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BY RANGANAI TINASHE DZOTIZEI
The Zimbabwe East Annual Conference UMYF Annual Revival was held at Claire Mission from 28-30 April 2017 characterized by joy, colour and moments to cherish in living memory.
Youths from the conference seven districts namely Harare East, Marange, Chitungwiza Marondera, Makoni Buhera, Mutare, Mutasa Nyanga and Chimanimani Chipinge turned the sacred Mission into a hive of activity as they packed the site for the annual meeting.

Proceedings started on Friday night with hosting District Superintendent Reverend Portia Kanoyangwa reminding youths that life is a journey worth walking with Christ by your side always. (Judges 14 vs 5-9 , Matthew 27 vs 52-53)
There was a solemn moment as the conference took time to pay tribute to the late student pastor Pastor Timothy Nyazungu, whose contributions in his short ministry were remembered.

Saturday was a roller coaster characterized by sermons from invited speakers with Reverends Bango and Ernest Kasambira taking centre stage in the morning sunshine.

Rev Bango preached under the theme NaJehovha Tinokunda, saying with God we can always prevail regardless of situations and limitations whilst Rev Kasambira told Christians if one has to follow Jesus, one has to deny oneself and in some instances, turn a new leaf.

Murewa UMP District Superintendent Rev Henry Chareka warned youths against compromising on their faith, adding that as we walk in trying times, God’s Word should make us bold.

A Holy Communion service led by Conference Connectional Ministries Director Rev Joseph Chimberengwa and a teaching by Conference Lay Leader Mr Simon Mafunda titled “The future of United Methodism lies in the young people of Africa” characterized the afternoon proceedings.

The night session had Rev Bango and Rev Kasambira returning for their second sermons with the new addition to the cast being the other invited preacher, firebrand youth preacher ,Forgive Marimbita whose two sermons moved the audience in the cold environs of Claire.
Marimbita’s messages revolved around Christians waiting on the Lord, putting trust in Him and establishing a relationship with Christ.

The musical interludes livened up the site with the Chitungwiza Marondera Praise Team bringing contemporary music to the fore whilst there was the presence of the legendary Harare MUMC Choir Vabvuwi who wowed the youths all night and left many asking for more.

For some, it was their first time seeing them perform and they milked the moment.

Both choirs were in top notch form and gave the revival the much needed vibe of grace.
The organization of the revival was excellent with the hosting Chitungwiza Marondera and Marange Districts sending advance teams two days before the event.

By the time the revival ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, the multitudes that converged at Claire had been served with life enhancing messages and music which to today still rings loud in their memories.
The Eastern Conference Revival was held concurrently with the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference Youth Revival which was held at St Mark Highfield Circuit.