Welcome to BICC Lobengula
Growing God's Church!
Welcome to BICC Lobengula
Growing God's Church!
December Convention: 2024
December 2024
Since the year 2003 we have been holding what is today dubbed THE DECEMBER CONVENTION. At the start this gathering was a Local Youth Camp. In the year 2008 the then Youth Leadership decided to convert the camps to a local conference which was named Youth Convention. 10 years down the line the Convention was rebranded THE DECEMBER CONVENTION. The idea behind that was incorporating the non-youth membership of the church who had the impression these meetings were meant for young people only.
2024 THEME: This year’s gathering is held under the theme: “Experience liberty through The Spirit” with 2 Corinthians 3:17as the scripture upon which it is based on. This year’s church theme has been, “Christ: setting the captives free” Luke 4:18. The message is and has been that Jesus Christ was anointed by God that them that are bound in whatever way by whatever it may be; experience freedom. The message continues as we bring down the 2024 curtain by looking at liberty that comes through The Spirit. Liberty is like a bird that is being let loose to fly, from the restrictions of a cage. The bird has been set free (enlightened to its potential and capacity) but has no liberty to experience or tap into that potential. So in this convention we are anticipating that through The Spirit we experience:
- a release of potential,
- a breaking forth,
- a stepping up,
- a new level beyond the norm
WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s edition which will be held in five days (04 to 08 December 2024) will start on a Wednesday and end on Sunday.
- The Experience Sessions: We look to four nights of power-packed sessions which will have prayer, praise and worship and the ministry of the word of God. Jesus promises to be amongst those two or three that are gathered in His name…we are anticipating moments of experiencing God’s life-changing presence.
- Business: On Saturday business persons and those aspiring to do business will have an opportunity to hear an inspirational life story of one man that has seen the grace of God who took him from the very lowest and today is one of the successful business persons around. A lively informative and empowering plenary session will be held where various business concepts will be explored. The Group Chairman of Elgiboh Group of Companies – Mr. Kholakele Ngwenya, a devoted Christian business man and a member of Brethren In Christ Church – Entumbane branch with the key note speaker.
- Youth Sunday: This convention is hosted by the youth ministry and on Sunday (the last day) young people lead the service from morning intercession to the speaker of the day! The past years we have seen these Sunday services becoming so lively, full of energy and life as the young people lead the church to worshipping God. Miss Vanessa Moyo – one of the rising youth ministers who is passionate about ministry and is an eloquent preacher of God’s word will be the minster for the day.
THE SPEAKERS: The Youth Pastor who is the Host for this gathering will be one of the speakers along with Apostle Judge Dube of Wealthy Word International and Mrs. Cynthia Netha from New Life For All ..
Pastor Maqhawenkosi Mhlanga
Pastor Maqhawenkosi Mhlanga
Conference Host
Youth Pastor – BICC Lobengula
A seasoned preacher/teacher of the word of God who has been serving in the ministry for more than 15 years. Pastor MaQ as he is affectionately known is a Conference speaker and a Producer of THE LIVING WORD and preacher at an online Radio Station.
Mrs. Cynthia Netha
Mrs. Cynthia Netha
New Life For All Fellowship
Mrs. Cynthia Netha is a vibrant preacher of God’s word. She is a conference speaker of note who speaks a message of hope and encouragement to the body of Christ. Mrs Netha is serving together with her husband as the Youth Pastors in the NLFA Church.
Apostle Judge Dube
Apostle Judge Dube
Wealthy Word International Ministries
Apostle Judge Dube is the Founder & Senior Pastor at Wealthy Word International Ministries. He is a great teacher of the word with a strong Prophetic motivation. Many have received healing & deliverance as the Holy Spirit moves through him with signs, miracles and wonders. Apostle Judge as he is affectionately known, is a Banker by profession, he has a great grace upon his life to teach about finances as well.
