GWERU — In a remarkable demonstration of faith and transformation, 87 workers from Tebekwe Mine were baptized on Easter Saturday at the Brethren in Christ Mkoba South Church in Mkoba 11, Gweru.
The mass baptism, held on the eve of Easter Sunday, saw the mine employees, along with 14 others, publicly commit their lives to Christianity. The workers attributed their decision to the strong religious influence of the mine’s directors.
Speaking shortly after emerging from the baptismal pool, several workers described the event as a deliberate departure from their past wrongs.
“This baptism is a sign of true repentance. We are adopting Christian lives and transforming our way of living,” said one worker, Isaah Kapedzi. He added, “Our directors live by the Gospel. Seeing their example opened our eyes. Today, we are new creations.”
Another employee, Innocent Rugodho, expressed that being baptized had strengthened his faith and commitment to leading a Christian life.
“I used to love drinking and partying without any real sense of direction, but since coming to work at Tebekwe Mine, I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life and am now living positively,” said David Mushangwe. “Today is a significant day in my life as it has renewed me, and I am grateful to Tebekwe Mine and this church (Brethren in Christ) for bringing us together in this manner,” he added.
The Mine’s Manager, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Group, Ambassador Professor Smelly Dube, noted that the day was particularly special for the company, which upholds strong Christian values instilled by its founders.
“This day is significant for me, as it represents the culmination of our efforts at Tebekwe Mine, where we hold regular church services on Sundays and invite the pastor to preach. We planned for the workers to be baptized during the Easter holiday, which is why they are here today,” she stated.
She continued, “Many of these workers who came to be baptized used to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana to a degree that it affected our work operations. Most of them are young, so we ensure that they are guided on a path that helps them adopt Christian values, transforming them into more responsible adults.”
Ambassador Dube emphasized that she and her husband, Engineer Dr. Mncedisi Dube, the Group’s Chairman, are devoted Christians, which influences their approach to leading a company that embodies religious lifestyles. She commended the Tebekwe Mine workers for choosing to adopt Christian values and participating in the baptism in such large numbers.
Church leaders at the Brethren in Christ Mkoba South Church confirmed that this was one of the largest mass baptisms they have conducted at the branch. Reverend Trust Marumure, a church leader, stated that the event demonstrated the unifying power of religion in people’s lives.
“Today, I am incredibly joyful, as this is a unique occasion for the Mkoba South Church, in conjunction with the Shurugwi branch, baptizing more than 90 people in one service. This is a sign of God’s work, and I am proud to witness it,” he said.
He added that baptism is an important process, symbolizing being ‘reborn’ by embracing Christian values and faith.
To conclude the uplifting service, which included song, dance, and a powerful sermon, all congregants were treated to breakfast and lunch by the River Valley Group Directors, Engineer Dube and Ambassador Dube.
The Easter Saturday service, attended by hundreds of congregants and mine officials, ended with prayers for the newly baptized, who vowed to uphold Christian values both at work and within their communities.
