The Church News Online

The Church News Online

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Jehovah, the Warrior of Our Battles — Do Not Leave Him Behind, Go With Him

 


By Dorcas Moyo

Judges 4:14–16

Barak did not win the battle against Sisera by his own strength, but it was Jehovah who fought the battle against the enemy until Sisera fled. However, there was something that troubled me about this story for a long time. It was Jehovah who defeated Sisera, not Barak or Deborah. So why did Jehovah first tell the people to rise and go up to Kadesh when He was fully capable of fighting the battle alone? Why make people spend all that time? And why, after they arrived there, did He send word for Barak to go down and fight Sisera, yet by the time he arrived the battle was already won? Ahh, I learned something there.

Israel had been under Sisera’s oppression for 20 years while Jehovah was still there watching over them. But the battle from heaven only came after the people had gone out to fight. Yes, God is the warrior of our battles, but He intervenes after you rise up and go into battle. Misunderstanding God’s miracles is causing many people to lack wisdom. As children of God, we now want things to happen while we are sleeping. Yes, God provides, that is true — but what are you doing? Rise up and go into battle; you know who took your blessings.

Women, constantly crying that your husband is being taken away does not help. Rise up, daughter of humanity, and rebuild your home. What are you doing to stop it from collapsing? Shammah stood firmly and defended the bean field from enemies (2 Samuel 23:11–13). The time of crying while allowing Satan to torment us has passed. Today’s believer must stand firm. God defeats enemies for those who rise up and fight, not for those who remain asleep. You keep having dreams warning you about attacks, yet you are the champion of hugging the blanket and continuing to sleep. Wake up and pray instead of becoming comfortable with Satan’s attacks. I hope I have been understood here.

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Churches Rally Communities Through Prayer, Clean-Up Campaigns and Mothers’ Day Celebrations

 


The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has begun the new week by reflecting on a series of impactful community and spiritual activities carried out through its Local Ecumenical Fellowships (LEFs) across the country.

On May 8, 2026, Youth Ecumenical Fellowships in Masvingo and Beitbridge hosted uplifting back-to-school prayer gatherings aimed at encouraging and spiritually equipping learners ahead of the new school term. In Masvingo, youths attended an all-night prayer session, while in Beitbridge a special youth service was held to inspire and guide young people as they prepare for academic challenges.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Local Ecumenical Fellowships participated in the national clean-up campaign, promoting environmental responsibility and community care. The initiative reflected the biblical call for stewardship of creation as stated in Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

In Gweru’s Mtapa, Ascot and Mambo Mubatanidzwa communities, Women Ecumenical Fellowships gathered to celebrate Mothers’ Day under the theme “God’s Purpose for Motherhood.” The event provided an opportunity for fellowship, reflection and appreciation of mothers and women serving within the church.

The ZCC encouraged believers to remain guided by faith as the week progresses, sharing the scripture from Psalm 37:23: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.”

Church leaders and fellowship groups expressed hope for a peaceful, productive and grace-filled week for communities across Zimbabwe.

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

THEME: BORN OF A WOMAN, BORN OF GOD

 


“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1)


To be born of a woman means to enter a fallen and broken world marked by pain, weakness, sorrow, and death. From the womb, humanity inherits the reality of suffering because sin has touched every corner of creation. 


Job reminds us that life is “of few days,” meaning our existence is counted carefully by God. Life moves quickly; yesterday feels near while tomorrow is never guaranteed. We measure life not by how many years we hope for, but by how fragile each day truly is.


Yet this truth is not meant to terrify us, it is meant to awaken us. Since life is short, we must love deeply, forgive quickly, encourage sincerely, and walk humbly with God. Hatred wastes precious days. Pride steals eternal purpose. Bitterness poisons the little time we have on earth.


Those born only of a woman face trouble with human strength alone. Fear overwhelms them, suffering crushes them, and hopelessness consumes them. But those born of God through spiritual rebirth walk differently. As Jesus Christ taught, we must be born again. Those born of God still face trials, but they receive divine help, sustaining grace, and heavenly peace. Suffering no longer destroys them; it transforms them into vessels of faith and endurance.