BUSINESS EXPO 2022 -
Photo shows the Organising Committee Chairperson Mrs Ntando Ndlovu (centre) discussing proceedings with attendants at the Expo 2022
December 2022
One of the key result areas in the church is Business and Finance. This is an area that focuses on growing the church financially. One strategy in place is that of growing individual members through empowerment programmes like Business Expos. An inaugural Business Expo was held where a wide range of products and services were showcased. These included service industry, agriculture, manufacturing, sales and marketing and construction to mention but a few. This was the first of its kind in the church and during an interview Mrs Ntando Ndlovu (the Organising Committee Chairperson) had this to say; “…we usually separate business from our everyday worship but this time we said this is a part of worship afterall it is God who gives us the power to make wealth”. Organising such an event was a culmination of a process that began with several lessons being held online for the church. Many members have since established their businesses post this expo and more activities are lined up in the coming year.
LICENSING OF REV. S. -
Photo shows the Historic Licensing of the first female minister in BICC. Rev. Smangaliso Ncube standing with her husband Ndabenhle Ncube
December 2022
One that we would cap it all is the licensing of Pastor Simangaliso Ncube. During this year’s General Conference in August the church witnessed the first ever licensing of a female Pastor in the Brethren in Christ in Zimbabwe. For BICC Lobengula this was a proud pioneering moment as we witnessed our very own Pastor take her vows to the office of Reverend.
Rev. S. Ncube has been serving at BICC Lobengula as a full time Pastor before being licensed. Asked during an interview post her licensing how she balances between being a pastor, wife and mother, she had this to say… “when I am home I do the home roles…when I come to church I serve not alone but with my husband…”. Being a female Pastor and married at the same time is one set up that seems a challenge but for Rev. S it is an issue of understanding roles. More responsibilities have now been added to Rev. S. Ncube of which some of those she has been doing like conducting burials and memorials services. The church has shown much support to her and this has made her work of ministry in the church be more effective to the glory of God.
MAGWEGWE NORTH PREACHING POINT -
Photo shows the 13th of November 2022 saw the opening of a new Preaching Point at Magwegwe North, Bulawayo
December 2022
A long standing objective has finally been achieved!
Opening another branch as BICC Lobengula has been a long standing goal and praise be to God in 2022 that has been achieved. In the picture are the members of, for now, BICC Magwegwe North Preaching Point taking a photo after the first Sunday service on the 13th of November 2022.
The procedure is such that after a year a review is done and the church is officially given an organized church status. A number of members especially those residing within the Magwegwe North vicinity were invited to voluntarily consider being part of the new preaching point. Those make up the majority of the Sunday service attendants whilst efforts are in place to reach out to new members who are mostly residents within the vicinity. Many thanks to the family that has offered their premises to host the Sunday services whilst the administration pursues the acquiring of land to build a church structure.
April 2022
As 1 Timothy 2:1-4 says,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”. NIV
We find ourselves living in a world plagued by crisis one after another. Among many issues there is a political crisis that has impacted the globe. We are encouraged to pray for the Russians and the people of Ukraine, that they may find each other and that there may be peace, such that the citizens and even the International community would be enabled to live quiet lives in all Godliness.
Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”
The above scriptures admonish us as the church to PRAY!
- Prayer is a responsibility
- Prayer is a mandate
- Prayer is a duty for all believers
We join with the world and make our requests for UKRAINE made known unto God. We call upon God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving for peace and tranquility.
LET US PRAY…
“Lord, we pray for peace and justice for your people. May the leaders of both countries submit to your will and reconsider their fights driven by pride, greed and futile human glory” Amen
“Heavenly Father we come before you. You are great and Awesome. You are faithful in our lives Lord and you watch over your Word to perform it. Your promises are yes and amen. Yes, Lord the Keeper of Israel who never sleeps or slumber. You are watching over us and over nations, Oh Jehovah”.
“We remember at this time Russia and Ukraine dear Lord. We join hands with nations to pray for them. We pray for peace to reign in your people not violence. May the neighbouring countries participate in fostering peace and not promote war. Calm down the raging storm Oh God that is within the heart of all the leaders. May those who speak peace break through their hearts. Holy Spirit of God work through their hearts. May they find in their hearts at this moment to seek for mutual understanding for the sake of the children, the women, the elderly and all the affected people”.
We thank You Lord for being the God who is so near to us when we pray.
This we pray in Jesus name!
Amen
The Disciple-Making Church
January 2022
Greetings Brethren, we are excited that we are in 2022
We thank God for His grace that is sufficient for us in the middle of the global pandemic.
