By Angeline Zimbwani Mikiri
I had just arrived home from work, when I was just about to get out of my car, I got the message from the former Town Treasurer Mrs Thandi Dube, ‘ have you heard that Apostle Chademana has passed on’, for a moment I got stuck trying to figure out what really the message was all about. I responded with disbelief and in denial. ‘Who were what, how!’ I did not want to believe or say anything about what I had just heard. Immediately I dialed her number trying to prove her wrong, the phone went unanswered. I then called her niece Pastor Chawapiwa Bulaki to confirm if it was true. Indeed it was true; Apostle Elizaberth had gone to be with the Lord. Mrs. Dube knew how close I was to Apostle Elizabeth, like she was affectionately know
Apostle Elizaberth was at the prayer mountain with her spiritual daughter Beular Obegi praying as it was her usual routine. The previous week I had visited her and borrowed her rake to clear my yard. I told her I will bring it back as soon as I finish using it.
She was supposed to give a word of prayer and devotion at the recently held International Women’s Day Business Breakfast which was graced by the Deputy Governor Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe. Dr Jesmin Chipika. She however gave an apology because she had just got a visitor Beaular Obegi from Kenya. A lady whom she was praying with at the Mountain.
I have known Apostle Elizaberth for the past 10 years. My association with the late woman of God has had a broader and meaningful dimension. We have moved together to transform lives of women and girls in our sphere of influence. She was the Director of Isaiah 61 Ministries International. Isaiah 61v1 says ‘ The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He had sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.’ According to this scripture, such was the mandate and the life of Apostle Elizaberth Mabhugu Chademana. She lived for others, a woman of great faith and power.
A fearless and humble character. God put us together because we had something in common, the passion for the development of Africa, Zimbabwe and Masvingo to be more precise. We have walked together in various platforms. I remember travelling together for the Bill Hybells Leadership dinner In Harare at Meikles Hotel. It was a high profiled dinner with American Evangelist, author and former senior Pastor Willowcreek Church and Founder Global Leadership Summit from Illnois USA.I was invited by Darlington Masenda the former Director Joina Construction and now with Urban rises. Urban Rises is one of the construction companies that are set to set up some investments in the City of Masvingo City.
I knew Darlington Masenda through the former Banker and business Mogul Dr Nigel Chanakira. In my walk to the journey of greatness Dr Chanakira has mentored me immensely. His passion for God and development compelled him to introduce me to people like Darlington Masenda. Together with Pastor Harold Chilowa we held a Global leadership Summit in Masvingo in 2015. A summit that was attended by various leaders In Masvingo Province. Apostle Elizaberth connected me with Pastors in Masvingo Province who were part of the delegates at Global Leadership Summit. Together we began to walk the journey of greatness.
At one point I faced resistance and persecution from Political ad Government leaders in the Province, she stood by me, prayed with me. We have interceded for the Province of Masvingo countless times. I remember trying to relocate to Harare, Apostle Elizabeth boldly told me that God had positioned me in Masvingo and nowhere else, ‘You might go elsewhere but you will come back because it is the mandate of God that you are serving’. We have prayed together at the Prayer Mountain in Johannesburg South Africa. We have prayed for Africa together. She is one person whom I was not shy to share my vision with. Mama Elizabeth was my cheerleader. I have no doubt that she loved me and I loved her dearly.
I am the Manager for The Ken Mufuka Foundation, The Foundation helps less privileged Zimbabwean students with scholarships both in Zimbabwe and the United States. 2 years ago Prof Ken Mufuka came to Masvingo and Invited him to speak at the Isaiah 61 Church service. Prof Mufuka preached about doing things with passion. Apostle Chademana formed an alliance with Prof Mufuka. Just before covid. We had plans to visit South Carolina Methodist Church where Prof Mufuka is a lay Pastor. We had a lot of things were were planning but God said its time. When I told Prof Mufuka about her death his response was ‘so what will happen to her vision’. She had shared her vision with the Professor. All I know is that the vision of God will never be thwarted; it shall prevail despite the setbacks
As I celebrate the great woman of Africa, the woman of God and mentor. I celebrate believing she is in a better place now. I celebrate her prayerful, selfless, loving and heartwarming personality.
The legacy that she left will forever be cherished. All I can do now is walk in faith and power remembering all the words she said to me. Till we meet again.
Farewell great daughter of Zion
GZTimes
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