I’m intrigued by the astronomical growth of Christianity in the majority world, and I think it’s important that Christians in the West ask themselves what the churches in all the far-flung corners of the globe can teach us. That’s a part of what motivates my research on charismatic Christianity in Zimbabwe.
During my fieldwork in Zimbabwe in 2007, I couldn’t help but notice the Masowe Apostles. They are distinctive for dressing in white robes and meeting for hours in the open air. It is hard to miss them.
The Masowe Apostles were not the focus of my particular research project, but a recent book by Isabel Mukonyora, Wandering a Gendered Wilderness: Suffering and Healing in an African Initiated Church (Peter Lang, 2007), has helped me to explore further that question about what people in the West can learn from these Christians.
Scholars usually classify the Masowe Apostles with other ‘African Initiated Churches,’ to signify that it is an expression of Christianity that Africans developed independently of the historic missionary denominations.
The group was inspired by Shoniwa Masedza Mtunyane, who took upon himself the name Johane Masowe, meaning ‘John of the Wilderness.’ He was a prophet who wandered throughout Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in the 1930s, causing alarm among the colonial authorities. As Mukonyora explains (p. 12):
‘In 1932 Johane Masowe first drew the attention of the police in Mashonaland towns, mines, and commercial farms. By making borders of landscapes sites for prayer, he pointed to the displacement of Shona people … Johane was arrested at least five times during the 1930s for walking around preaching repentance for sins of adultery and witchcraft and offering baptism for those who repented. … He repeatedly disturbed the peace by turning up on unoccupied land, which whites wanted to remain empty to create borders between the different pockets of the city landscape. This sacred wilderness, located on the fringes of worksites, residential neighbourhoods and highways is the source for the Masowe Apostles’ name. John the Baptist, the voice that cries in the wilderness near the river Jordan, is the biblical image from which the Shona name Johane Masowe and this pattern of ritual behaviour were derived. Johane Masowe breached colonial norms by calling people out to pray in places that Rhodesian administrators wished to keep empty and then vanishing, only to surface in another place whose fringes could serve as sites for prayer.’
In this rich description of Johane Masowe’s methods, it’s possible to identify lessons that can speak to other Christian churches today:
- The importance of the prophet, speaking out for those on the margins. (Where in contemporary Ireland & Northern Ireland do we see Christians playing such a role?)
- The importance of ritually embedding the message that God is with people on the margins of society, politics and the economy. The Masowe Apostles embody this by meeting in despised landscapes, making those places holy.
- The importance of courage in defying unjust political authorities.
Mukonyora’s book is itself not solely concerned with drawing out these sorts of lessons. Rather, it is a first-class anthropological account of the Masowe Apostles, which pays particular attention to the role of women within the religious community.
While I have just focused on liberating aspects of Johane Masowe’s original mission, Zimbabwean women have not always been empowered by this movement. The Masowe Apostles observe rigid gender codes that reflect older, traditional Shona cultural norms, which Mukonyora explores in chapter 2. She also explains how the displacement of Shona men from their traditional roles now shapes (p. 54):
‘the mindset that men bring into the sacred wilderness. … enact[ing] their gender-specific anxieties about masculine superiority and vulnerability in an intense and sometimes invidious form’.
She does not shy away from describing various instances during her research when men treated women disrespectfully during Masowe services. Mukonyora also points out that most previous academic work on the Masowe Apostles focused on the men’s perspectives to the extent that women’s experiences were not really taken into account.
But what Mukonyora offers that is original– and helpful for those of us seeking insights for the wider church – is analysis of how women have been empowered within the frameworks provided by the Masowe Apostles.
For instance, Mukonyora explores the important, sacred role of the female singers who transmit the messages of the gospel. This is especially crucial since the Masowe Apostles, unusually among Christians, rely exclusively on oral tradition and do not use the Bible at all. She explains how at some Masowe gatherings only the women sit facing east during prayers. This is significant because it is believed that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit comes from the east, so the women (but not the men), are here receiving unmediated access to this power. Mukonyora concludes, (p. 113),
‘Positive images of women as bearers of gifts of light associated with the Holy Spirit are foundational to a woman-oriented Masowe concept of God as a Supreme Being whose presence is felt by believers. … Women have a way of reading into their ritual behaviour messages that fulfil their religious aspirations as individuals whose problems arise from living in a society that keeps women at the margins.’
Finally, Mukonyora notes the prominence of women in healing rituals and argues that this provides a necessary spiritual, physical and psychological release for the many challenges that they face as marginalised women in a collapsing, marginalised nation.
Further lessons can be gleaned from this analysis, including:
- Just how important is the bible anyway? Does the Masowe Apostles’ prioritising of the Holy Spirit over and above the written word have anything to say to Western Christians?
- Again, rituals are important. One of Mukonyora’s major findings is that meaningful rituals heal and empower people. Has this aspect of spirituality been especially neglected by the Protestant churches of the West?
