A Celebration of the Love Zimbabwe Festival
A United Church, A Bold Proclamation
One of the most extraordinary elements of this campaign was the level of national Church unity. As Pastor Mafukidze, Chairman of the Festival Steering Committee, noted:
“This festival was a collaborative effort of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ), and the Union for Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches (UDACIZA), among others, in partnership with Palau’s Global Network of Evangelists (GNE).”
That unity created the foundation for everything that followed—a tangible answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21: “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
This visible unity became a powerful witness to the Gospel itself, reminding us that when the Church is united in Christ, the world takes notice—and lives are changed. Palau is committed to proclaiming the Good News, uniting the Church and activating believers worldwide—because sharing the Gospel is the most loving thing we can do.
A Strong Foundation
Our impact in Chinhoyi didn’t begin on the stage—it started in living rooms, classrooms, and churches across the region. Long before the lights and sound checks, a different kind of preparation was underway: equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). Through a series of intentional gatherings—including the Leader & Pastor Launch, the Festival Launch, the RENEW gathering, and the Evangelism Masterclass—we saw more than 2,400+ leaders trained and inspired across eight key events.
One highlight was the Evangelism Masterclass, where we equipped pastors and evangelists with GNE thumb drives packed with world-class resources from Palau’s Evangelist Network—videos, Advance Guides, gospel tools, and digital outreach content designed to multiply impact long after the festival.
We also trained thousands of churches to mobilize their congregations and prepare for follow-up. Festival Worker Training sessions prepared volunteers to serve effectively on the ground, from counseling to hospitality.Now, we’re launching Advance Groups in the region—creating ongoing peer-led communities of evangelists committed to growing together—and working with churches to begin Alpha as a discipleship follow-up. These are not just events—they are seeds of long-term Gospel transformation, which forms the basis of our vision at Palau. What we build now will continue to bear fruit in lives, churches, and communities across Zimbabwe.
One Message, Many Expressions
As Jesus used boats, hillsides, and wells, so too did our team use every tool possible to make Christ known.
This Gospel festival was anything but conventional—and every part mattered.
Whether it was Kubamba and DJ ACE raising up a local Hype Crew and creative ministry team, Al Johnson thrilling crowds with football stunts and personal testimonies, Ben Jack delivering Gospel clarity through creative (and bouncy) sets, BMX riders from Brazil and South Africa transforming ramps into pulpits, or worship leaders and artists like Tembalami, Cypres, JIMO and CJay ushering in God’s presence—each ministry brought heaven to earth in their own way.
Through the talents and sacrifice of evangelists like Alpha Hayward, Paul Durham, PJ Meduri, and Mike Silva, the Gospel was faithfully and powerfully shared. PJ’s mobile outreach yielded incredible stories—like the man who was stirred by Friday’s message, and came to faith the next day after hearing Ben Jack preach in the market. Another man—at a separate rally—testified to being impacted by PJ’s message at the main festival, then gave his life to Jesus at the mobile outreach. “One sows, another reaps—but God gives the increase.” (1 Cor 3:6–8)
Lindi exemplified bold, joyful witness—leading in street evangelism, contributing at the Women’s Summit, and uplifting our team with grace and passion. African Enterprise missioners went door-to-door, business-to-business, carrying the Good News with love. Many thanks to Brian for coordinating all this! Daniel Simon’s ramps and production contribution offered excellence money could not buy. And every training planted seeds of transformation that will remain forever.
We also want to honor the emerging generation of leaders who served with such energy, humility, and passion. Elizabeth Martiz, Sam Twine, Zack Robinson, Andriana Topatsi, and Claudia Keyworth modeled a Gospel courage that inspired us all. Their bold witness, deep love for their generation, and contagious faith were vital to the campaign’s impact. They carried the torch beautifully—and we urge them to bring more of their generation to pour out their lives for Christ. The future of evangelism needs you.
This Festival wasn’t built by individuals—but by a team. Rooted in love. Driven by faith. United in mission.
Thank you. This is only the beginning.
Stories That Stay With Us
We’ve gathered a growing collection of short testimonies from pastors, volunteers, and new believers who were impacted during the festival week. They’re raw, powerful, and full of God’s grace.
Watch the short testimonies here.
Note: A full video summary report is currently being finalized—we’ll be sharing it soon!
Gratitude for an Incredible Team
One of the most powerful lessons from Jesus’ ministry is that He never worked alone. He called the twelve, sent out the seventy-two, and built His mission around community. Luis Palau often reminded us that “Great evangelistic impact is never the result of one person—but of many working together for one purpose.” This Festival lived out that legacy of team-driven evangelism.
It was Bryce’s leadership that directed the Festival from start to finish, bringing clarity and helping execute every element. Ed’s relational wisdom and faithfulness opened doors throughout Chinhoyi—ensuring that this wasn’t just an event, but a movement of collaboration. Karen gave voice to the story, shaping communications and social media that inspired and informed people across the globe. Behind the lens, Jessica and Denver captured the moments we’ll remember for years, allowing the world to witness the impact. Heather brought strength through structure—handling critical admin support, MOUs, and data tracking with excellence. Walter and the entire business team made sure payments were processed without delay, keeping everything moving. The creative department poured tireless hours into the website, designs, and all the promotional tools that helped tell the story. Lindsey served quietly but faithfully behind the scenes, offering vital admin support every step of the way.
On the ground in Zimbabwe, TJ, Walter, and Saliya were the hands and feet of our mission—executing with precision, care, and cultural wisdom. Our sincere condolences to Walter as he mourns the loss of his wife, who went home during the festival week. We mourn with him!
Each one of you lived out Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:9: “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” This festival was built not by individuals, but by a team—rooted in love, driven by faith, and united in mission.
What’s Next?
We’re heading into a season of bold Gospel advance. Here’s what’s coming, pray for us:
-
- BorderLight Festival – Musina (reaching truck drivers, migrants, and locals at the
Zimbabwe–South Africa border): End of July 2025 - Gweru Festival: August 18–24
- Bulawayo Festival: August 25 – September 1
- Simuka (meaning arise) Youth Activation (mobilizing youth in 30+ towns for
evangelism, prayer, and service): August 12 - Frontier Mission to Binga (reaching one of Zimbabwe’s most unreached regions in
partnership with Salvation to the Nations, among others): September
- BorderLight Festival – Musina (reaching truck drivers, migrants, and locals at the
Keep updated on Instagram and Facebook.
Pray with Us: 300,000 Gospel Touchpoints
Chinhoyi confirmed it—Zimbabwe is ready. Let’s trust God to do immeasurably more.
Thank you for your courage, creativity, humility, and Gospel fire. Keep preaching. Keep sowing. Keep serving.
“And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
— Romans 10:14
We love you. Let’s keep proclaiming.
With joy and gratitude,
Desmond & the GNE Lead Team
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]