Chitungwiza-based youth-led organisation, Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) have jointly organised a vigorous anti-drug and substance abuse prayer event aimed at addressing the worrisome surge in cases of drug and substance abuse, youth crime, and teen pregnancy in the country.
Speaking ahead of the prayer event, which will take place on March 14, TRM visionary and coordinator Abraham Matuka reiterated that drug issues are not just physical but also spiritual.
“In as much as we have been conducting roadshows and symposiums towards the same vision of alleviating drug and substance abuse, we should also take a spiritual approach.
“Some young people are getting into drugs because of negative spiritual influences.
“We believe that spending time in prayer, sharing God’s word, and testimonies will go a long way in helping young people change their minds and become productive.
“So let us all come and lift our hands in prayer for our young people and the country,” he said.
Matuka also highlighted some of the activities that will take place during the event.
“There are going to be a lot of activities on the day, including sharing of the Word of God by young people and faith leaders, prayer sessions, praise and worship, as well as educational sessions from experts on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
“We have also requested those who will attend to bring empty bottles of dangerous drugs so that we can burn them as a symbolic act of celebrating victory over drug abuse.
“Engagements with various stakeholders are still ongoing so that we stand together for this great event. We expect parties such as Zimbabwe Republic Police, Chitungwiza Municipality, women interdenominational groups, parents, and government officials to be in attendance,” he said.
Meanwhile, local Pastor Zimbiru from the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN) welcomed the initiative by TRM, saying it was important to involve God in shaping the lives of young people in today’s society.
“We are seeing drugs becoming a challenge even in our churches, with some young people taking drugs.
“It is really a great concern. We are also witnessing a rise in crimes where young people are committing armed robberies and even targeting churches, no longer valuing the house of God.
“So we are all now victims of drugs, and we are grateful to have this prayer event being conducted. We also pray that such prayers spread to all provinces and towns in Zimbabwe,” he said.
A young girl, Chipo Mudiwa, also applauded the initiative by Teen Rescue Mission.
“I am a girl of 19-years, and every day when we read the news, we see cases of abuse of the girl child through rape and even murder. It is frightening to grow up in such an environment.
“When you hear these cases, you often find that the perpetrator was under the influence of drugs.
“So, we really see that God is needed in my generation. I fully support this move by TRM, and we pray that God hears us and the voices of my generation,” she said.
The event will take place at Seke Teachers College on March 14 under the theme “Lifting Up Hands in Prayer Against Drug Abuse”, drawn from 2 Chronicles 7:14.
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