- Our churches may contain marginalised groups (be it women, immigrants, the working class), who those in positions of power may find it easy to overlook. But those groups may be pretty adept at adapting the Christian message in ways that are surprising and empowering. What do we miss when we don’t stop to listen to them?
Mukonyora’s book is an enjoyable and enlightening read for all who are interested in Zimbabwe, African Christianity, and the manifold expressions of Christianity in the contemporary world.
I am glad Isabel wrote about Jowani Masowe. it is not the first book , i think everyone has shown interest. i encourage people to also read the Korsten Basketmakers by C.M Dillion Malone , a dramatization of life and death of Jowane Masowe. In this book the writer portrays the traditional life style how it relates with the religious belief. For you to really understand this religion you need to understand jowane masowe yechishanu , Nguwo tsvuku, and Jerusarema.
johani masowe was sent to black people in africa, like jesus sent to whites Matthew 21 vs 15
its knowledge provocking insight
i do agree with eugene that one should read the korsten basketmakers by dillion malone to understand the whole essence behind BABA JOHANE, however i stil believe that this but only touches on the basics of both the way of life and the religion of the basketmakers. alot of writing still need to be done and the sooner the better because we are loosing key imformants in the elderly. i am up for the task.
Johane Masowe Chishanu a real move for the black africans
Hatinamate vatendi tichakunda nekutenda.
I have just read part of Mukonyora’s book and I am extremely sickened. Where on earth does she gets the courage to insult our church like that. I will highlight some of the most false and sickening comments. She wrote
* Johane Masowe dramatised an act of life and death so that he could gain respect from his followers like Jesus Christ.
*He read the bible from where he picked up the character of John the baptist for himself and went on to use it to lure followers.
Honestly speaking I would expect more respect from a Zimbabwean. What she is trying to portray here is that the masowe people were hoodwinked into following a fake prophet by a one Shonhiwa Masedza. Well thats not the case Isabel. We know exactly what we are following. Tiri kufamba nechipenyu. We are not as dumb as you think. We are talking of a church with millions of followers, who include doctors, government ministers, police commissioners, professors etc
One very important think we don’t need to compare baba Johane with Jesus before we can accept him as our messiah. They were two different messengers with different missions to different people so they didn’t necessarily have to be synchronized in the way they undertake their work.
can someone please tell me the importance of the songs by the Johane Masowe echishanu
I am very disgusted with the portrayal of Johane Masowe Chishanu in that misguided and misleading literature. I for one strongly recommend people to visit Masowe and find the truth should need be otherwise in sheer ignoring people may continue stereotyping us as if we are a cult.
pple why are u wasting yo time doing researches of baba Johani ?remeber they was word @ first and before any thing ,even during the time of moses God spoke directly to why not today? If u believe that they is holyspirit , remember holy spiri never die.
There is God Father ,Son and The Holy ghost ,,,,,,,,,,father sent son to do his father’s work and Son send The holy spirit to do his work,
my quastion is who wrote the bible? then will help u…………….gud part of it these people of Masowe they dont call Satan on thier prayers; lets make reseaches to people like MAKANDIWA who is making mirracles inZimbabwe
thaks
Ndi johane baba vedu wakadzika neruvheneko *singing*
Ayigume nyika isati yaziva *singing
Johane itsananguro*singing*
Ngatiteverei mutumwa wedu*singing*
Johane*9 wakatumwa *singing*
Muritsime redu,murimudzimuri wehondo.
Kutumwa kwaShonhiwa Masedza anova akatungamirirwa nomweya waiti ndini Jowani kwakabuditsa chokwadi chemanmatiro evanhu vatema uye chaigadzira nzira yemutumwa akazote vera mumashure make ainzi Emmanuel. Ichi ndicho chinamato chevanhu vatema vemuAfrica
I have been writing on this forum various articles about Baba Johane. This time I wish to share with the other readers my findings about the identity and role of baba Johane in heaven.
Baba Johane is the same spirit as Elijah / John the Baptist. In heaven baba Johane is the Archangel Sandalphon. Sandalphon means ‘brother’ – and this is in reference to his twin brother the Archangel Metatron. The twins are the only archangels in heaven who were originally mortal men. Sandalphon was the prophet Elijah, and Metatron was the wise man Enoch. God gave both men their immortal assignment as archangels to reward them for their good work upon earth, allowing them to continue their sacred service from heaven.
Sandalphon is the tallest angel, He is so tall that it would take 500 years to travel from his toes to his head. Additionally, Sandalphon is so tall that his height enables him to reach from the earth plane to heaven. He is one of the living creatures with spiritual wheels from a vision recorded in the book of Ezekiel in the bible.
The chief roles of Sandalphon are:
He carries human prayers to God so they may be answered,
He rules one of the seven levels of heaven,
He is a leader among the seraphim class of angels, who surround God’s throne in heaven,
He is the angel in charge of planet Earth,
He rules over music in heaven
I live in Botswana and was born and raised un der this denomination. I have an uphill battle trying to explain things to the people here. I later on realised they were all basing their arguments on stereotypes they have inherited from other before them. Its a good thin if we have such writings, they will help a great deal.