Jesus came from above to lift those born below. Through Him, fragile humanity receives eternal life, and troubled souls become children of God.


To God be the glory 


Rev B Chinhara

Monday, 11 May 2026

Churches Unite in God’s Mission to Fight Hunger and Build Resilient Communities

 


Faith and action came together this week as the Zimbabwe Council of Churches joined partners for a four-day Zimbabwe Partner Workshop hosted by Canadian Foodgrains Bank, reaffirming a shared Christian commitment to strengthening food security and uplifting vulnerable communities across Zimbabwe.

The workshop was officially opened by ZCC Head of Programs for Humanitarian Services and Diakonia, Maria Tendai Dendere, who praised partners for their dedication to transforming lives and restoring hope in struggling communities. She highlighted the importance of unity, compassion, and faith-driven partnerships in responding to poverty, climate challenges, and food insecurity.

Bringing together organisations such as TSURO Trust and Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe, the gathering created a platform for collaboration, learning, and reflection among churches and development partners committed to ending hunger and improving livelihoods.

Through support from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the partners are contributing to global humanitarian efforts reaching more than 32 million people worldwide while advancing Sustainable Development Goals focused on ending poverty and hunger.

For the ZCC, the workshop strengthened ongoing work under the Scaling Up Resilience Project in Gutu and Bikita districts, where communities are being equipped with climate-smart agricultural methods and sustainable resilience-building initiatives. Together with PAOZ and TSURO Trust, the partners are currently supporting 2,885 households — representing nearly 14,425 individuals — in Chimanimani, Zaka, Bikita, and Gutu districts.

The first day of the workshop focused on sharing practical solutions and success stories in key areas including soil and water conservation, small grains processing and value addition, diversified livelihoods, and gender equality.

Church leaders and development partners said the initiative reflects the Christian calling to serve the poor, feed the hungry, and stand with communities facing hardship.

The ZCC also expressed gratitude to The United Church of Canada, Alongside Hope, and Emergency Relief and Development Overseas for their continued solidarity and support in helping vulnerable communities build stronger and more secure futures.

Saturday, 9 May 2026

THEME: REJECTED, YET CHOSEN FOR A GREATER PURPOSE


 


“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22)


Rejection is the experience of being dismissed, overlooked, or not accepted by others. It can come from many circumstances, failed relationships, missed opportunities, betrayal by friends, or even being misunderstood for who you are. At its core, rejection touches something deeply human: the desire to belong and to be valued.


The pain of rejection can feel heavy. It can bring self-doubt, loneliness, and questions like “Am I not enough?” Left unchecked, it may lead to bitterness, withdrawal, or loss of confidence. Yet, rejection also holds the potential to shape us. It can redirect our path, refine our character, and push us toward growth we never imagined.


Rising after rejection requires strength and perspective. It means understanding that one “no” does not define your worth or your future. Sometimes, what feels like a closed door is actually divine protection or redirection. In my view, rejection is not always a denial, it can be a repositioning. It teaches resilience, humility, and trust in a bigger plan beyond human approval.


When we choose to rise, we reclaim our identity and purpose. We learn to stand firm, not in others’ opinions, but in who we are called to be.


Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this truth. Rejected by many, misunderstood, and even crucified, He still fulfilled His purpose and became the foundation of salvation. His story reminds us: rejection is not the end, it can be the beginning of something greater.


To God be the glory 


Rev B Chinhara

Friday, 8 May 2026

A Call To Women: Building Strong Homes Through Faith And Wisdom



By Dorcas Moyo

Good morning my friends and fellow travellers on this journey of life.

Today I want to speak directly to my fellow women. Are you there, ladies?

Present And Future Wives, Let Us Talk

“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14).

A husband should feel that the woman he married, or hopes to marry, is truly a gift from God. Ask yourself honestly: if God gives a man a wife, would He give someone like you?

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).

It is easy to blame a husband, in-laws, relatives or even the devil when things go wrong. But wisdom requires self-examination. Could it be that you are contributing to your own pain and downfall?

