Thembelihle Mhlanga
Hundreds of congregants from the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Lupane West District have gathered at the district’s traditional campsite for the annual campmeeting, held under the theme, “The Sanctuary, The End of Crises.”
The week-long gathering brings together members from local churches and companies across the district for worship, fellowship, Bible study and spiritual reflection.
Speaking during the opening sessions, Lupane West SDA District Pastor Japhet Ndlovu said camp meetings were an important part of a believer’s spiritual journey and urged attendees to align their hearts with this year’s message of humility and reverence.
“This is that crucial time of the year when brethren must come together specifically for spiritual revival,” Pastor Ndlovu said. “Our gathering here under the theme ‘The Sanctuary, The End of Crises’ should not be viewed as a mere routine or social outing. Attendance must be driven by a genuine cause—to seek God’s face, lay down all human pride at the foot of the cross, and equip ourselves spiritually for the challenges of our daily lives.”
Pastor Ndlovu emphasized that understanding the sanctuary message invites believers to examine their spiritual lives honestly and surrender self-centeredness. He also encouraged congregants to participate in the week’s programme, which includes daily worship sessions, Bible studies, health lectures and seminars targeting youth, women and men.
Congregants began setting up temporary shelters and tents at the campsite ahead of the week’s activities, while praise and choral music formed part of the opening proceedings.
Church member Jivans Moyo said the annual gathering provided an opportunity for members from different congregations to worship together and reflect on their faith.
“I am thrilled to be part of this year’s camp meeting,” said Moyo. “Every year, we look forward to this gathering because it affords us a rare opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life, reconnect with fellow believers from distant local churches, and feast on the Word of God. Reflecting on the sanctuary and what it teaches us about overcoming pride is deeply transformative, and one can already feel the holy presence here.”
Moyo said the camp meeting also provided an opportunity for youth and families to strengthen relationships and support networks within the district.
Campmeetings have long been a hallmark of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, originating in the 19th century as large-scale outdoor evangelistic revivals. In Zimbabwe, particularly within rural districts like Lupane, the tradition holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, often involving months of meticulous planning and resource-pooling by local church leadership and members.
Throughout the week, visiting evangelists and guest speakers are expected to deliver sermons centred on sanctuary theology, Christian stewardship, family life, and community service. Health practitioners within the denomination are also scheduled to conduct health awareness sessions, offering basic screenings and lifestyle counselling to both attendees and members of the surrounding community.
Church leaders expect attendance to increase over the weekend as working members and students join the main Sabbath services. The campmeeting is expected to conclude with worship activities and baptismal ceremonies.
