By Panashe Karidzagundi
ZAKA — St Engenas Rugare Zion Christian Church, led by Dr Archbishop Fanuel Chikato, held a three-day conference in Ndanga, Zaka, under the theme “Dzorera Zion Parugare.”
The conference, held from August 8 to 10 2026, featured a range of activities, including gospel teachings, worship, dancing and a choir competition, as members celebrated the church’s spiritual growth and recent developments.
It also brought together many of congregants from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries
One of the highlights was the celebration of Dr Chikato’s newly acquired doctorate degree, which was described by church members as a significant milestone for the church and its leadership.
Archbishop Edgar Maireva, the president of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe, who shared the gospel and offered teachings and guidance to congregants during the gathering.
The church, which has about 20 zones or parishes across Zimbabwe and a presence in South Africa and Mozambique, is also expanding its education programme.
It currently operates two schools, a primary school in Masvingo and a high school in Zaka, and has plans to establish more schools across the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Archbishop Jacob Chikato said the church had embraced digital platforms to increase its visibility and attract potential partners who could assist with its developmental programmes.
“We have now gone digital to publicise the church so that NGOs can chip in and assist in any possible way. The congress of the church can assist here and there, but there is a limit to the resources we have,” he said.
The construction and development of schools required partnerships with organisations, well-wishers and other stakeholders.
“We have made significant strides in terms of development, but we really need help from well-wishers and organisations that are willing to partner with us,” he said.
He said the church viewed education as an important tool for empowering young people while nurturing them in Christian values.
“By building these schools, we are empowering youths so that they grow up in Christian ways from a young age,” Jacob said.
The church’s schools incorporated its religious teachings, with pupils taught the principles and morals of the Zion Christian Church.
“In our schools, we promote the theology of our religion, the Zion Christian Church, so that they understand its principles and morals. We also empower them through a weekly church ceremony,” he said.
The conference attracted men, women and children from different areas, creating an opportunity for worship, fellowship and the strengthening of ties among members.
Its continued expansion into education and other community initiatives was part of its broader vision of contributing to the development and empowerment of communities while remaining rooted in its Christian values.