My Preaching Work in Zimbabwe in 2025

By Osamagbe Lesley Egharevba

Preamble

On Thursday, the 3rd of April 2025, I had the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe, Southern Africa with some American preachers for a three-week preaching trip. The evangelistic team include Paul Douthitt, Nathan Peeler, and Steve and Pam Walker. The preaching work was from 4th April to 24th April, 2025. During this period, we had the opportunity to visit several churches in different provinces in Zimbabwe. Souls were converted and churches were edified. This writing is a report of the trip.

How The Zimbabwe Trip Came About

Back in July and August 2024, Wayne Seaton of Tennessee, United States had invited me to travel with him and some other American brethren to Ghana for a six-week preaching trip. It was during this trip that I met Steve Walker, Nathan Peeler and Justin Atkins. During my first discussion with Steve Walker in Ghana, he had told me about his connections with Zimbabwe, how he had worked with brethren there beginning 20 years ago, and his plans to visit and encourage the churches in Zimbabwe sometime in 2025 with his wife, Pam and Nathan, the evangelist. I expressed my interest in going with him and he was excited about that. We made plans for the trip and by God’s grace, all plans were set and our flights were ready to land in Harare on the 4th of April, 2025.

Flying from Lagos to Johannesburg

I left Epe on Thursday, the 3rd of April for Muritala Mohammed International Airport in company of David Ojeifo, a good friend who had been listening to my preaching on the radio and have been asking some questions about the church of Christ. I wanted to give him some books to read about the Bible church and the origin of some denominations in Nigeria, so I requested that we meet before I left the country. We met at Berger in Lagos and we proceeded to the airport together where I presented two books to him namely: What the Bible Says About the church of Christ by Dave Miller & The Bible church and Denominations in Nigeria, edited by Joseph Oyerinde and Segun Babarimisa. My plane took off at 10pm on Thursday and landed around 4am on Friday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was in Johannesburg until 10:00am when I got on another plane to Harare and I arrived Harare at 11:40am.

Arrival at Mugabe International Airport in Harare

Upon arrival in Harare, the Zimbabwean brothers (Dumisani Mutemera and Mavhuto Hamela) were already waiting at the airport to pick me. The American brethren (Paul, Nathan, Steve and Pam) had arrived about 3 hours earlier before me and they had gone to Mahusekwa, Marondera in the houses of brothers Wilesi Raphael and Farai Chingondi. Brothers Mutemera, Hamela and I travelled from Harare to Mahusekwa to the family of Wilesi Raphael. Upon arrival at Wilesi’s house, we met Nathan, Steve and Pam. Paul had gone to Farai’s house and so, I did not meet him on this day. After eating some basmati rice and meat at Wilesi’s house, Nathan and I travelled to Mutare in company of Mutemera and Hamela. For the next two weeks, Nathan and I worked in the Manicaland province of Zimbabwe including Mutare, Rusape, Chipinge, and Chiendambuya.

Preaching in Mutare

We left Mahusekwa for Mutare that Friday evening and the driving took about 4 hours. We got to Mutare at about 9:30pm. Nathan and I lodged at the Golden Peacock Villa Hotel in Mutare where we stayed for the next five days. The next morning (Saturday), we went to teach a group of preachers in Mutare. There were 16 men present at this lectureship. Nathan spoke on the book of Ruth while I spoke on how to build a strong local church. These topics were requested to be taught by the Zimbabwe brethren prior to our coming and we did exactly that. After the lessons, there was a question-and-answer session wherein the brethren asked questions on different issues. Some of the questions that were asked include: what is the difference between spirit and soul? What is the meaning of the name Mara in Ruth 1:20? Could dead spirits come back to life to hunt those who might have killed them? Questions on witchcraft, etc. Scriptural answers were given to these questions by Nathan and myself.

Pictures taken from the men’s training

After this programme which lasted from 9am- 3pm, we departed and visited some brethren. We visited the house of a sister named Marian who was sick as well as her brother and we prayed for them. Afterwards we departed and went to the houses of Dumisani Mutemera and Mavhuto Hamela where we met both families and we were shown very kind hospitality. After this, we were taken back to our hotel. Brothers Mutemera and Hamela were very helpful to us during our stay in Manicaland. They were always there to pick us up at our hotel and drive us to the various places we would be preaching.

