Churches Unite to Confront Drug Menace at Love Zimbabwe Festival

By Loyd Matare

Members of the Christian community have joined hands in an act to unite the nation and fight the scourge of drugs and substance abuse, setting aside denominational differences to deliver a powerful message of hope and transformation.

This comes after Evangelist Andrew Palau received a warm welcome to lead the official Love Zimbabwe Festival, a gathering set to unite communities across the nation and help fight against drugs and substance abuse amongst youths.

The three-day event, running from September 26 to 28 at the Zimbabwe Grounds, will feature gospel music, sports, youth activities, and personal testimonies from people who have beaten addiction.

The Luis Palau Association (LPA), in collaboration with Zimbabwe’s leading church mother bodies—the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Union for the Development of the Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe in Africa (UDACIZA), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) have come together to host what is being described as the largest gathering: the Love Zimbabwe Festival.

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Speaking during a press conference in Harare yesterday, Father Johannes Maseko said the festival would provide not only a spiritual gathering but also a platform for healing and testimonies.

“In terms of addressing drug and substance abuse, this will be an opportunity for people to come and share their stories.

“As you heard from Evangelist Palau himself, he moved from being someone under the influence of drugs to the responsible person he is today.

“It is a message of hope if others have overcome, it is possible for anyone to do the same,” he said.

He added that the festival would promote positive alternatives for young people.

“There will be sober entertainment to show that celebration does not mean intoxication, especially for the youth.

“We also want to empower young people with a sense of purpose, self-value, and responsibility. Often, drug abuse stems from idleness or an attempt to escape reality.

“We want to remind them that they are special in the eyes of God and capable of living beyond the grip of drugs.”

Evangelist Andrew Palau, who has openly shared his journey from drug abuse to faith, echoed the message of unity and transformation.

“If you hear nothing else today, know this God loves you,” Palau said, stressing that the festival is meant for the entire city, not just the church community.

He added that global Christian networks are standing with Zimbabwe during its fight against substance abuse.

“Thousands around the world are praying for Zimbabwe. We want every young person to know the hope and transformation we have found in knowing Jesus Christ,” he said, urging families to bring young people to the event.

Bishop David Chigamba emphasised that the festival is designed as more than a one-off event.

“The first goal is for the church to unite together. The second is for the church to reach out to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This is the beginning of a long-term campaign,” he said.