African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe Easter 2026: Alive in Jesus

African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe Secretary Walter Masona reports on a Holy Spirit-electrified Easter weekend.

At the University of Warwick, 325 members of the African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe attended an Easter weekend led by General André Cox (Retired) and Commissioner Silvia Cox. They were supported by the fellowship’s executive officers, Commissioners John and Dorita Wainwright, and Majors André and Nana Togo (Mali and Burkina Faso Region).

The General and Commissioner Silvia shared the platform when they gave their message on Good Friday evening, focusing on Jesus’ sayings from the cross and introducing the theme for the weekend, By His Wounds We Have Peace and Life, which was based on Isaiah 53:5.

Commenting on Jesus’ first and second sayings, the General noted that there are people in our world who struggle to forgive themselves, but Jesus offers instant forgiveness – as he did to those who were crucifying him and to the man on the cross next to his. The theme was later unpacked in a Bible study led by Commissioner Silvia. Taking the congregation on a tour of the Tabernacle in Leviticus, we looked at rituals that formed part of the Old Testament religion, which all changed when Jesus went to the cross to offer us direct access to God.

In his message on Saturday evening, General André observed that it is sometimes difficult to talk about Jesus in public places. He reminded the congregation that the Lord is no longer on the cross but is alive, offering salvation today and waiting for people to respond to his calling, even though we continue waiting for his second coming. He reminded the congregation that The Salvation Army needs more soldiers and more officers.

During separate meetings on Saturday afternoon, the General led a men’s fellowship rally while Commissioner Silvia led a home league rally. Separate events were held for the children and youth, supported by Majors André and Nana. The engagement of the young people throughout the weekend was both encouraging and inspirational. 

The first member of the fellowship to become a cadet in the UK and Ireland Territory focused attention on the need for others to follow. Also encouraging is the increasing number of members who are taking on leadership roles in their corps across the territory.

During the weekend, musical items were presented by a brass band and songsters, with hosho (pictured) and timbrels. But, it was the young people and children who attracted huge applause when they took to the stage with their presentations. The mercy seat was lined with 43 seekers on Saturday and 51 on Sunday.