On Sunday, the 6th of April, we visited two churches and worshipped with them. They were the St. Joseph church of Christ and the Riverside church of Christ. At St. Joseph church of Christ, Nathan did the Bible class and preached on John 3, emphasizing what it means to believe in God while I gave a sermon on working according to one’s ability in order to lead to church growth emphasizing that the church at Philadelphia had a little strength, yet they were faithful to God (Revelation 3:7-8). At Riverside church of Christ, I did the Bible class and spoke on individual responsibilities towards church growth while Nathan spoke on the character of Caleb. After worship service, we visited the house of Brother Budget, a leading brother at Riverside church who treks several kilometers from his house to the church meeting place at worship days. Later in the evening on this day, brother Tonderai Charles Muchembere from Nyanga (one of the preachers present at the Saturday lecture) sent a report about a soul (Charity Tenga) that was baptized after worship that Sunday.

On Monday, the 7th of April, we visited Samhutsa church of Christ in Chipinge district, Manicaland province. The church meets in a school and the brethren were very excited to see us. Brother Batsirai Machema from Hotsprings travelled with us to this church. At this church, Nathan taught on the need to love God and I taught on Ephesians 6:10-18 (Putting on the whole armor of God). The preacher at this church is Mwapeta Michael Chiwanza. After the presentation of lessons at this church, we visited the house of brother Chiwanza, where we received warm reception and kind hospitality. Afterwards, we returned to our hotel but stopped on the way at Hotsprings for a moment to feel the water coming from the spring and we confirmed it was actually hot. Back at our hotel, we had dinner with some American and South African brethren whom we met during our preaching work in Zimbabwe. They were Tim Torno, Ryan Matney, and Warren Scholtz. They were also on preaching trips to South Africa and Zimbabwe and we bumped into them in Zimbabwe. It was great to know that they were sound preachers from America and the fellowship we had was great.

On Tuesday, the 8th of April, we visited Burma Valley and visited 2 churches in this area to strengthen them from the Word of God after which we visited a secondary school to preach the gospel to the students of the school. The first church we visited was the Rhoband church of Christ where I spoke on abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Afterwards, we went to the Rusape church of Christ. At this church, Nathan taught on some messages in James while I spoke on Hebrews 12:1-2. After we left this church, we visited the Mazonwe secondary school. The school principal had graciously given us the opportunity to come preach to the school students. When we got there, the students were split into two groups. Nathan taught one group while I taught the other group. I spoke on God’s plan of salvation. This was our last day of working in Mutare.

Preaching in Rusape

On Wednesday, the 9th of April, we left Mutare and travelled to Rusape, a different city in Manicaland province where we worked for the next four days with Richard Maribo, Isaac Chafungamoyo and Lesson Matsakanure. On our way to Rusape, we stopped at the church of Christ in DC Mutasa in Mutare area to encourage the brethren. Brother Stephen Rice is the preacher at this church. When we got to this church, Nathan spoke on the resurrection of Christ and I spoke on Freedom in Christ. After the Bible study was over, we had a great refreshment in the house of Brother Stephen Rice. We also met his family and prayed with them. Afterwards, we drove to the city of Rusape. When we got to Rusape, we lodged at a place called Crocodile Motel. At this point, brethren Mutemera and Hamela returned back to Mutare and we began working with Richard, Isaac and Lesson.

Our work in Rusape began on Thursday, the 10th of April. On this day, we went to Denzva church of Christ. At this church, I spoke on the parable of the talents while Nathan spoke on the character of Barnabas as the Son of Encouragement as well as a lesson on witchcraft since it is a common phenomenon in Zimbabwe.

On Friday, the 11th of April, we went to the church of Christ in Gunda and taught a group of men. Nathan gave three lessons viz: How To Be Good Leaders Of The Home, Marriage, and The Life Of Daniel. I gave two lessons namely: Man’s Need For Authority In Religion and How To Establish Scriptural Authority.

On Saturday, the 12th of April, we attended the funeral service of Cosmas Tembo, a brother in the church at Gunda. Nathan and I both spoke at this event. We emphasized that we must not sorrow as those who have no hope but that if we remain faithful until death, we would all rejoice and see each other on the resurrection day. Later on this day, we got a message from Michael Chiwanza who preaches at Chipinge that five souls were baptized into Christ. Their names were Perfect Moyo, Evidence Samhutsa, Nkosilathi Sibanda, Ardour Samhutsa and Mazvita Sibanda.

On Sunday, the 13th, we drove to Denzva church of Christ to worship with them. Nathan did the Bible class and spoke on John 3 while I did the sermon and spoke on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Nathan also did the Lord’s Supper and Giving. Afterwards, we drove to the church of Christ in Gunda and also worshipped with them. I taught the Bible class and Nathan did the sermon. Then I did Lord’s Supper and Giving. My topic for Bible class was Individual Responsibilities towards church growth while Nathan spoke on the Bible character of Caleb. Two young men and an elderly woman got baptized at this church on this day – Ellen, Tirivashe and Tadivanashe.

