Zimbabwean Day of Fellowship - Fitzalan High School - Sabbath 21 March 2009
Photos by John Surridge, Theo Gokah and others
Report on the Zimbabwe Day in Cardiff - 21 March 2009 - by Theophilus Gokah
"What Christians can learn from soccer fans" was the theme of Pastor Daniel Chihwai at the Zimbabwean Day of Fellowship, held at the Fitzalan High School in Cardiff on Sabbath 21 March 2009. The day was organised by South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF) in conjunction with ZUSDAF.
Pastor Chihwai traced the origin of the word "fan" to the Greek language where the original meaning was"fanatic". He wondered how many relationships would stand if spouses were first hand witnesses to the obsessed behaviour of their husbands during football matches. The irony of his message was that while the congregation was held spellbound by his analogy, next door to the venue was an on-going rugby match with enthusiastic cheering crowds of rugby fans.
Using the case of Apostle Paul and King Agrippa, Pastor Chihwai wished to see people in Britain obsessed because of Jesus. He reminded Christians that the best way to be rich is by forming a business partnership with Jesus. Those who think they can be rich by disregarding health principles and violating God's law are only "kicking against the pricks" and hurting their own bodies. Such will soon make another sojourn in wooden frames back to their countries of origin. Enumerating four lessons Christians can learn from football fans Pastor Chihwai drew the attention of Christians to the loyalty and faithfulness of 'fans'. They like to be identified with their club but many 'children of God' can not even be identified with the Bible. Fans are great spenders. They fly and book a hotel to watch their team play but many 'Christians' hardly support the work of God with enthusiasm. Football fans are loyal to their team. It does not matter if they are down by a goal, even if it is one minute to end of game they think their team will score two goals. Even after the match they talk about what would have been. Fans have strategy for recruiting new members but many Christians say it is too difficult to win souls in secular Britain.
The afternoon session featured traditional songs, praise and worship. There was time enough to pray for peace in Zimbabwe and God's intervention in the suffering faced by families in that country. If there is anything Christians will be favoured with it is knowing how to be a favourite child of God. The day of fellowship was privileged to learn the art of assuming this position by: practicing the presence of God; not being too busy for God but putting God first; not being too big for God; standing for God - for God will stand for those who stand for Him; and finally, knowing what is on the heart of God - evangelism.
Music was provided by Shepherd Quartet from Wolverhampton, Zimbabweans from Bristol, Birmingham and individuals from Cardiff.