A journey that started only as a dream for Apostle Dr Patience Itai Hove when she was merely nine years old has fully materialised to become a success story worth noting in the history of Zimbabwean religion.
A rose that grew up on a hunk of concrete, the Elshaddai Ministries International leader has defied all odds becoming the first female Bishop in the country and one of the leading transformational leaders to champion marginalised women and abused children.
“Zimbabwe has a patriarchal leadership and for me, it was difficult to fit in, let alone be heard,” she explained.
But history has taught us better that when women work together, amazing things happen. In that light, Apostle Hove bundled herself with like-minded women and together they were able to establish a faith institution to empower women.
“All this has changed as we are working with other women from other denominations,” she said.
Now, at 25 years, the para-church international organisation that she founded at 27 — mainly thrusted on women empowerment, building families and nation through prayer transformational — has grown to become a multinational phenomenon and has now spread its wings to also encompass all souls from across denominations to worship.
Currently, the interdenominational ministry is at an advanced stage of constructing a centre for orphans and marginalised women in Ruwa as part of its philanthropy efforts.
Well known as a spiritual clinic which focuses on teaching, counselling and training women, men and children, the ministry is based on Apostle Dr Hove’s theory of Gender Complementarity in which she advocates that both males and females should work together to achieve social and economic good.
She said in a statement,
“It was a massive movement of women, empowering them and encouraging them to know that they are special and teaching them that they can also do things independently of their husbands or even the patriarchal culture that is in Zimbabwe.
Elshaddai Ministries seeks to strengthen the administrative role of the woman in the home while supporting the father’s leadership as they bring up God-fearing children for the betterment of society.”
Last year, ardent about reviving her calling to unify and assist in the development of female Christians across the board, the Apostle Dr, who has authored up to thirty books concentrating on women issues, relaunched the Elshaddai Women’s Fellowship.
Such a feat deserve to be celebrated!
Thus on Saturday, August 24, Elshaddai Ministries Intl is throwing a big celebratory event to mark its silver jubilee at Transformational Centre in Ruwa.
Addressing journalists in Harare ahead of the celebrations on Wednesday last week, the cleric said the event is expected to draw guests and delegates from across the country and globe.
The outdoor jamboree will provide networking opportunities, food and music for worshippers.
Said Apostle Hove;
“We will be having visitors from abroad and here in Africa who will attend the celebrations. The programmes starts at 2 PM with music, entertainment and networking as well as food.”
Among those billed to perform at the 25th Anniversary are high-riding gospel musician Mathias Mhere and Pastor Olinda Marowa.
All are invited, and the event is free to all.
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