Please send me any events Johane Masowe had preached and prophesized during his tour
In my last article, I identified Baba Johane as Elijah/ John the Baptist; and wrote that
in heaven, this is the spirit being known as the archangel Sandalphon. This Archangel
has heavy responsibilities in heaven, and after a period of time He is born on Earth with the
purpose of restoring the true worship of God. The manifestation of this is when he took
the forms of the Prophet Elijah, John the Baptist of Judea and Baba Johane of Marimba.
In some instances, he retains his spiritual form and appears to some dedicated men
of God on Earth. The purpose of this article is to show the readers the appearance he
takes on such visitations.
He wears a white rob and his hair is as white as pure wool, cotton or snow. His eyes
are like a flame and his feet like the brightness of fine brass-and they appear as if they
are ablaze. His voice has the sound of one having authority. His countenance is as the
brightness of the sun – brighter than light that shines on Earth. He is enveloped in light
and immediately around him is very bright.
Interested readers may read the books of Daniel and Revelation for recorded
scenarios of this mighty archangel of God.
Obanda Magomere , I think you have done your research, to add on to what you have just written ,
From Matthew 27:46
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!”
and From Mark 15:34
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”
Now…..
From Matthew 21:33
Please note Matthew 21:40
From Luke 20:9
Please note Luke 20:16
From Mark 12:1
Please note Mark 12:9
I need you to as your self
Who is the vinedresser
Who is the son
From whom would the vineyard be taken from
To whom would the vineyard be given / leased
The questions raised by Henry above are significant in opening
up scriptural meanings. It is therefore necessary to expand the questions.
On my part I refer the readers to the following biblical verses:
1) Exodus 3:2-5 See the close connection between God and
The angel of God
2) 1st Thesalonians 4:16 This is the second coming of Jesus
note also the connexion between Jesus and the Archangel
3) Revelation 3:11-13 The whole world expects Jesus to come
back as Jesus, but he has expressly stated that he will come
back in a new name. How many people understand this?
4) Luke 17:20-37 Note carefully verse 37. How does the head
of a vulture look like?
On 6th January, 2014 one reader (Henry) quoted some biblical
verses and sought some responses as to their meaning.If I had
his email address I would have written to him personally.
Nevertheless, I will try and provide a brief response as follows:
The cry of Jesus prior to his death on the cross. Mathew renders
it as “Eli Eli Lama sabachtani”. The same is recorded by Mark as
“Eloi Eloi Lama sabachtani”. The onlookers said Jesus was calling
on Elijah. Hebrew language just like other languages, has variants.
Take for example the shona tribe, there are zezerus, karanga and
manyika. There are bound to be variations in names and
pronunciations among these subgroups. In Hebrew Elijah is
Eliyyahu, meaning my God is Yahweh. Please note that the name
Elijah are two names cojoined (Eli / Jah). Eli or El is the short form
of ELOHIM – meaning God. Jah or Yahweh is God’s personal name.
Please remember that Jesus was a jew, but he spoke the aramaic
language.
Henry also asked these questions in relation to the parable of the
vineyard:
1) Who is the vinedresser or the owner of the vineyard? Before
answering this question, look at Isaiah 5: 1-7. This section
provides the background to this parable. The vinedresser
is God.
2) Who is the son? The son is Jesus (Hebrew- Yeshua)
3) From whom would the vineyard be taken from? It would be
taken from Israel’s (Yisrael) religious leaders.
4) To whom would the vineyard be given / leased?. It would be
given to sinners who were responding to Jesus’ call for
repentence and eventually to the gentiles who would
be saved.
5) Just for additional information, the vineyard represents
Israel, and vines are the people of Judah.
Wow , many questions , you seem to know a lot about Zimbabwe (Shone e.t.c) Quite interesting, but your name and surname (Are you Zimbabwean or something). I also like the way you reference the Bible. I would really like to know a lot in reference to the issue in comment , my email address is htakawira@gmail.com .
Obada magomere,
please it by educating people om baba johane.
In his last posting, Henry asked about my nationality. I am
Kenyan and a member of the Gospel of God Church. For the
benefit of Henry and the other readers, the vineyard parable
and more so how the gentiles fit in the parable, will be
expounded further, but prior to that , it is necessary to lay
the foundation.
After the great floods, the world was populated by Noah’s
descendants. Noah’s sons were given land as follows:
Shem (descendants-semites) was given the Asian continent.
This was the red race.
Japhet (descendants- japhethites) was given the European
continent. This was the white or milkish race.
Ham (descendants- hamites) was given the African continent.
This was the black race.
I advise the readers to get hold of the good news bible or
similar bible and look at the map of the world in the days
of Genesis to verify the above assertions. Please note
that the terms Asia, Europe and Africa, came into use
much later. In fact Africa was sometimes referred to as the
land of Ham (see psalms 105:23). The partition of the
African continent into countries like Rhodesia, Kenya,
Tanganyika, Malawi etc was even a later development.
