HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF AGAPE MISSIONS CHURCH

Geographic, economic and ethnic background:

The Agape Missions Church in Zimbabwe (AMCZ) was established in 1984 in Nkayi Rural District. The district lies in the Matabeleland north's regions 4 and 5 in Zimbabwe . Agape Missions is a vision, which was formed in 1982 during Pastor Lucky Moyo's stay in Germany . It came to realization in 1984 when he stepped out into the mission field. God had put a word in his heart that he had to go and share the gospelto the people in Nkayi , Zimbabwe . He had to preach the word of freedom and peace to them.

Agape missions is largely a rural church, which has only in the recent years started drifting to the urban areas, building its congregation out of the educated young men and women who migrate to towns in search of employment opportunities. The church is located in the communal areas of the administrative district of Nkayi, Tsholotsho, Silobela and Gwanda. The Nkayi Communal area lies in a part of Zimbabwe whose altitude varies generally from 6 feet to 8 metres above sea level.

The area is characterized by low mean rainfall and long dry seasons. Drought is a common feature in the provinces, and threatens the lives of thousands of people and their livestock. The area has a high concentration in ancestral worship.

The Rural Community depends mainly in Agriculture (Farming) and Animal Husbandry for food. Cattle rearing forms part of their wealth but with the advent of the money economy, subsistence farming by most people in Nkayi has slowly been turned into commercial farming. People sell maize and cotton in order to get money. Nkayi Rural district has deep-rooted cultural beliefs, which is reflected by people's continued belief in ancestral worship and demonic worship. The level of Christian worship in Nkayi in the 1980s was close to none.

The Advent of the Agape Missions Church in Post Independence / Post- Colonial Zimbabwe

The church emerged at a time when the society had not yet fully recovered from the effects of the of the liberation war in Zimbabwe . The post war disturbances were still manifest during this time. The political environment was tense and the society lived in a shadow of suspicion. This was the period of the dissident and Gukurahundi ( Shona word meaning the sweeping of rubbish ) (Five Brigade) atrocities era. The liberation war and its aftermath in the counterinsurgency campaign left a heritage that is powerful and uneasy. The war left destructive legacies of continuing terror and abnormality. The church was faced with the challenge of restoring peace in the hearts of the people after the violence of the war. The counter- insurgency war was at its height in 1983 and 1984. During the liberation war the Rhodesians had made the violation of the person into a deliberately savage form of psychological warfare.

The end of the liberation war and the independence for Zimbabwe in 1980 brought a brief interlude, more a fleeting ceasefire than a peace in the province of Matabeleland North , where the Agape Missions Church was first established. The period immediately after independence became a time of sporadic violence between the opposed forces of ex- combatants. The post war disturbances and the subsequent civil war between 1984 and 1987 in Matabeleland Region in Zimbabwe , therefore, complicated the credibility of the church. The early church missionaries from Agape Missions operated in a very rough terrain and were in deep trouble trying to explain to society who they really were. It was at this time that the missionaries operated under the Assemblies of God banner to avoid being associated with any political party. The Gukurahundi period sought to sweep away the rubbish, which according to the Shona soldiers as noted by Webner R, were the people of Matabeleland themselves.

