Celebrating the Power of Unity in Building God’s House

This year, as we approach a season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the extraordinary power of networking and unity. Like Nehemiah, who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in a mere 52 days by rallying everyone to build together, New Zion has made incredible strides through our collective efforts. The Bible tells us, “So we built the wall, and all of it was joined together to half its height, for the people had a heart and mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6, AMPC). This same spirit of unity and dedication has been the driving force behind the amazing victories we’ve witnessed this year.

Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
Dambuza, Pietermaritzburg

The Foundation of Prayer

Our journey began with a commitment to joint prayer. Since the first Monday of February, we have gathered every weekday to pray for our churches. Now, 32 weeks later, with over 150 devices connecting each morning, we have seen the unbelievable impact of focused, unified prayer. This daily commitment has not only strengthened our network but has also brought about miraculous transformations in the churches we’ve lifted up in prayer.

Brakpan’s Resurrection: A Story of Faith and Partnership

The story of Pastor Barnabas and Pamela Gwarisa’s ministry in Brakpan is a powerful testament to what God can do through a networked church. After being severely set back by the COVID-19 pandemic, we began praying for their church in February. In the same month, God miraculously preserved Pastor Barnabas during a hijacking. Soon after, his boss generously donated the monthly rent for a new venue in town. In a beautiful display of partnership, our Pretoria church has been sending teams weekly to assist with Sunday services and the renovation of the new building. Thanks to Pastor Pamela’s creative outreach during Women’s Month, the church has more than tripled in size. This is the power of networking in action!

Dambuza’s Renovation: Many Hands, One Vision

In Pietermaritzburg West, the Dambuza building, purchased by NZMI for Pastor Richard and Thandi Gumbi last March, is undergoing a major renovation. This project has become a shining example of collaboration, with individuals from various Pietermaritzburg churches coming together to lend their skills and talents. We are incredibly grateful for Sheolin, the quantity surveyor from Pmb North; George the painter, Davison the builder, Ntuthuko the engineer, and Neil the welder from Pmb Central. We are eagerly anticipating the completion of the renovations and an opening celebration on Sunday, November 9th. While much has been accomplished, we still need collective support for the more costly elements like carpeting, electrical work, and plumbing.

Cape Town’s Miracle: The R2 Million Victory

The purchase of the property at 131 Lansport Road in Hanover Park, Cape Town, is a story of incredible generosity and God’s provision. In just seven months, the New Zion network gave over R850,000 of the pledged R960,000. In addition, over 80 of our ex-members and friends contributed more than R250,000. An additional R900,000 came from innovative saving ideas from within the NZMI network. This is the power of unity enabling the weak to be strong. We are thrilled to announce that we paid the R2 million six days ahead of the September 12th deadline! Mega-thanks to everyone who gave!

Hanover Park, Cape Town

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we celebrate these victories, we give all the glory to God. We are so much stronger together, and these achievements are a testament to that. To everyone who has prayed, given, served, and built with us, we say a heartfelt thank you. Your contributions, big and small, have made all of this possible.

As the psalmist wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! … For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalms 133:1, 3, NIV).

5 Comments

  1. alcino moses
    September 11, 2025

    this is great stories of faith in enhancing the kingdom of God in South Africa and I can see this going around the world. I have visited the church few times and the love and unity i see and feel amongst the church family is very beautiful. keep it up beloved.

    • Russell Toohey
      September 16, 2025

      Alcino, firstly, thanks for visiting a New Zion Church. Thanks for visiting this website and thirdly megathanks for your affirmative feedback. Be blessed. God’s hand is on you. You are called and set apart.

  2. Prince Fakude
    September 11, 2025

    Hallelujah, Great is our God

  3. Clarice Beeton
    September 12, 2025

    What a joy to be part of the Church in action. Praise The Lord for The Church of New Zion in partnership with HolySpirit and the disciples of Jesus Christ, to reach the lost no matter the cost,building God’s Kingdom in miraculous ways.I stand,I stand,I stand in awe of You,Holy God to Whom all Praise is due,I stand in awe of You.God bless and thank you sharing powerful testimonies.

  4. Anne
    September 16, 2025

    What a powerful testimony
    Im so privilege to part of NZMI family

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