On this note I request the readers, when reading the
bible, not to confuse the terms Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia and
Sudan with the countries going by these names at present.
I will now dwell on the lineage of Ham. The name Ham and
the names of his descendants ie Cush, Egypt, Put and
Pathros, and in addition: Sudan, Nubia, Negricia, Ethiopia,
all mean black people, depending on the language used.
For instance if your bible has been translated from hebrew
(biblia hebraica) Africa or blacks will be referred to as Cush.
Similarly, if the bible is translated from Greek, Africa and
Africans will be known as Ethiopia.
It is from this black race that the last saviour would descend
(see psalms 68:31, Isaiah 18:1-3, Isaiah 19:1.
Isaiah 19: 18-25, Isaiah 20: 3-4 (this is slave trade),
Amos 9:7.
Given this knowledge the reader can start appreciating
the gospel of Baba Johane.
Obada Magomere,
explain more of this to sll
It has come to my realization that certain readers are impatient
and they want as to write directly about Baba Johane. This is critical
but it must be done in a manner that all categories of people will
understand.
I request the readers to read the book of 2nd Esdras 1:4-40 (note
verse 33-37, and 2nd Esdras 2: 1-40 (note also verse 33-37).
Please note that your bible must have apocryphal books.
Because of Israel’s disobedience to God’s commandments, It was
prophesied that their house would be given to other people. Who are
these people? Let us go to Isaiah 18:1-3. In my last article, I explained
the meaning of biblical cush / Ethiopia etc.This refers to the African
continent and black people. In this scripture, the almighty God sets the
stage in Africa for an important event, but the message is for the whole
world. In verse 1, God states that the land where the intended event
will take place is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (note that this is from the
direction of Israel where prophet Isaiah was based). These rivers are
river Nile and its tributaries. Since it is beyond these rivers, we can
conclude that the region covered by this prophesy is the modern day
Tanzania all the way to South Africa.
In verse 3, all people on Earth are told to be observant. The verse
ends thus ”when a signal / flag is raised on the mountains look !
When a trumpet is blown, listen. A flag signifies a nation or kingdom.
In this case, it is the coming of the kingdom of God on Earth. We are
told elsewhere in the bible that the coming of the Lord will be preceded
by the blowing of a trumpet! A trumpet blown stands for warning.
The big question in relation to verse 3 is, why would God direct all
people on Earth to observe and note these things that were going to
happen somewhere in southern parts of Africa?
In Isaiah 19:1 we are told God will come to Africa, but how? This
theme is continued at Isaiah 19: 19-21. God will send a saviour to
Africa. and that the saviour will be God himself (Isaiah 19:1 and
Isaiah 19:21).
akashongwa nemweya munomwe iya yakatevera baba johane. you have to visit masowe to gather correct information. we dont illtreat women but we put them first pasina vakadzi rudzi harukuri.
In today’s article I wish to write briefly about the topic : who is man and why
should he worship God.
During the temptation of Jesus, the devil said “If you are the son of God, turn
these stones to bread”. Jesus answered, it is written man shall not live on bread
alone. Bread stands for food, water etc. From this statement we can describe
man. Man is made up of two distinct parts: The physical and the spiritual. The
physical man is visible to human eyes and is made up of roughly 60 percent
water and 40 percent minerals.These minerals include zinc, potassium, calcium
etc. These minerals are found in the food and fruits we eat. In order to exist, the
physical man needs to eat and drink water to keep on replenishing the used up
minerals and water.
The physical man came from the soil and from the soil does he sustain his
livelihood. When he needs food, he says he is hungry and when his water
levels have gone down he feels thirsty. The physical human being therefore
has senses to trigger the replenishment of these elements of soil (food and
water) whenever these elements are depleted. For instance, if good food is
being cooked, the physical man smells it and he may even start salivating.
Now let us turn to the spirit part. The spirit comes from God and its ”food’
is the word of God. In Genesis 1:26 God said, let us make man in our image
and likeness. Therefore, who is God?. God is spirit (John 4:24). Since we are
made in his image and likeness, we are also spirit beings. To make it more
simple, the spirit being is that part of man which never sleeps. When the
physical man is sleeping there is that part of man which remains active
and this is manifested in dreams.That is the spirit being made in God’s image.
Another manifestation of the workings of a spirit being happens when there
is danger, for example if there is a poisonous snake which you have not seen with
your eyes. There will be tension and fear in your body and shortly afterwords
you will see the snake. In this example, the spirit being alerts the physical
being that there is danger.
When you hear a good sermon or song praising God or read a good book or
article about God, the spirit being in you “salivates” or celebrates. He is being
fed. Just as the physical being dies when deprived of food and water, likewise
the spirit being dies when he is deprived of the word of God.
When God separates the spirit from the body, we say a person has died. The
physical being returns to the soil where he came from and the spirit part returns
to God. It is the spirit man that will be judged.
