Zimbabwe is witnessing a historic spiritual awakening as internationally renowned evangelist Andrew Palau arrived in Harare for the official launch of the Love Zimbabwe Festival, a nationwide evangelical initiative aimed at spreading the message of Jesus Christ across communities and denominations.
The launch took place at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Showgrounds (Glamis Arena), marking the beginning of a multi-phase festival that will culminate in a major three-day event at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield from 26 to 28 September.
“It is an honour and a dream come true to partner with you and all the churches to lift high the name of Jesus. Serving together, we can reach every member of the community, right in the heart of the city,” said Evangelist Palau during the launch.
The Love Zimbabwe Festival is being billed as one of the largest Christian gatherings in the country’s history, with Palau working in collaboration with key church umbrella bodies: the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), and the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA).
The festival will include medical and eyeglass clinics and outreach to orphanages, prisons, and schools, as well as sports evangelism, BMX bike shows, and musical events.
Thousands are expected to benefit from friendship evangelism training, designed to empower local believers to reach out to their communities.
Bishop Never Mupurutsa highlighted the festival’s holistic and inclusive approach: “With activities for women and youth evangelism, it’s a collection of events designed to help unbelievers find Jesus Christ and be saved in their context. I am excited about the festival’s unique approach to soul-winning.”
Reverend Wilfred Dimingu described the initiative as a victory for the entire Christian community: “This is a win for the Church and the country because it’s not about one denomination but all denominations. Christianity wins as people from different backgrounds give themselves to Christ.”
Father Maseko echoed the message of unity: “The festival is about the Kingdom of God, with churches coming together to realise that we are one. In our oneness, we spread the defining message of the Christian faith, which is love.”
The arrival of Palau, who has served the Luis Palau Association (LPA) for over 25 years, signals a renewed spiritual momentum in Zimbabwe. Known for pioneering large-scale citywide evangelism, Palau has led global campaigns, trained thousands in outreach, and brought the gospel to millions.
“This festival has come at a time when mothers, grandmothers, and women are seeking answers to the many challenges facing our young people, such as drug and substance abuse,” noted Bishop Mavis Gurupira. “The inclusion of sports and gatherings will allow youths to encounter their Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
Dr Reverend Innocent Chitanda of UDACIZA said the participation of African Indigenous Churches demonstrates “a breaking of new ground” and a commitment to unity in evangelism.
The momentum is also being carried by gospel musicians, including Thembelami, who praised the event as a pivotal moment in the nation’s spiritual journey: “My music ministry is humbled to contribute to winning souls for Christ at such a time as this. Much appreciation to the Church in Zimbabwe and to Palau for hosting this event.”
As preparations intensify for the September gathering in Highfield, many see this festival not only as an evangelistic mission but also as a divine reminder that Zimbabwe has been remembered by Jesus.
