Grace queen of the world: Pastors

News
CHURCH leaders yesterday pleaded with the First Lady Grace Mugabe to become the patron of churches in the country, describing her as “queen of the world”, as her unlikely political star continues to shine.

CHURCH leaders yesterday pleaded with the First Lady Grace Mugabe to become the patron of churches in the country, describing her as “queen of the world”, as her unlikely political star continues to shine.

Everson Mushava Chief Reporter

What was supposed to be a meeting with church leaders in Mazowe yesterday soon degenerated into a bootlicking contest as the men of cloth competed to outdo each other in showering Grace with unlimited praises.

In their frantic praise-singing, some of the church leaders assured Grace of massive support and urged her not to be afraid as she embarks on her political journey, as they delivered endless prophetic messages.

First to address the First Lady was Zion Christian Church leader bishop Nehemiah Mutendi who said Grace had succeeded in keeping orphans instead of building mansions in every province of the country.

The chairman of the Bulawayo Pastors Fraternal, pastor Munyaradzi Pundo, said the church was behind Grace in all her endeavours.

“Don’t be afraid to enter politics, God is with you,” he declared.

“Don’t be afraid that you are young in politics, you have the support of the church which we call the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

“You have a veteran leader who stood for the people; you have a lot of strength to draw from your husband.  You will be the queen of the world if you address four things, the plight of orphans, which you are already doing, the widows, the elderly and the pastors.”

Zimbabwe National Pastors Fraternal co-ordinator for Mashonaland Central, Andrew Gunha, said churches were behind Grace.

“As churches, we rally and must rally behind you,” he said.

“For a home to stand, it needs a woman, and we say for a country to stand it needs a woman. We would like to thank you for supporting President Mugabe.”

Mashonaland West co-ordinator pastor Goodwell Khosa said the invitation to Mazowe marked the beginning of collaboration between government and the church.

Together with the Mashonaland East co-ordinator pastor Cyde Tsiga, they praised Grace for achieving a doctorate degree, which, however, remains a contentious issue.

“We would like to congratulate you for your devotion to Zimbabwe,” he said.

“We would also like to congratulate you for your appointment to lead the women’s league in your party and achieving a doctorate degree, which is a milestone in your career.”

In return, Grace promised to take the concerns of the church leaders’ to Mugabe, but not before telling the clerics to encourage their followers to buy Zanu PF cards and show unwavering support to the First Family.

Responding to the praises, Grace said she had been given “that status by God for a purpose”.

She thanked churches for the support and assured them she would tell Mugabe of their requests, which included farming and residential land, empowerment projects and exemption from paying taxes, among others.

“Mugabe is the perfect gift we have from God. I am blessed to be besides this man,” Grace said.

Grace castigated churches milking people of their hard-earned cash in order to enrich their leaders, warning such wealth would disappear.