An African Christian Triumphs in Truth

Every African Christian, no matter which sect accepts the Bible as the central book of faith, but not all sects accept salvation through Jesus. Such was the case in Cecil’s life. “I was a part of a white garment sect church for nine years,” Cecil says. “I believed that God communicated to us through his prophets [pastors]. I knew about the Bible, and I had heard the prophet quote from it. But I had never held or read one. I never thought that the Bible was meant for Africans—especially not for Africans like me. I always wondered why any [true] African Christian went to church and prayed to a God so distant from them.”

Cecil lives near Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa. Cecil considered himself a religious man. As part of the sect that accept the Bible, but rejects Jesus, he and the people of his church didn’t use the word Christian to identify themselves or their church. Dressed in his white robe or shuka, he attended church every Saturday to pray. But who was he praying to?

Experiencing Jesus for the first time

“When I met Pastor Petiri, he explained to me that the Word of God is the same for everyone and that it stands forever,” Cecil continues. “At first, I didn’t believe him.” Pastor Petiri has been trained by Bible League International to share the Gospel and encourage new believers.

As he studied with Pastor Petiri, Cecil experienced a change. “I felt the Word of God cutting deep into me for the first time,” he says. He saw the truth: Jesus is his Savior and Lord!

Taking God at His Word

Cecil was so excited that he began telling everyone in his church about his new relationship with Jesus. “I was so glad when the church leadership agreed to have Bible study programs from Bible League International!” he says. “Now, I have my own Bible. It is a thrilling experience to have God’s Word every time I feel the need for Him.”

Watch an exclusive video on You Tube to hear first-hand what African Christians in Zimbabwe really need.

Your prayers for every African Christian throughout Zimbabwe—and indeed every African Christian on the continent—are needed! Know that God truly hears you when you speak to him. He promises that His Word will not return to us void.