The fifth brigade also known as the Gukurahundi were the merciless law enforcers of collective punishment by the state re-enacting the part of the Rhodesian forces yet they represented themselves as having the moral authority of freedom fighters. Not only was the political environment tense but the religious climate as well. Nkayi Rural Centre is an area that was well known as a place with a high level of demonic worship, belief in ancestral spirits “amadlozi” ( The divinities or shades of the dead ), and Magic. The number of mediums known as Sangomas in Sindebele had remarkably increased. This was because after the war, among many people of Matabeleland , there was a wide spread experience of senseless loss and anxious bereavement often due to kin dieing in atrocities and without decent burial or wakes. The belief in the need to be cleansed from wartime acts of violence and violation was widely felt, hence many people were ready doors for demonic powers It was believed that gods of darkness dwelt in this area. The veil of unbelief was torn. In other words some people in this area had never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, in this area there were some churches that had already established themselves way before Agape Missions launched its mission work there. Mrs. Nyoni (Naka Zebulon) one of the elderly people in the Church said that, Agape Missions church came into a society where it was not known. The only churches that were known in this area included, Seventy-day Adventist church, Roman Catholic and London Church . “I Agape yafika ilibandla elingaziwayo, besethuka ngayo ngoba kwakwande isabatha, iRoma le London . Mrs. A Khumalo one of the Agape Missions brethren from Nkayi Centre noted that people thought that the church had come to lead people astray. People were very suspicious of the church at first because they were not sure of its intentions. For many it was their first encounter with an evangelical church which also preached deliverance. Healing and the gift of the holy spirit.

Mrs. Khumalo also said that people that fellowshipped at the Sabbath Church at that time were also warned of the new church (Agape Missions). The early missionaries were taken as magicians, false prophets that moved mountains and as people that provided healing through the power of the evil spirits. There were also allegations that the drought, which affected the area or afflicted Matabeland North in 1984, was caused by missionaries who were said to have burnt and destroyed a rain shrine called “umtolo” in Dolahali

They were said to be the devil's advocates. Many people therefore were not willing to listen to them. The early missionaries were therefore well known by the nickname given to them by the community “Ontaba sukuma” (people that moved mountains).

Mrs. Nyoni however, noted that because they preached the gospel of truth the community failed to resist forever. They prayed for people to be healed and cast out demons and hence many people believed in the Lord Jesus.

A lot was said about the missionaries. Because the mission team was made up of young people, rumours came up that these young people were husbands to some widows that had joined the Church said Mrs. Nyoni. In spite of all these challenges that the evangelists met they continued preaching the gospel. As they traveled along the road of mission work many obstacles were planted in the minds of the missionaries to stop them from doing what they had been asked to do by God. But because they did not want to stop short of their vision the missionaries continued with determination and perseverance. Phillipians4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me]. Brethrens prayed for the church to stand firm and to proclaim the good works of the Lord.

Mr. Mkhize one of the early missionaries, and church elder in Nkayi Noted that, the first group of Missionaries included, Clifford Sibanda and Sithole. The Missionaries used to stay in a tent at the rest camp at Nkayi Centre. The missionaries preached the word, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ and they moved as a team.

A lot of people were miraculously healed during this period. Some got delivered from evil spirits that had bound them for many years. Amongst these people was Mr. Mkhize who acknowledges God's miraculous hand in his life. This became a turning point in his life and he joined the missionaries in their ministry. Many people also joined the missionaries. Working with the locals made their work a lot easier because they had people that were familiar with the area. The strategy that they used in their mission work was that of establishing home groups. Home groups were established in different locations and these later on grew to church sub branches. The missionaries went door-to-door preaching the gospel and this is how they managed to win many souls. They had outreaches in more than ten villages in Nkayi. The missionaries preached in all these locations but they were based at Nkayi Centre.

The missionaries later on moved from the rest camp to a big camp, which they had pitched at the Church stand. Many missionaries joined them from Bulawayo to preach the gospel until many souls had been won. The saints from Bulawayo took turns to visit Nkayi. They participated actively in the mission work. They played a crucial role, which involved providing moral support to the missionaries based in Nkayi. Pastor Lucky Moyo, the overseer and founder of the Church used invite disparate missionaries from Germany and Switzerland ; they preached the gospel and the mission work continued. The tables of the devil were broken down; the levels of demon manifestation in the communities that they preached were reduced.

Many traditional healers, Magicians and Witches surrendered their herbs, snakes and other things and they turned to Jesus. Many people were delivered from Satanism. The missionaries turned down the kingdom of the devil and the demons trembled with the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the gospel of Jesus Christ at that time. Deliverance at the end of the day formed the basis of their mission work.

