Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. JOHANNE Masowe Echishanu Jerusarema (Bhesidha) leader Echoes Chiore, popularly known as Madzibaba Echoes, says he is still in shock over the number of people who joined his apostolic sect in neighbouring Botswana.
Chiore, who leads one of the biggest apostolic sects in the country, was recently in Botswana for a Passover gathering that was attended by thousands of congregants from both Botswana and Zimbabwe.
The gathering was featured on Botswana’s television channel BTV.
“I could not believe my eyes,” he said.
“It was awesome. Thousands gathered in Botswana and this shows that the apostolic sect is growing beyond our borders.”
The congregants were gathered at Toyota Shashe shrine in Francistown.
“This apostolic sect, Bhesidha, has and is still facing challenges from people fighting it. But the Botswana gathering came as a relief to all the sect leaders that God is there and can still make things happen,” Madzibaba Echoes said.
“It was refreshing to have around 4 500 congregants for three days, worshipping together. I am happy that the sect is spreading its wings to the BaTswana people, who have embraced it despite adversities.
“The growth of the church denotes that Jesus is among the congregants. We are destined for a great future as an apostolic sect.”
Chiore’s father, Madzibaba Dhasiwesi, founded the Johane Masowe Echishanu Jerusarema (Bhesidha) in 1940 at his homestead in Nhamoyebonde village, Guruve, which became its headquarters.
Madzibaba Dhasiwesi died in the 1980s before his son Ranwell Chiore took over.
Madzibaba Echoes took over as the leader in 2006.
The church also boasts its urban headquarters in the farming town of Marondera.
The apostolic sect has 87 branches dotted around the globe.
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