiah suffered hardships that included torture and jail. He remained resolute and never compromised. Jews falsely accused Amos of fomenting a revolt but he continued prophesying. He talked to thick-skulled people but his patience carried him through.
For 59 years, Hoseah did the work for Jehovah and he didn’t flinch in adversity. At one time, he had to marry a prostitute to further Jehovah’s purpose,” said Mr John Chinogana in his sermon.
Reverend Peter Mudesva, the circuit Overseer quoted 1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul explicitly stated that early Christians had to follow the way he followed Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul went the length and breadth of the ancient world preaching the word of God and similarly, Jehovah’s Witnesses preach without discrimination all over the world without inducement.
They use the internet for the preaching work through their website www.jw.org <http://www.jw.org> and people can access it using their first language.
Mr Marlon Chibangwa reminded the youths about 1Timothy 4:12 which serves as a templates for the youth:
“The youth must have good and brave speech. They ought not to be embarrassed about Jehovah’s Witnesses. They must have strict moral discipline, bearing in mind that it is important for them to wear love like a uniform and practice faith. Timothy wasn’t swayed by false religion practiced at Ephesus. Moral values put the youths at a pedestal,” he said.
Women were encouraged to take a leaf from Sarah and other noble women in the Bible who worshipped and did sterling works for God.
“Psalm 68:11 opines that women are a great army. We can’t belittle the work of our sisters and we see they are modeled along the great women of Old Testament who showed great character in the face of adversity,” said Mr Givemore Sikanda.
Mr Dennis Mlambo, of the Branch Office at Bethel in Harare, juxtaposed bad and noble examples from the Bible in his sermon.
“Cain and Abel were siblings but their demeanors were different. We learn that pride can lead to murder and careless talk. Solomon and David were son and father. Solomon was complacent while David was humble.
Take advice from elders without reservation. Akan and Rahab were different in that the former deliberately disobeyed God while the latter humbly asked the spies to spare her and relatives’ lives when Jericho was to be destroyed,” said Mr Mlambo.
18 people were baptised.