The Chains of the devil that bound many were broken. Multitudes of souls were won to the Lord during massive miracle crusades, which the church held in Nkayi.

The bible declares in 1Corinthians3v7 that “ Neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase. The responsibility of the missionaries was to preach the word and God brought the increase”.

The socio- economic and political environment was not conducive but because where there is a will there is always a way, the missionaries did not look back. After establishing many home groups in different villages the missionaries with the authority of the district council conducted their services at a Board Room. The council later on asked them to go and use a classroom at Dimbamiwa primary school but because there were too many churches seeking to hold their services at the school they asked for permission from the city council and they moved back to the boardroom. Having acquired a church stand, they were then faced with the challenge of developing it. During the time when the church building was being constructed services were now being held in a tent that had been pitched at the stand. The missionaries in Germany bought two bicycles for them and this made their work easier. Walking was so strenuous. They preached the gospel in Zinyangeni, Dimbamiwa etc. Church services at Zinyangeni were held at the Clinic. However, services in the beginning were being held at Mr. Maphosa's house and they later moved to Mr. Bhejane's House. As they preached they had serious problems witnessing the gospel to the elderly people that believed young people had nothing to tell them. It was culturally believed that, only the elderly were a source of wisdom. They therefore, had problems trying to win the souls of old people. Women were easily converted whereas men were a bit resistant to the word. The church thus up to 2004 had a large following of women than men. The Church however, managed to attract many youths who became vibrant in evangelizing the gospel. In Dakamela young people like Ananiah Ncube assisted in the establishment of the church branch. The other challenge that the missionaries faced was that on their way of worship. People who were so much used to non- Pentecostal churches did not understand why people prayed at once in church, the playing of instruments etc.

The missionaries had to explain to the people until they understood. The 1992 drought in Zimbabwe which was worsened by the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), led to poverty in the country and Nkayi was one amongst many places that were grossly affected by the drought. The church fed people and at the same time evangelised. Mrs. A. Khumalo noted that the Civil and political disturbances in Nkayi saw the Pastors leaving the flock. They moved to Bulawayo . The Church was left without any leadership.

At this point in time one of the brethren in the church decided to bring some pastors from Zion to take over the Church but the men and women who were in control of the church at that time (Mr. Mkhize and Mrs. A. Khumalo refused and they continued having their Sunday services and Home groups.

When the political climate changed, the pastors came back and the church thus continued to grow. Regular visits by brethren from Bulawayo continued. People that used to visit included Brian Sithole, George Mzamira, Derrick Moyo and many young people. Another Church branch was planted in Dolahali and young people were leading it. According to Mrs. Khumalo whereas the Church grew amazingly there was a stunt growth in the women's ministry. There was no one to teach women because many pastors were still in their youths and not married.

This made women to continue with their traditional practice. It was difficult for women to consult pastors concerning such matters. Mrs. Maphosa from Assemblies of God Church was invited to teach women and this marked the beginning of a vibrant women's fellowship. The Home group in Zinyangeni raised leaders such as

Pastor Zenzo Moyo (Sembeule branch), Pastor Mbonisi Moyo (Nkulumane branch) and Pastor Sindiso Khumalo (Sigola). The church renders assistance spiritually, physically and socially to many affected and distressed families in the rural areas.

Breaking Down The Walls.

The Devil attacked the Church leadership when the missionaries had already done eighty percent of the work between 1987 and 1989. Conflicts arose amongst the missionaries, which led the church to break apart. The first group of missionaries that included Clifford, Sibanda and many others moved from Agape Missions and started another church. This was due to conflicts within the church and this led to the splitting up of the Church.

