The Church News Online

The Church News Online

Monday, 16 February 2026

Anglican Communion Calls for Prayer and Renewed Mission Across the Indian Ocean

 


The Anglican Communion said at the weekend that it is directing its global prayers toward the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean and its Primate, the Most Revd Dr Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo, Archbishop of the Indian Ocean and Bishop of Fianarantsoa.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, the Communion emphasized the Church’s witness across island nations, praying that it may continue to proclaim the Gospel with hope and joy among diverse cultures and communities throughout the Indian Ocean region.

The Communion also highlighted the Province’s shared vision and strategic priorities, expressing hope that the challenges and goals outlined in its Provincial strategic plan will be wisely implemented and bear fruit within the unique contexts of Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

Further prayers were requested for discipleship and leadership formation, particularly for clergy and lay leaders, so that the Church may be strengthened for ministry and mission in every diocese.

Special mention was made of care for creation and resilience, especially for island communities vulnerable to cyclones, climate change, and environmental degradation. The Communion prayed that the Church would remain a source of hope and practical support in the face of environmental challenges.

The statement concluded with a simple affirmation: “Amen.”

Devotional Moment...

 THE WORD IN 60 SECONDS


with Major Kudzai Marime 

Dz Extension Corps 

Harare West Division 


DEVOTIONAL MOMENT 


Spending quality time with God makes a difference. It's not about worshiping in a crowd but connecting with Him individually. Jesus gained supernatural strength in the wilderness, and Hannah found grace at the temple alone. Let's follow their example and trust God with our lives. Let's prioritize prayer and commitment and wait in anticipation for His divine coverage.


"My grace is sufficient for you." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

#RootedInPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online


Saturday, 14 February 2026

Unlocking Barren Womb...

 DAILY DEVOTIONS MCZ MISSION DEPARTMENT


Theme: Unlocking


Genesis 29


31 “When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.”

‭‭

Brethren there are people who see themselves superior and special to others, but God sees beyond human eyes. You might be nobody today, but somebody tomorrow.


Leah chiso chake chakange chakaneta, pane varikukutarisira pasi nechimiro chako nezvauri nhasi, asi Jehovah vanorangarira zvakazvidzika. Vakakurira pabarika nyaya idzi dzana Rachel naLeah munodzinzwisisa dai maudzawo vamwe.


Under the sun there's injustice, oppression and ill treatment, but God helps, delivers  the oppressed.


Hazvina kugumira pana Hannah naPenninah, zvichiriko asi Jehovah vanosimudza marombe kubva muguruva; (1 Samuel 2 Samuel:8).


You aren't making break through in life, your womb seems shut, you are not loved by those around you, but God's love upon you is abundant.


God's compensation is beyond human thinking, Joseph wasn't loved by his brothers, but with everlasting blessings of God he became a Governor in a foreign land. 


Then God opened her [Hagar] eyes and saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink; (Genesis 21:19).


Prayer: The God who remembers and hears deliver your children and give them an everlasting blessing.

Amen.


Friday, 13 February 2026

Evangelist Muparinga Takes Gospel Outreach to Cape Town

 


Gifted Zimbabwean preacher Evangelist Trymore Muparinga is in Cape Town for a gospel outreach programme.

He posted on Facebook on Thursday, "Cape Town, Cape Town, evangelist is here."

The outreach is part of his ongoing mission to spread the gospel beyond Zimbabwe, engaging local communities and sharing messages of faith and hope

ELCZ Expands Education Mission as Bishop Mhaka Welcomed at Vundembe School

 


Bishop V. Mhaka received a warm welcome at Vundembe Primary School in Chivi, one of the educational institutions established by the Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ).

Vundembe Primary is among the few schools that were planted by the Diocese as part of the Church’s long-standing commitment to community development through education.

Historically, the ELCZ handed over the administration of its primary schools to rural district councils in the 1960s. However, following Zimbabwe’s independence, the Church renewed its involvement in the education sector, embarking on the establishment of new primary and secondary schools.

Church leaders say the expansion of educational institutions is part of the ELCZ’s broader diaconal ministry — a mission focused on serving communities through social, spiritual, and developmental initiatives.