Allow me to present to you the theme for the year 2022…
‘THE DISCIPLE-MAKING CHURCH’ - This is according to Matthew 28:18-20 which says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV. This is the church’s’ mandate given by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. The big question is, are we living up to that mandate as the church? It is like we are doing the opposite. Jesus said ‘Go ye therefore, but we are saying come ye therefore we will minister to you’. We are now called the ‘Come and Sit’ church because we have lost our mandate of making disciples.
Many times we like to identify ourselves with the organisation more than Jesus Christ’s command to the church. May I ask you a question, why do you go to church? We have many reasons, but allow me to give you four,
1. We come to church for fellowship
2. Bible Study
3. Pray together
4. Lastly, that we encourage each other to go out to make more disciples.
This should be a continuous life circle of the church. Disciples are taught to obey the scriptures.
According to Matthew 28: Jesus commanded us to baptize those who believe immediately and that they go out and share their testimony about what Jesus has done for them. It is like, if you are discipling someone, whether you are a man or woman, you are commanded to baptize that disciple.
I hope this will make us move away from our comfort zones.
May I challenge you as we begin the year that our purpose of existence as the church is to make disciples and not just to be card carrying members who are more concerned about the church programmes more than the lost souls. Yes, it is good to be a full card-carrying member but making disciples is at the core of the church.
What would be your New Year’s resolution concerning the sinners?
God bless you!
It's Christ-time again!
December 2021
Once again, by God’s grace, we have reached that time of the year where we remember, commemorate and or celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Luke, the author of the book of Luke, gives us an account of what transpired leading to the birth of Jesus. This account is preceded by the story of the birth of the to-be for-runner of Jesus, John. Some similarities are noted from the two stories. For example, both parents are visited by an Angel - 1:11, 28; they both have questions concerning what the angel is saying to them, 1:18, 1:34, they both were in right standing with God – 1:6, 1:27. An important lesson is learnt from this…God requires us to be upright and in right standing with Him, for him to work in and through our lives.
Christmas is that time of the year, for some, where parties are organised, people let loose and put their guard down and ‘celebrate’ whilst for some it’s a public holiday – an opportune time to rest. Whilst that may be; it is important to note that Christmas is more than mere time to rest or celebrate but it is about Christ. It is about recognising that Jesus Christ was born so He may save man from sin.
The Holy Spirit in the birth of Christ
Further to that, we see the role of The Holy Spirit in Christ’s birth. This is important to note especially considering that this year 2021, as a church our theme was focusing on The Holy Spirit – ‘A church that is filled with The Holy Spirit’. In the birth of John, we hear that, “for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth” v15. So, His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were filled with The Holy Spirit and that is a significant encounter in the life of every believer. It is significant because Christs’ coming to this earth through the virgin Mary was God’s intervention plan. And, as Pastor Glen Ncube puts it, ‘God’s intervention involves men’s participation’. So Mary was used by God to bring about God’s intervention to reality. For that to be possible, the Holy Spirit had to empower Mary! At some point, she was not sure how it was to be possible for her to conceive without ‘knowing’ a man, and she asked the angel; “How shall it be, since I am a virgin?”. The angel responded with a key answer and said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…”. This is a key answer to us even today.
The truth of the work of The Holy Spirit in the life of Christ is not a mere indisputable reality but has an unending effect to our walk of faith even today! The truth that Jesus was born of a virgin woman is an indisputable truth that has stood the test of time over the years and at the centre of that great God-work is The Holy Spirit! Just as he was working behind the scenes during creation, He is the one that was at work at incarnation and the same Spirit that not only brought Jesus to earth, raised Christ. The same Spirit who is working in me is the same Holy Spirit who is working in you! He is quickening our mortal bodies and thank God we have Christmas today – thank God we have Jesus Christ born in our midst because of The Holy Spirit!
May this year’s Christmas be a time to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s work not only in Jesus’ birth but his work in your life too!
Wishing you all a Merry Christ-time and a productive 2022!
WELCOME Rev. S.
