The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe has been in turmoil in the past two years than at any stage in its history in the country.
I am not Christian and I hope this disclaimer will help.
It means I do not subscribe to either faction and have been questioning the Christology of their activities, without fear or favour. It means I am an outsider, reading from the terraces.
Today, I climb down the terraces to wade into the murky waters. I am there deep in it in a manner that going back is as good as going forward. I have observed this narrative for long.
It is fact not fiction that the current stand-off in AFM is not about anything, but wealth, wealth and wealth.
It is gospreneurship, the art of making money from the word of God. It is a complex struggle to amass wealth, which a few leaders and their cronies have enjoyed over the years, plundered and invested in private business and property.
Today, some who have been in the top echelons of the AFM run chain stores, own an array of moveable and immovable property.
Suffice to say the gloves are off in a fight that defines constitutionalism, religion and religiosity, the art and the belief; the belief and the execution of the belief, wealth and how to access wealth from the church.
Here, the church is no longer the church, but a means to an end, a means to earthly prosperity.
The fad of our time in AFM is that the wheels of lust and plunder have reared their ugly face, turning and turning; turning and turning, again and again, through deep-rooted but calculated factionalism, mudslinging and back biting — all as a means to gain access to the church’s wealth.
While many congregants engrossed themselves in the Bible, unbeknown to them, some have been spinning wealth, wealth and wealth.
A pastor in Bikita, for instance, would get harurwa (stink bugs) as appreciation, one in Dande would get masawu (wild fruits), but one in a plush Harare parish would get three of the latest cars as appreciation, plus scores of thousands of dollars.
The appreciation is two-pronged.
There is appreciation given to the pastor’s wife, which comes in cash, groceries and vehicles. There is appreciation for the pastor himself, which comes in mainly cash and cars.
The initial thinking on the appreciation was that a pastor’s wife receives and hosts many children of the church, seeking solace or refuge to the word, and therefore needs to feed and house them for that period.
But soon it was commercialised.
The timbre of it all is that the top church leaders started positioning their cronies into well-paying parishes at the expense of the word.
Each pastor placed at the well-oiled parish would also tithe to the leadership.
In the final deployment matrix, those who did not have good relations with the leadership were deployed to “poor” parishes.
The fight at the moment is for those who have been closed outside for too long to also gain power and have access to the wealth.
The other faction has been for the idea of having all pastors get a generic salary and benefits, which is not going down well with those who have been benefiting.
It is wrong to say that at least generic salaries or uniform benefits would save the word from gospreneurs, masquerading as pastors and reverends, masquerading as true men of the cloth.
There is a clique demanding an audit of the past regime and that in effect would open a can of worms. But there is need for not only an audit of the church books, but a real lifestyle audit of the leaders, past and present.
The word of God has been abused left, right and centre.
AFM has become a wealth spinning venture. It is fact that some church leaders have more cars than their fingers. They have more cars and houses than the verses of the Bible they can recite.
They know more about how to make money from the church than how to convert people to the church.
Many progressive thinkers within the church now have more questions than answers. It is no longer clear when the church is the church?
When is the church about the word and not money? At what stage is the church a wealth- spinning venture?
When all is said and done, those getting the creepy-crawlies in Bikita and those getting free-falling masawu in Dande might remain closed out while others amass wealth in plush suburbs and rich parishes.
The top echelons of the church locally and internationally can claim to have solved the problem in Zimbabwe, but that can only be a dream.
The fight will remain until there is even distribution of wealth in the church.
It is no longer a church, but The Church. The Business. The wealth-spinning venture.
Info News
Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Well-Being
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being that affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional burnout have become increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, financial pressure, social expectations, and digital overload.
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One major reason mental health awareness has grown is the recognition that emotional well-being affects physical health, relationships, and workplace productivity. Many organizations now provide mental health support programs, counseling services, and wellness initiatives to help employees manage stress effectively.
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Technology has expanded access to mental health resources through teletherapy platforms, meditation apps, and online counseling services. Social media campaigns and public awareness initiatives are helping reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges.
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However, barriers such as limited healthcare access, cultural stigma, and financial constraints still prevent many individuals from seeking help. Experts emphasize the importance of supportive communities, education, and professional mental health services in improving emotional well-being.
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Mental health awareness continues becoming a global priority as societies recognize the importance of emotional balance and psychological support for overall quality of life.
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Mortgage Refinancing: Lower Your Payments and Save More Over Time
Mortgage refinancing is one of the most effective financial strategies homeowners can use to reduce monthly payments, lower interest rates, or access home equity. By replacing your existing mortgage with a new loan that has better terms, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Whether you're looking for low interest mortgage rates, cash-out refinancing options, or fixed-rate home loans, understanding how refinancing works is essential before making a decision.
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Refinancing is especially popular when interest rates drop or when a homeowner’s credit score improves. Many borrowers take advantage of refinancing to switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage, providing long-term financial stability. Others use cash-out refinancing to tap into their home’s equity, allowing them to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or invest in other opportunities. While refinancing offers many benefits, it’s important to carefully evaluate your goals and financial situation to ensure it’s the right move.
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How Mortgage Refinancing Works
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When you refinance your mortgage, you essentially take out a new loan to pay off your existing one. The new loan comes with updated terms, including a new interest rate, repayment period, and monthly payment. Lenders will evaluate your financial profile, including your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and home value, to determine eligibility.
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The process typically involves submitting an application, providing documentation, and undergoing a home appraisal. Once approved, the new loan replaces your current mortgage, and you begin making payments under the new terms. Many homeowners search for best mortgage refinance lenders to ensure they secure the most favorable deal.
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Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage
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One of the biggest advantages of refinancing is the opportunity to secure a lower interest rate. Even a small reduction in your rate can lead to significant savings over time. Lower monthly payments can free up cash flow, making it easier to manage other financial responsibilities.
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Another benefit is the ability to shorten your loan term. For example, switching from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year loan allows you to pay off your home faster and reduce total interest costs. Additionally, cash-out refinancing gives homeowners access to funds for major expenses, often at lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards.
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When Is the Right Time to Refinance?
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Timing plays a critical role in refinancing decisions. Homeowners should consider refinancing when interest rates are significantly lower than their current rate. A general rule of thumb is that reducing your rate by at least 1% can make refinancing worthwhile.
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Improving your credit score can also help you qualify for better loan terms. If your financial situation has improved since you first obtained your mortgage, refinancing could provide substantial savings. Additionally, homeowners planning to stay in their property long-term are more likely to benefit from refinancing, as it takes time to recover closing costs.
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Costs and Considerations
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While refinancing offers many benefits, it’s important to consider the associated costs. These may include application fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs, which can range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Calculating your break-even point—the time it takes to recover these costs—is essential before proceeding.
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Borrowers should also be cautious about extending their loan term, as this can increase the total amount of interest paid over time. Working with a trusted mortgage refinancing company can help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision.
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Final Thoughts
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Mortgage refinancing can be a powerful tool for improving your financial situation, but it requires careful planning and research. By understanding the process, comparing lenders, and evaluating your long-term goals, you can make a decision that aligns with your needs. Whether you’re looking to reduce monthly payments or access equity, refinancing offers opportunities for greater financial flexibility.
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Financial experts recommend working with licensed mortgage lenders, certified financial advisors, and reputable home loan providers when considering refinancing options. Professional guidance ensures better loan terms and long-term financial stability.
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