According to Pastor Sibanda, about three quarters of the people who were members of the church moved to this new church. Agape Missions was left with less than a handful people. The splitting of the church caused a lot of damage to the mission work. It led to confusion in the church. This was quite clear that the devil had launched his attack by separating the leadership of the church. Mr. Sibanda noted that, some people stopped going to church due to this reason. Whereas others were just shaken for some time and they later on recovered.Restoration and Revival: Pastor Moyo continued with a couple of other missionaries with the work. The very few people who also strongly felt the need to revive the church joined hands in prayer. God's miracles unfolded as the church began to grow. The Church was later

on restored and by 1990 the church witnessed a break through and it grew in an amazing way. In 1992, the ministry was left in the hands of Themba. Another need had arisen to train leaders after the disturbances that the church had gone through.Pastor Lucky Moyo and others went for training in Bible Studies in Durban , South Africa .

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH BUILDING

The Agape Missions Friends in Germany contributed money to buy the resources that were needed to construct the church building. A plan was made to build three structures that is; the Church Building and two pastors' cottages. The construction of the three structures was an insurmountable task. There was a severe shortage of water at the time. Women thus played a vital role in fetching water. Builders were hired who built the Church structure and the Cottages. Men and the youths complimented the efforts of both the builders and women by looking for the implements that the builders needed in their work.
::Click Here For Images of the Construction of Nketa Centre ::

Expansion of the Mission work

Leadership development: Leadership development forms the basis of the church's strategy in the expansion of God's work. As the mission work grew there was an increased need to train and raise more leaders.

In 1985 the first group of missionaries' set out for training in Bible studies in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe . Leadership development was one of the most crucial elements that the missionaries discovered as the church grew. Many people with potential were identified and these underwent a training process. After training they were stationed in different locations were they are or headed the Church's branches. Training of leaders also included the co-option of some people with potential into the leadership team as part- time leaders. The first group of part time leaders was co-opted in 1995. During the day these part- time leaders would go to work in their trades and in the evenings and over weekends they worked in the mission field.

Some women in the church were identified with leadership qualities to spearhead women's work and to establish women's work everywhere. The Agape Missions Churches in Nkayi Rural District can only be explained as a miracle of the living God. Generally traditional structures were used. The chiefs, headmen, councilors and all leaders in different communities were approached and Agape missions' church was introduced to them. Many village churches were established. The church started growing and spreading into the Midlands , Gokwe and Tsholotsho areas. In its early stages the church's social responsibility included taking care of orphans, relief for destitute and educating underprivileged children in Zimbabwe . In 1989 Agape Missions started their first church in the urban areas in Bulawayo . This was not easy as they were used mainly to the rural set up.

They started by renting whatever, buildings were available but it seemed very inconvenient because most of the church members were from the high-density suburbs. In 1994, they obtained a stand from the city council and the construction of the Agape Missions Conference centre and headquarters in Nketa Bulawayo was started. In the year 2003 it was dedicated to the glory of God and the centre is a joy to the Christian community and a blessing to the High Density Suburb. Agape mission Church caters for young people, the elderly, widows, orphans, and everyone is fulfilling their purpose in finding and worshipping God. In and around Bulawayo Agape Missions has since grown and there are centres in Gum tree, Sigola, and Killarney. During the past 19 years of ministry and founding of Agape Missions there are more than 20 full time pastors. Some of them received their theological training in South Africa and some locally in Bulawayo . The main focus of Agape Missions Church is to share the gospel of the lord Jesus Christ with every individual.

“Pray without ceasing”- Prayer and the mission work

Prayer changes things. Prayer is power. It is the conveyer belt that links Christians with God. Prayer gives courage and increases a man's faith. Prayer gave the missionaries strength and determination. The missionaries never did anything without praying. Prayer is a private talk with God. Through prayer the missionaries were able to know God's promises in their mission work. Mkhize noted that, Pastor L. Moyo and himself used to pray and fast for the ministry. Prayer formed the basis of their mission work. Their vision gave them determination and the reason to persevere in spite of all the challenges that they met. They also got courage in the milk of the word.