“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife… Better to live in the wilderness than with a nagging and contentious woman” (Proverbs 21:9,19).

This verse is not encouraging husbands to abandon their homes. Rather, it warns wives about behaviours that can make home uncomfortable. The Bible says even a hot wilderness filled with danger can seem better than a home filled with endless conflict. Are we still together, ladies?

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

This verse makes it clear that a truly good wife is rare. Many women fail in this area. Examine yourself honestly: are you among the few who can truly be called virtuous? How do you measure your character?

“She brings her husband good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12).

That is God’s instruction. Have you genuinely tried to make your husband happy and support him? Or do you follow the mindset of those who say, “He will get used to it”?

“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).

The true test of a Christian wife is how she treats her own husband. Some women show respect to other men while mistreating the men in their own homes. The Bible says the same humility you show before God should also be shown to your husband. If you can shout at Jesus, interrupt Him, insult Him or treat Him as though He has no wisdom, then do the same to your husband.

“Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord” (1 Peter 3:6).

When your husband calls you today, how do you respond? Do you answer respectfully, or with irritation and attitude? If you want to be treated like a queen, then also treat your husband like a king.

All of this may sound difficult or even foolish without Jesus in your heart. Those who strongly believe in gender equality may disagree with these views. However, the writer says the term “gender equality” is not found in the Word of God.

After reading this, strive to become a better woman — one praised by her children and honoured by her husband.

Be a better woman in your home today.

May the Holy Spirit help us all.

Thursday, 7 May 2026

Daily Reflections with Bishop Vushebwashe Mhaka


 


*07/05/26 Thursday Acts 9:34* . _Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat._ *Context: Acts 9:32–35.* The Power of Christ Brings Restoration. Peter encounters Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. With a simple declaration, “Jesus Christ heals you”, Aeneas rises. The miracle is immediate and transformative. This healing is not about Peter’s power but Christ’s authority. It shows that Jesus is still at work through His church, bringing restoration and new life.

The result is powerful: many turn to the Lord. True encounters with Christ lead to transformation that others can see. We may not all experience physical healing in the same way, but Christ still restores, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Where do you need healing today? Bring it to Christ. And like Peter, be a channel of His grace, speaking life, hope, and restoration to others. When Christ speaks, paralysis gives way to purpose.


The Daily Reflections follow scriptures as guided by the Lectionary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe. 

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Wednesday, 6 May 2026

From 15 Lemons to 850 Saplings: Pastor Thanks’ Small Seed Transforming a Zimbabwean Community

 


What began as a modest effort with just 15 lemons is now reshaping lives in a rural Zimbabwean community, offering a powerful reminder that small acts of faith can yield extraordinary results.

Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God, Pastor Thanks has turned a simple idea into a growing movement of hope. “A single training session might seem insignificant compared to extreme poverty,” he said, “but God shows us that even the smallest start can change everything.”

Much like the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13, Pastor Thanks believes that faithfulness in small beginnings can lead to something far greater. “God takes our small acts of obedience and grows them into something that provides ‘branches’ for others,” he explained.

Starting with just a handful of lemons, he carefully planted and nurtured seeds that have now multiplied into 100 thriving lemon trees. His efforts didn’t stop there. Today, his nursery boasts an impressive 850 saplings of various types, each representing growth, resilience, and possibility.

The impact is already visible in the Dora community, where once-barren spaces are now dotted with trees offering shade, fruit, and renewed hope. “What started as one small nursery is now transforming our community,” Pastor Thanks said. “People are seeing that change is possible.”

The initiative has also been supported through Transforming Communities training, which emphasizes sustainable development rooted in faith and local action. “We are seeing God work in powerful ways,” Pastor Thanks noted. “Lives are being touched, and people are beginning to believe in a better future.”

His story stands as a challenge and an encouragement to others. “You don’t need much to start,” he said. “Just plant a seed—of faith, of kindness, of hope—and trust God to grow it.”

As the trees in Dora continue to flourish, so too does the message behind them: even the smallest seed, when nurtured with faith, can transform an entire community.

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