Figure 1 shows the Senior Pastor of BICC Lobengula Rev. Siphetho & Mrs Sikhanyisiwe Dube as they pause for a photo after the welcome Ceremony
On the 31st of December 2019 marked the retirement of Reverend Albert Ndlovu (Gegana) who had served the church so effectively as the Senior Pastor for over 30years. This meant the resumption of a critical process of searching for a substantial successor. Rev. Milson Ndlovu assumed the position on an acting capacity from the 1st of January 2020 to 31stMarch 2020. The church prayerfully and being guided by The Holy Spirit in adherence to the provisions of the church constitution, undertook to identify a suitable candidate that would take the church further building from where Rev. Gegana had left of. On the 1st of April 2020 Reverend Siphetho Dube who had been the Overseer for Matopo District was appointed as the Pastor for BICC Lobengula.
As a way of welcoming him and his family officially the church planned to hold a Welcome and Installation Ceremony scheduled for the month of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, church gatherings were suspended and government put in place lockdowns to help contain the spread of the pandemic in the country. This therefore meant the postponement of this occasion. Later when the situation was at a manageable stage, the lockdown restrictions were loosened allowing gatherings to occur. To that effect the church then set Sunday the 7th of November 2021 to hold this important occasion.
In attendance were Rev. S. family, Bishop Sindah Ngulube (who officiated the ceremony), Overseer Andrea Sibindi (who gave the word for the day), several Ordained ministers, members of the General Conference Board, visitors from other churches and the congregants. The programme also had music by some of the local church groups, Poem by Mrs. Mavis Sibanda, the commissioning of the Pastor’s Vehicle and lunch to cap the day. As a way of response Rev S. Dube shared with the attendants the strategic direction the church is looking forward to take in the coming 5 years. In his speech he highlighted the theme of the church which is “A growing church for the coming Lord”.
He outlined the key result areas which are
- Church growth
- Leadership
- Church assets
- Business and Finance
- Social responsibility
- Networking and partnership.
His presentation was received with much appreciation by the congregation who had earlier expressed commitment to support and work together with him in the form of taking vows. Much prayer and commitment will see the church grow towards becoming “a growing church for the coming Lord” under the new leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Siphetho Dube.
2020 - 2021 Chairperson's Report
Dr. LillieBeth Hadebe - Chairperson of the Main Church Committee 2021
1. Introduction
I greet you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
· We would like to thank the Lord for His protection during the course of the year in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. We remember our dear brethren who have gone to be with the Lord during the course of the year. All is God’s will hence we steadfastly continue to worship the Lord even at a time as this. The joy of it all is that the Almighty continues to shepherd us and here we are today wrapping up our calendar year with thanksgiving and gratitude.
· We thank you brethren for this opportunity given to us to present the 2020-2021 Main Church report.
· The 2019-2020 report was presented to the Main Church Committee, representing the Congregational Council, during the heavy 2020 lockdown period.
· May we take cognisance of the fact that the first term for the committee stretched to three years due to postponement of all elections by the Head Office. During that time Mr. Smile Dube, a committee member requested to step down as a member of the committee. Realizing the long period to the next election, the Main Committee guided by the Nominations Committee elected Mr. Mpumelelo Ncube in his place.
· I would like to thank all members of the Main Church Committee, Ministerial committee and deacons included, for all the work done and accomplished during the year. Your dedication to the Lord’s work despite all competing tasks and responsibilities is greatly appreciated today and always.
2. 2020/2021 Accomplished Tasks
· The Main Church Committee managed to physically sit for all the meetings for the year. This was led by the demands of Covid-19 where close monitoring over and above new and relevant decisions had to be done in line with circumstantial changes of the time.
· The Strategic Document was finalized, endorsed and rolled out as an official guiding document in June 2020 for the period of 2020-2025. The Strategic Document is presented under the following themes:
- Church Growth
- Leadership and Development
- Social Responsibility
- Church Assets
- Business and Finance
Leadership and Church Employees
· Reverend Siphetho Dube and Sikhanyisiwe Dube assumed duty as Senior Pastors of BICC Lobengula. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dube Family was presented to the church through a letter and they are yet to be officially presented to the Congregation by the Overseer’s Office.
· Maqhawenkosi Mhlanga, a TCZ Student was on attachment in the church from January 2020 to December 2020. The church would like to thank him greatly for his commitment towards all church programmes.
