By Valentine Makufa
One of the many Zion Apostolic Faith Mission Churches, Jeremiah (Z.A.F.M) headquartered in Shindi area in Chivi recently ordained Ropafadzo Jeremiah Shava as its new bishop following the death of the former leader, Bishop Jaison Jeremiah Shava.
The new Bishop was ordained by Archbishop Dr. Jameson Pedzisai of Z.A.F.M (Andreas) at the ordination ceremony that took place on May 17, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Archbishop Pedzisai described the ordination as a significant milestone for the church.
“Now that I have ordained and anointed Ropafadzo Shava, the work of the Lord will now move smoothly with the new leader. Today marks a new beginning for the church,” said Archbishop Pedzisai.
Sarudzai Shava who is sister to the newly ordained Bishop said she was happy that they had filled the leadership vacuum left following the death of their father saying it had led to several members leaving the church.
“I am so happy that we now have a new leader. Since our father fell ill and later passed away, the church had no active leader. Some members later joined other churches but I am confident that new Bishop will gather the lost,” she said.
Bishop Ropafadzo Jeremiah Shava is the son of the late Bishop Jaison Jeremiah Shava who had a polygamous family which led to divisions in appointing the heir.
One pastor from the church, Amos Bvurire, said the selection process was not easy but expressed gratitude for the ordination of the new bishop.
“I am very happy with the ordination because it was not easy. There were conflicts that even required court involvement. But we have now managed to ordain the rightful bishop,” said Pastor Bvurire.
The late Bishop passed away on March 26, 2025, in his eighties after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest on March 30, 2025.
