Collen Makumbirofa
The Zimbabwean

The Foundation of Reason and Justice has joined Zimbabwean Christians to declare April 18 an international Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe.

“The Zimbabwean government is in a vicious war with its law-abiding citizens. All opposition gatherings including prayer meetings have been banned. Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has survived so many attempts to end his life; the latest one was on 11 March 2007,” says the organisation in a recent statement.

In addition to being Zimbabwe’s Independence Day, April 18 is the day on which, way back in 1521, the Christian reformer Martin Luther stood firm before Emperor Charles V saying, “My conscience is captive to the word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen!” This speech shook the world.

Historically Christian reformers have always been at the forefront of the struggle against corruption, tyranny of unbelievers and moral decadence. In the book of Isaiah the prophet started his ministry by denouncing social evils and corruption on the market place. Biblical tyrants were removed by God’s people and punished for their crimes in accordance with the Word of God.

“We call upon people all over the world to pray fervently for Zimbabwe on this historic day. Pray for repentance of many Zimbabweans and the urgent removal of Mugabe’s government and all wicked rulers, who are murdering and starving innocent citizens, and for regional leaders, especially South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, who are supporting him. Zimbabweans do not ask for pity from South Africa’s political leaders. We will lead our own transformation under our God. Simply, we condemn those who lend support to Mugabe,” says the statement.