The visit by Bishop Mhaka underscored the Church’s continued dedication to strengthening access to quality education, particularly in rural areas.

Thursday, 12 February 2026

Know Your Strength

By Michael Mahendere -


We journeyed through Mathew 10:1 where something crucial is revealed: the disciples received another call within the call. And with that call came power.


But this power was not loose or wild. It came with instructions. It came with a map. It came with divine coordinates. Jesus told them not only where to go, but also where not to go. Power without direction was never His intention.


To understand this, we must consider the journey Jesus Himself had already taken — from Judea to Galilee, passing through Samaria and into Sychar, where Jacob’s well stood. None of these places were accidental. They speak.


Samaria means guardship. Sychar means drunken, Before the disciples were sent, Jesus had already discerned the spiritual condition of the region. The drunkenness of Sychar would have drained and frustrated them. Their power would have been present, but ineffective. So He instructed them not to go — not because there was no need, but because they were not the right vessels for that environment.


Then comes the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus speaks with her, and she receives a calling. She returns to the city and begins to preach Him. And this is striking — the men of that city would not have listened to the apostles. It took a woman whose history had created a soft spot in their hearts. What society used to disqualify her became the very key God used to unlock the city.


Imagine the apostles attempting that assignment — it would have failed. Not because they lacked power, but because they lacked alignment.


This is the wisdom of Jesus. He does not just release power — He discerns what kind of power, through whom, and into which context. Power with boundaries. Power with strategy.


The lesson is clear:

You do not show forth power simply because you have received power. You must discern what kind of power you carry and how it should be dispersed. Sitting. Analyzing. Discerning. Strategizing. This too is obedience.


In this month of showing forth His power, we are called to be intentional, not reckless.


We also entered moments of prayer for the impossible and reflected on Isaiah 30:20 — the many breads Jesus gives. He is not only the Bread of Life; He offers many breads. Some comfort. Some are bitter. Some stretch us. Some break us open.


If Jesus is to be our Teacher, we must be willing to eat every bread He offers. Life may blind us to Him, but through different situations — through different breads — our eyes are opened again. As we partake, our focus returns to Him, and He teaches us in all things.


This is how power matures.

This is how calling deepens.

This is how creation happens.


#creationservices

#pastormahendere

#RuthEmmanuelMakandiwa

#EmmanuelMakandiwa

#Jesus

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Stay Focused ....

 THE WORD IN 60 SECONDS 


with Major Kudzai Marime 

Dz Extension Corps

Harare West Division 


STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR PATH 


Don't let obstacles or distractions divert you from your God-given destiny. Like David, who was anointed king despite Saul's plots, God's plans will prevail. When He says it's time, you'll step into your purpose – so keep your eyes on the prize.

#RootedInPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online


Tuesday, 10 February 2026

United Through Play and Purpose: Power of Sports Evangelism

 


In December, the annual Sports Evangelism event hosted by Expansion International brought a wave of energy and hope to the Bahati community in Kenya, creating a vibrant celebration of youth, sport, and spiritual connection. 


More than 436 young people — both boys and girls between the ages of 18 and 25 — turned up in high spirits for a day filled with friendly competition, personal reflection, and powerful community moments. 


The heart of the event was the soccer matches, which were run with a focus on teamwork, discipline, and good sportsmanship. Participants didn’t just move and compete — they connected. Coaches and officials emphasized the kind of values that help build character both on and off the field. 

Expansion

But this wasn’t just about goals and games. Between matches, young people were invited into evangelism sessions where messages of hope, purpose, integrity, and Christ-centered living were shared. These moments offered space for reflection, encouragement, and discussions about the kind of future participants want to build for themselves and their community. 


Prayers were offered not only for the youth but also for their families and the wider Bahati community, reinforcing a sense of spiritual support and unity. The event was a reminder of how powerful sport can be as a tool for youth ministry, building trust and creating natural moments for meaningful connection with faith. 

Organizers expressed excitement about growing this program in the years ahead, and acknowledged that events like this are only possible thanks to generous support from partners and the community. 


#CommunityImpact #nonprofit #kenya #youthsports

LOCAL NEWS