I have been getting questions from people based in a number of countries,such
as USA, Iraq, Belgium and others. Recently, one of them asked me to explain, which
I now do, through this blog, the difference between God the father, the son and the
holy spirit.
Jehovah God is a triune God (holy trinity). But he is the same God. How?
God the father – Is God in heaven (our God who is in heaven).
God the son – when God took a human form and dwelt among people on Earth
God the holy spirit – From the day of pentecost, as recorded in the book of Acts,
God, in the form of The holy spirit, started dwelling in the
bodies of chosen human beings on earth.
It is very important, for teachers of the word of God, to use earthly examples,
just as Jesus did, to explain heavenly phenomena. Jesus used examples like
water, seeds, farmers, fishermen etc. In the case above two earthly examples
will suffice.
Example one is water. water comes in liquid form eg rain water, river water etc
water can also take the form of ICE. This is water that has frozen to a solid state.
Water can also take the form of vapour (gas) when we heat it to boiling point . All
these is water but in various forms.
Example two is the sun. The sun manifests itself in three forms: You can view it
in the sky, sunshine removes darkness and enables you to see things, and you
feel the heat of the sun in your body if you stand outside the house.
Please stop all this heresy of fake prophets.,please read the bible and understand what it says about true religion. I am worried about my Zimbabwean people with all the knowledge you have you still believe these fake prophets,with their fake self created stories you can make it to heaven.No wonder why things are messed up in our country,God has turned his back on us because we believe anything that people come up with.
In his posting of 1st June, 2014, one Mr Panganayi appears to rubbish the
belief of the contributors on this blog by using terms like fake prophets, heresy,
the economic state of Zimbabwe etc. Unfortunately, he has only made
unsubstantiated allegations. Zimbabwe has had many prophets, who among
them does he consider fake?
Since the broader perspective on this blog is Baba Johane, is panganayi
insinuating that Baba Johane is also a fake prophet? In order to disabuse
himself of this notion, i suggest that, in addition to the bible, he reads the
works of Clive Dillon and Mathew Englke. They have done thorough research
on Baba Johane.
Then he thinks everything on this blog is heresy. He is not alone. People with
such mindsets are many. They think that the belief of the majority is always
correct, and any departure from that is heretical. This is precisely what led
to the killing of Jesus Christ. To reiterate this point, a second example is
necessary. For a long time in the recorded history of mankind, everybody
was made to believe that the earth was flat. Subsequent research and
observation let to the discovery that the Earth was round, and for this divergent
view, some people were killed and others excommunicated from churches. But at
the end of it all, who was right?
On the economic state of Zimbabwe, is he aware that even Israelites suffered
so much that they were even scattered all over the world, but did this make their
prophets fake and heretical? The church of Baba Johane has presence in several
countries. Has this belief in Baba Johane by non Zimbabweans made their countries
suffer the same economic fate?
In conclusion, I request Mr Panganayi, to find out what happened to the “:mainstream”‘
religious leaders who tried to oppose and frustrate the establishment of the church
of Baba Johane in Ethiopia.
JESUS IS LORD there’s no other God but Him. Johane was a false prophet who put himself in the place of God.
Obanda Magomere
Thank you for elaborating on a number of issues. I found them interesting and informative. I was greatly informed in the area of origins, the explanations of where people came from the children of Noah and the explanations of the names biblically and the human languages.
I would like to find out from you one small aspect that I find difficult to understand. When do the same people who received the gospel from baba Johane Masowe do not appreciate the bible the way you quote and reference to it. I understand the followers call the bible ‘Munya’ meaning stale food. Would it not be fair to say if Baba Johane is the Messiah the followers would then uphold the bible as the true word of God. I believer if one buys a Philips television one would automatically use the Philips manual because using the Sony manual would not provide one with the correct ways to either use the television or repair it to be used in one’s everyday life profitably. I would want to believe that the bible is the set manual for our lives.
Looking at what happens in most white garment churches the people end up using the same institution to pursue their own desires. I am not saying other churches don’t. I am referring to this particular topic in discussion in this blog. Some refuse the followers use of modern medicine and some have very young girls for wives because of parental agreements done to please the elders especially men or simply following the voice of the prophet. I want to believe this is among other reasons some people tend to doubt the authenticity of such churches.
Having millions of followers does not exonerate the authenticity of a church. People can get lost in their millions. I believe the Bible if we are Christians should guide us as you quote it yourself. Maybe there is need to clarify why then the Bible is side lined as the written word of God. Many churches have mushroomed in Zimbabwe for in stance coming from the main Johane Masowe. The following of what John the Baptist was doing came from the Bible I am sure, then why put it aside.
I just need to be educated about this and a few more questions. Lets discuss.
Namatai Rugonye
In response to your questions, it is important to clarify that I am not an apologist
for what you call the white garment churches. The israelites scoffed at the idea
of something good coming out of Jesus’ birth place. This is the paradox of the word
of God.