Preaching in Chiendambuya

On Monday, the 14th of April, we drove to Chiendambuya and arrived at 10:30am and met Paradzai Kusena and his wife, Martha and daughter Nokutenda. We were served breakfast (bread and tea) and after which we drove to the church where Paradzai preaches (Runyange church of Christ). Brother Thanks (the son of brother Paradzai) drove us to this church. The vehicle got bad on the way and we trekked about 30 minutes to the destination which seems like a good exercise for us. The brethren at Runyange meets under the tree and they are very wonderful people. Nathan spoke on Witchcraft and I spoke on I Corinthians 15:58, encouraging the brethren to continue in the work of the Lord knowing that their labor is not in vain in the Lord.

On Tuesday, 15th April, we went to Runyange church again to encourage the brethren. Nathan gave 2 lessons – he spoke on Daniel and How God’s Word always come through and why we should trust it. I spoke on Man’s Need For Authority In Religion. The brethren at this church were very happy to see us. They sang melodiously as Nathan and I departed. After this, we travelled to Mahusekwa where I worked in the last days of my stay in Zimbabwe.

Preaching in Guruve

On Thursday, the 17th of April, Nathan and Paul left for the USA. I was with them at the airport as Nyasha Raphael drove us all to the airport in Harare. After dropping off Nathan and Paul at the airport, Nyasha and I departed for Guruve – a journey that took almost the whole day. We got to Guruve around 6pm in the evening. At Guruve, I joined Steve and Pam Walker as well as the Zimbabwean brothers, Farai Chingondi and Wilesi Raphael. We worked in the Guruve area for the next two days.

On Friday, the 18th, we went to teach a group of teens in Guruve. I and Steve taught the combined classes while Pam taught the young ladies in a separate class. Steve taught on What Is The Meaning Of Life and Self-Control while I taught on Children Responsibilities To Parents, Bad Friends Will Corrupt You and The Problem With Social Media.

On Saturday 19th of April, we were at Mvurwi and we visited the church here. I taught on Man’s need for authority and Individual Responsibilities towards church growth and Steve spoke on the church and basis things the church should do. He also spoke on Marriage. Brother John Chafungamoyo is the preacher here. After these lessons were presented, we all travelled back to Mahusekwa where we preached for the remaining days in Zimbabwe.

Preaching in Mahusekwa

In Mahusekwa, I stayed in the house of Farai and Christian Chingondi. This family was so good to me and their hospitality was great. On Sunday, the 20th of April, I went with Farai and Christian to worship at two congregations – Musoro congregation and Mahusekwa congregation. At both churches, I taught the Bible class and it was requested that I teach a lesson on Man’s need for authority in Religion.

On Monday the 21st, we went to the house of Pardon Marowa who preaches for the Sadza church. At this place, Steve gave a sermon on Psalm 34. We then went to Chivake church of Christ. I spoke on Putting on the whole armour of God and Steve spoke on waiting on the Lord. Afterwards, we went to Alexander Nhundu’s house to eat lunch. After that we proceeded to the church where Alexander preaches (Chitandara church of Christ). At this church, Steve gave a sermon to the combined class from I John to encourage the brethren, emphasizing that they should obey God and keep His commandment. There was a divided class afterwards and I spoke to the men on Hebrews 12:1-2. We moved to Swallow field church of Christ. I spoke on Miracles and Steve spoke on Witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18) and how to identify the tricks of false teachers who claim to be able to perform miracles and speak to the dead.

On Tuesday, 22nd, we went to Chakadenga church of Christ where Steve spoke and encouraged the brethren from the book of Philemon and I spoke on the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Steve encouraged the men on the need to work in ensuring the church grows and that everyone should do his part according to Ephesians 4:16. Pam taught the women. We also visited the JB church of Christ (a new church). At this church, I spoke on I Peter 2:2-3 on desiring the pure milk of the word and Steve spoke on the things they should not do as Christians.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, we went to the church at Gondo to speak to young people. It was a whole day’s lectureship. Steve spoke on what is the purpose of life, self-control and Godly marriages while I spoke on Responsibilities to parents and family, bad friends will corrupt you, and the problem with social media. Pam taught the ladies on this day in a divided class. The programme ended successfully.

Return to Johannesburg and Lagos

On Thursday, the 24th, I left for the airport in company of Farai Chingondi as early as 3:30am. My first flight moved from Harare to Johannesburg. I landed in Johannesburg around 9am and I was in Johannesburn until 3pm before I jumped on another flight going to Lagos. I landed in Lagos at 8:30pm. In all, the trip was a successful one. I thank God for the opportunity to preach and teach His word and for the brethren we travelled together as well as the Zimbabwean brethren. To God be all the glory, Amen!