Kenya Tour 2021 Report
BY

Mr. N.J. Zinyama (Executor)

The Prophecy

“Some of you will board planes to go and preach the word of God in other countries.” These prophetic words, often spoken by Reverend. F. M. Nyika (Oldman), echoed throughout our youth. At that time, the furthest the Gospel had been carried from Marondera was to Hwange in Zimbabwe, and internationally, only as far as Mozambique — none of which involved travel by plane. After Oldman had gone to be with the Lord, we knew it was only a matter of time before this prophecy, like many others, would be fulfilled.

The Calling

God spoke to Reverend P. D. Zinyama (Captain), instructing him to go on his first missionary journey. This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions were strict. Neither Captain nor I had valid passports, and the passport office required serious justification just to secure an appointment. After much prayer and faith, God made a way — we got our appointment and received our passports with unexpected ease. It was so much so that the devil said there was no need for prayer it was always just going to happen. However, nothing just happens in our Movement hence the popular statement “It takes God.”

Preparing for Departure

Our departure date was set for 21 October 2021, immediately after our ten-day crusade in Cherutombo, Marondera. Towards the end of that crusade, illness struck the Movement — what we believed was COVID-19. The Captain and I became terribly sick just two days before the flight. Despite our condition, the Captain encouraged me to continue preparing, believing that God would make a way. When our test results came back negative, we knew it was divine intervention. Though weak, we pressed on, trusting God’s plan.

The Leap of Faith

One might assume that since Captain had studied at an international university and led a multinational church, God would send him somewhere familiar i.e. where his congregants from His school days reside. But faith led us elsewhere — to Kenya, a land where we knew no one. It was a true leap of faith. I believed in Captain whilst He believed in God. We created a simple flier and advertised on Facebook, inviting churches to host us. That was all we had — faith, prayer, and obedience.

Arrival in Kenya

Members of the Spiritual Movement escorted us to the RG Mugabe International airport in Harare for our departure. Our joy was muted by sickness and COVID-19 restrictions. We arrived in Nairobi looking visibly ill — bundled in heavy coats despite the summer heat. During the mandatory screening, officials were puzzled: our appearance suggested illness, yet the thermometer proved otherwise. We were cleared to enter Kenya and proceeded to our accommodation at Best Western Plus Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.

First Encounters

Our first meeting was with Brother Benson, a Nigerian national living in Kenya. However, he seemed more interested in our financial standing and the luxury of our hotel than in the Gospel message. We left the meeting uncertain of his intentions but trusting that God had a greater plan.

Later that evening, we found the food tasteless — the carrots bland, the juice strange. We later discovered that our taste buds had been affected by the virus, not the food!

A Divine Appointment

The next day we met Pastor Emmanuel of Brooke of Life Church. He brought along his eight-year-old son, Baraka — meaning 'Blessing' in Swahili. He was amazed to learn that we had funded our own trip and asked for no financial reward. He invited us to preach at his church the following Sunday.

The Miracle in Kisumu

On Saturday, we flew to Kisumu where Captain had been invited to minister at Summit Church under Pastor Kennedy. Upon arrival, Pastor Kennedy and his team greeted us warmly but later confessed they had expected an elderly man — our WhatsApp profile picture still bore the image of our late founder, Oldman. We reassured them that the Captain was indeed prepared and anointed for the task.

Sunday arrived, and Captain delivered a powerful message on sanctification. The interpreter, Pastor Hesborne, was so moved that he declared Captain must have a master’s degree in theology. His wife testified joyfully, saying she hadn’t heard such preaching in years. Though still unwell, the Captain’s message deeply touched many hearts.

Afterward, Pastor Kennedy showed us land for their future church building. Captain prayed for the land and offered guidance on fundraising. Even while battling illness, he remained focused on God’s mission.

Later, over dinner with Pastor Kennedy and his wife, the Captain warned it would rain soon. Kennedy laughed — it wasn’t the season for rain. Yet, moments later, rain poured down heavily! It was a divine sign. The Captain explained that the rain confirmed God’s call on his ministry. Before leaving, he blessed them with a $500 contribution toward their church project.

Preaching in Kirigiti

Next, we met Pastor Patrick and his team from the Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Kirigiti. They were excited to hear that we preached without financial expectations and invited us to their Wednesday leaders’ service. Despite heavy traffic, we arrived on time, and Captain preached powerfully about the 'circumcision of the heart.' As he spoke, rain poured once again — a sign of God’s confirmation. The leaders were deeply touched and invited us again for Sunday, but our schedule was full.

Final Visit – Brooke of Life Church

Our final service was at Brooke of Life Church with Pastor Emmanuel. Before the service, we took COVID tests to ensure safe return travel. During worship, they sang a Shona song in our honor — a touching moment of unity. Captain’s message was powerful, and after the service, two members asked for prayers for teaching jobs. Though it seemed a 'carnal' request, Captain prayed for them, saying, ‘Sometimes God blesses people in the physical to awaken their faith.’

On our way back, Pastor Emmanuel showed us Kenya’s State House. His car ran out of fuel right outside the gate! Armed guards surprisingly helped push the car and even let us park safely while he refueled — another moment of unexpected grace.

Return to Jerusalem

After ten days of ministry, our first missionary journey came to an end. At the airport in Zimbabwe, an officer tried to solicit a bribe, pretending he couldn’t find Captain’s COVID results. But the truth prevailed — all was in order. It reminded us that the devil never gives up easily but God always has the final say. We returned to Marondera — our 'Jerusalem' — grateful for God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Indeed, it was a remarkable beginning. Time will reveal the partnerships and fruits of that first missionary journey, but one thing is certain — God’s word never fails.