The above notwithstanding, I am a member of the Gospel of God Church which was
founded by Baba Johane wemasowe. Some of the issues you have brought forward
for discussion, such as some followers of Baba Johane reading / not reading the bible
and the reasons thereof, have already been discussed extensively. Please refer
to the old comments on this blog, and in particular, read the debate between my
colleague pastor Thomas Musandu and Takwana Makaya.
Because of limited space, please furnish me with your email address since I have some
good material about our church for you.
magomere.o@nssfkenya.co.ke
With all due respect as a johane masowe member i have seen things beyond super natural i have never been to hospital was born kumasowe never been sick zvinoda chipatara todate am 34, so comparing God and
johane is being a bit confused because he spoke like kunababa, nemwana komana nemweyamutswene.Meaning he wasn’t portraying himself as a God but carried a message to vanhu vatema as instructed naMwari or Mweya mutsvene to be real.why does the johane masowe’s way yekunamata Mwari ichirwiswa isu tichiparidza mitemo kuti ndiyo nzira kuti Jeso nganamatwe,ma bible speak of ma fore fathers evarungu kuti mwari vaka famba mevatumwa eg Moses and the rest of the prophets Africans did not know prophets how do you know fake from real if you can not differentiate food from poison.1931-32 izwii rakawuya saka beleive it or not mweya mutsvene uri kurenge uye wakawuya kudzindza revatema.What people read mubible happens kurenje nanhasi hatisi kunamata mwari wefungidziro chiporofiti chinesimba rekudenga takachitakura Jeso akavimbisa vapostori mweya mutsvene saka wakawuya ka,chii chayipa.
Innocent tapiwa Mazhambe I agree with you totally. chishanu chinochengeta and chishanu chinokomborera.Ku chishanu tinoti vanhu ndevaMwari. and about the bible….it is an account and those same miracles still happen today but tinonzi tizvinyore kuhwendefa yemoyo yedu. chanyorwa mumoyo hachidzimike. I for one will never leave johanne masowe because that church led me to Christ
I am so touched by all this, I have been looking for a church all my life. I think Johane Masowe will be my home. Obanda I truly need more insight please help a sister out. dube.abigail@yahoo.co.uk
I have been prodded by some readers to shed light on what constitutes a true religion. This question should actually be rephrased to read ” what constitutes a pure and faultless religion” , in a bid to take cognizance of the diversity of religious worship. Religious membership and support, like football, is organized around denominations and just as we have football clubs, so we have religious clubs. This is not a new phenomenon. In the days of Jesus for instance, there were zealots, scribes, sadduces and Pharisees – each group espousing and practicing its preferred mode of worship. The same pattern exists today.
So then, what is pure and faultless religion? The bible has answers to this question. In Luke 3: 2-3, the word of God came to John in the wilderness, and he went around river Jordan territory preaching a baptism of repentence and forgiveness. It is clear therefore, that pure religion is founded on the word of God, which comes from God (remember, the word of God and God is one and the same thing). In other words, God chooses a person and puts his word in him.
In the same chapter, verses 7 and 15 show how powerful the word of God is. Among other things, it convicts people. These people left their churches and the comfort of their churches, and flocked to John in the wilderness.
James 1: 22-23, James 1: 27, Isaiah 58: 6-8, Luke 3: 10-13, Mathew 25: 34-40 all emphasize the fact that hearing the word of God alone is not enough. You must do what the word of God says in order to experience its impact. Lets draw an analogy with soap. There is dirt and soap all over. You can only feel the impact of soap by bathing using soap – the dirt is removed.
In conclusion, it is important to note the difference between individuals having the word of God (note that the word of God comes from God) and church ministers whose authority to minister is preceded by attendance and graduation in bible schools and subsequent appointment by top church leadership. The two are totally different just as Gold and counterfeit Gold are similar in appearance when in actual fact they are different.
Recently I received a request from a certain sister in Zimbabwe, urging me to share with the readers about the role of the Holy Ghost in the kingdom of God on Earth. I strongly feel in the spirit that I should respond to her request through this platform because there are likely to be other people who are also interested in this topic. In fact this article is a continuation of the last paragraph of my last contribution on this blog. In the closing paragraph under reference, I expressed my skepticism about people who, solely on the basis of having academic qualifications in theology, purport to be church ministers and yet they have not been filled with the Holy Spirit (the spirit of God).
Shortly before the ascension of Jesus to heaven (see Acts 1:4-5 and Acts 1:8), he advised his disciples to wait first for the infilling of the Holy Spirit before starting their work in God’s kingdom. There was no exception to this requirement as evidenced by Acts 9:17-19. The apostle Paul had to go through the same process. The same happened to the believers in Acts 19:1-6 (note verse 6).
The spiritual endowments which flow from the baptism of the Holy Ghost are spelt out in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. But let me hasten to add that even ordinary members of the church require the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to , among other things, understand the bible and also be able to live holy life.