· On 20 October 2020, the congregation passed on the tractor gift to the retired Senior Pastor Rev Albert Ndlovu and family as fulfillment of a pledge made in 2019. The trailer was also presented after a few recommended adjustments. We wish to thank The Congregation for the wonderful job accomplished.
· Pastor Simangaliso Ncube, who was a student at Fuller Theological Seminary in USA, graduated in flying colours with a Master of Global Leadership. Congratulations to her.
Church Services.
· All church services were held as planned and brethren were revived during the difficult times. The theme for 2020 was ‘A Church that loves God and people’, Mark 12:29-31. In 2021 the theme is ‘A church that is filled with the Holy Spirit’, Ephesians 5:18.
· An online branch of the Media Department was introduced to cater for all online services in the church. Maqhawenkosi Mhlanga was requested to be the coordinator of that branch for the 2021/2022 period
· The church managed to conduct online services for all special interest groups; children, teenagers, youths, young couples, women’s ministry, men’s’ fellowship. The services included revivals and special group’s services, morning devotions, Easter services and economic empowerment services.
· Physical church services were also held in line with the government regulations and in the period of May 2021 the church was holding 6 services, using both halls as follows:
- 1st services- 8:00 -9:00am
- 2nd services- 9:30- 10:30 am
- 3rd services- 10:45-11:45 am
All congregants were free to attend these services.
Online Programmes
· In pursuit of the Networking and Partnership theme, BICC Lobengula website was launched world-wide on 2 December 2020. This was made possible through networking with brethren across the globe. The Website page is https://bicclobengula.com
· The website page was presented to the local congregation on 20 December 2020 and fellow brethren are encouraged to continually visit the page so that it is kept active.
Financial Matters
· All obligatory congregational payments were made and the church remains proudly up to date in all its financial obligations in this difficult time. However, it has to be noted that all prices and salaries continue to rise hence calling for greater support from the church. We would like to thank dear brethren for giving generously in offering and tithes in order to sustain the church’s financial obligations.
· The church is working towards opening a church branch in Magwegwe North under the church growth theme.
· To fulfill the theme of spreading the word of God, we managed to secure a loan and purchase a vehicle, Toyota Voxy, for the senior pastor. The congregation is, therefore, invited to assist in paying back the loan. We sincerely thank fellow brethren for the pledges already made towards this cause with a hope of paying back the loan by July 2021.
· The church continued to fruitfully work with other philanthropic organizations to fulfill the Social Responsibility theme and benefit needy school children. It is with great pleasure to announce that most of the supported school children did well in their November examinations. Such organisations include Forgotten Voices, Birmingham Men’s Fellowship, Open Door Ministries and other church individual members. However, the Forgotten Voices support comes to an end in December 2021
Work plans for 2021
· A service for the official welcome of Rev Siphetho Dube as directed by the Overseer’s office is yet to be done. The service was planned for the month of June 2021.
· The stolen borehole pump shall be replaced in line with the insurance coverage.
· Tiling the whole church.· Solar project plans sought and received and being studied towards implementation, funds permitting.· Starting a cattle fattening project to raise funds for the churchv Word of encouragement
· Needy children- There are needy children in the church and with the current Covid- 19 situation where a number of people have lost their jobs the number continues to increase. Brethren are encouraged to donate in cash and kind in order to assist such learners.
· The needy basket - is always there in the church for food items and clothing to assist the needy.
· All members invited to contribute US$5 towards the 2021 conference.
Concluding remarks
· On behalf of the Main Church Committee, I would like to thank all individuals and groups who have made all these tasks possible. We thank the congregants who have remained faithful in giving their offerings and tithes. We continue to encourage members to come up with finance ideas so that we can be able to finance church projects.
· May I also extend our sincere gratitude as a church to the Church Administrator and the Caretaker who kept the church clean and accessible during Covid-19 time, hence facilitating fulfillment of all the needed church programmes.
· Let us continue to work in one accord in order to fulfill our initial church mandate of spreading the Gospel.
· We thank the Almighty for His wonderful love and support. 1 Corinthians 15: 57-58
May the Lord bless us all.
Thank you
Dr LillieBeth Hadebe
Main Church Committee Chairperson
- 30/06/2021