Now, to understand our topic of discussion more clearly, let us summarize the works Jesus did on Earth: He preached the gospel of good news of the coming of the kingdom of God on Earth, he cast out demons, he healed the sick, he prophesied etc. For the three years during his ministry on earth, he prepared his followers so that they could continue with his works after his ascension to heaven, but in order for his disciples to be effective and able to do this, they had to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and there was no substitute for this. Remember, Jesus submitted himself to this rule before he commenced his work (Luke 3:21-23, Luke 4:1, Luke 4:14).
A question then arises, what about John the Baptist – was he an exception to this rule? The answer is no. John the Baptist is the only human being (let us take it so for now) who was filled with the Holy Spirit before he was born. It had to be so because it was necessary that at one point Jesus, just like the other believers who would follow, was going to be baptized and the baptizer would have to be someone filled with the Holy Spirit !
A muslim religious scholar who has been following keenly our discussions on this blog recently sent me a message with the following question: ” I find it hard to buy the belief of bible readers that the Almighty God visits and even stays with people on Earth – how does it happen?”
As I have done in the recent past, this is one of the questions whose response will be through this blog. Three instances in the bible which are relevant to the topic under discussion are: Malachi 3:1, Mathew 1:22 and Isaiah 19:19-21. There are a number of examples that will enable the readers to comprehend this mystery of God, but one example will suffice.
Let us assume that President Robert Mugabe announces that he will visit and stay with the people of Bulawayo on a specific date at a specific time. Obviously the people of Bulawayo will make the necessary preparations befitting the head of state. But come the D day, and the president sends Emmerson Mnangagwa (his vice president) and gives him full authority to represent him. In this scenario, will the president have fulfilled his promise to visit and stay with the people of Bulawayo? Obviously the answer is in the affirmative.
My recent posting on the necessity of servants in the kingdom of God to have Holy Spirit baptism, has elicited a number of responses on my email. Let me take an early opportunity to apologize to those who seemingly took offence with my comments; and in so doing, clarify the position of the bible, regarding the qualifications which are deemed mandatory for a genuine church minister.
The starting point is the old testament. In the book of Numbers 4: 23, the age bracket of men who were to serve in the congregation of the Lord is given (30 – 50 years). In Leviticus 8: 5-13, Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water, then he poured anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him. Why was Aaron anointed? Answer, to sanctify/consecrate him (to make him holy). God is holy, and he can only be served by holy people.
In the new testament, let us take the example of Jesus. In Mathew 3: 14-16, Jesus went to John to be baptized. Why was he baptized? because to be a priest, when you reached the age of 30 years as we have seen above, you had to be washed with water and anointed with oil. Please note that in the old testament, what we know today as baptism, was referred to as ”washing with water”. Therefore, at the age of 30 years, Jesus was ”washed in water” and was anointed with the Spirit. In the new testament, we are anointed with the Holy Ghost (Hebrews 10: 14, Romans 15: 16). In other words, if you get anointed by the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will sanctify you. Jesus was anointed to be a prophet, priest and king (Hebrews 4: 14-15; Hebrews 9:11).
As we have observed above therefore, there is complete harmony between the old and new testaments in matters relating to qualifications of church ministers.
Obanda Magomere when you get the chanve can you please email me…
Lameck@aol.com, would really like to discuss a project we are running about the 7th Seal and the 7th Messenger of God.
Thanks Lameck
Would love to visit this church , me and my family , I’m Elinah Stuurman. terndlovu@ yahoo.com
There are certain beliefs by Christians and other bible based faithfuls that require correction. Today we shall look at two such beliefs.
Belief number one: Adam was the first human being. During the six day creation, human beings (in plural) were created on the sixth day ( see Genesis 1:26-31). In Genesis chapter 4, verses 1 and 2, Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel. So going by the widely held belief, at this point there were only four human beings on earth ie Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel.
In Genesis 4: 8, Cain kills his brother Abel, and the number of human beings on earth is now reduced to three. In Genesis 4: 14 Cain complains about his punishment thus ” today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence, I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me”. But the Lord God said to him, ”not so, anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over”. Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no-one who found him would kill him. So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. These statements clearly allude to the presence of other human beings, in addition to Adam, Eve and Cain. This conclusion is further reinforced by Genesis 4:17 where Cain married a woman in the land of wandering, who bore him a son – Enoch.
Belief Number two: Israel is the only chosen nation. At Amos 9:7, God declares that Israelites and cushites (Africans) are on a par. In Isaiah 19:21, God states that he will make himself known to the Egyptians (Africans), just as he made himself known to the Israelites.
In Isaiah 19: 24-25, God blesses three nations in this order: Egypt (Africa), Assyria (Arabs) and Israel. In Isaiah 19:19-21, just as God took human form and stayed with Israelites, He promised to take human form and dwell among the Africans thus putting Israel and Africa on the same level, as prophesied.
I am from South Africa and a member of the Johan Masowe and I will never leave the church I have been to many churches without feeling spiritually filled Im certain that what has happened in my life can only be done by God.
I have been reading all your interesting comments.I am a Motswana in
Botswana student, carrying out a History Research on Vapostori of Botswana…. Now i need Help on the things that Masowe Prohibited or did not want his people to do…especially serving the Whites, education,modern medicines and all. Thanks in advance.
Also Clarification on why they prefer praying in an open than a closed area.
Tefo Mamunze,
In order to understand some of Johane Masowe’s pronouncements/prohibitions, you need to appreciate the context or environment in which he was preaching.
Zimbabwe and other African countries were under the yoke of colonialism hence the tendency by Johane Masowe to sound anti-white in his preaching. This parallels the days of Jesus in Palestine, when the Israelites were under the rule of the oppressive Roman empire. If you read the synoptic gospels with an open mind, you find signs of hatred for Roman leadership by the Israelites.
As to why masowe apostles prefer praying in the open/wilderness instead of a closed church, please read Luke 3:1-3. In addition find out whether Jesus Christ used to hold such preaching sessions.
By prohibiting his followers from using modern medicine (I am not saying that using modern medicine is bad) Johane Masowe was making a statement of faith, similar to the one found in the book of James 5: 14-15
Hi,am Gabriel and a member of Johane masowe soon to be, my deepest question is why do the not use bible in the church or use of jesus name. My email. Jokmadingc@gmail.com please I have to be fullfill before I fully commited am a strong believer. Thanks
Gabriel Jok
You have raised two questions, First, Why Apostles of Baba Johane don’t use the bible in church. This topic was debated extensively on this blog. Please click on ”the older comments – indicated by a red arrow above” for insights.
I will now dwell on the second question – your assertion that Johane Masowe apostles do not use the name of Jesus. If you sincerely believe that our God is a triune God, then you should not have problems on this score. Kindly read the Book of Acts 19:5 and Acts 2:38, on the one hand, and Mathew 28:19 on the other hand. Praying or being baptized in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit or praying or being baptized in the name of Jesus, has the same end result.
Magomere l have sent you an email
The following question has arisen: It is obligatory for muslims to pray five times every day, is there a similar requirement on the part of bible based faithfuls?
The general answer to this question is at Luke 18:1; the people of God should pray always. Now , going into specifics, we should always remember that the number representing the fullness of our God is seven (7). That is the significance of, say seven days in a week, seven spirits of God, seven Heavens etc. Similarly, Psalms 119:164 alludes to the necessity of praying at least seven times every day. Acts 3:1 and Acts 10:9 are examples of ‘at what time the prayers should take place every day’.
Acts 10:3 is an indication of what happens when we observe the prayer hours – most visions seem to occur around such times.
Obanda magomere
My name is Emmah
I attend Masowe and am from Zimbabwe
my question is1, ,,,Why we pray to Angels, which the bible forbids as recorded in revelations, (only with the exception of the Angel of the Lord)We are not to ask angels to lead us but the Holy Spirit guides us in all Truth, that’s why even Paul urged us to Pray for the Spirit of wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him(God-Word), 2 Why we believe that dead saints are mediators between us and God ( Moses , Elijah, Daniel, Paul etc) yet the Bible tells us that there is only one mediator who is Christ as recorded, in 1st Timothy 2. We believe the Spirit of the dead saints to be in us as we say at Masowe, that He has the Spirit of Elijah, or Moses is now speaking or He has the Spirit of Paul or Peter, who are all dead saints. Would their Spirits give us prophecies, or does The Holy Spirit take upon the name of dead Saints? We All know as is written in Corinthians that the Gifts are diverse prophecy , tongue speaking, interpretation, encouragement, preaching etc. Even these saints were Spirit filled but none of them ever said the Spirit of Daniel or Elijah is in me, but only the Holy Spirit. We say and I quote”anofamba na Pauro, or Moses” The spirit behind His prophecy is Moses etc. Yet Deutoronomy 18vs 10,11 says there should not be anyone amongst us who summon the dead, Soul the King did that in 1st Samuel ,,, and Yet God forbids divination and related issues, like necromancy etc. 3 Why we pray to dead saints like Mother Mary etc, when God is a Triune Being, not a Quad-une or so being? Is it truth to pray to Departed Saints? After taking All this into account, I ask myself am I in the right path? Coz even 1st timothy 4 vs 1 says that some will depart from faith and give heed to deceiving Spirits, , I remember attending Masowe in South Africa last year, ,, one leader was later found to be using bodyparts of a dead baby and I attended there for quite some time and arms of a dead baby fell from under His garments and we all fled. The guy is now in His late 50s and was always a prophet from his early 20s back in Zimbabwe. Some things that happen at Masowe are in line with the word and some are not including those I mentioned. And I believe not reading the bible has opened a doorway for many false prophets (diviners, necromancersetc) to deceive people. I believe the word is truth as it is Holy Spirit infused and I believe our leaders should encourage reading the bible. The danger is that anyone can come to Masowe and say ,”The Holy Spirit is saying, ,,,,” and people believe It only because someone said The holy Spirit is saying. Food for thought