By Sibusiso Masilela
His Majesty King Mswati III has thanked the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) His Holiness Lunyazi Lezulu for the church’s continuous prayers in the country.
The Head of State said the church brought harmony and peace to the country while speaking during the Sabbath prayer at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Saturday. Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and the Royal family were also present at the service.
“We are grateful for the support and prayers that we received from the Nazareth Church. The church’s prayers always bring stability and humility to Emaswati. We should keep our faith in God and we can achieve great things through Him if we have faith,” he said.
The King further urged Lunyazi Lezulu to extend his annual two-week visit to the country to three weeks.
“We urge the leader of Shembe to stay with us for more and continue preaching the Word of God in all the four corners of the country. We appreciate the church’s ongoing prayers in the Royal residences,” His Majesty said.
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The Shembe will hold prayers in various Royal residences in the country, such as Mpumalanga, Ngabezweni, Buhleni and Mbangweni as part of their second prayer in the country in two years.
The sermon was graced by dignitaries, such as Nigeria’s Yoruba tribe King, His Excellency Michael Odunayo and Zulu King Misuzulu, who is also a proud member of the Shembe Church.
Respect your parents
Leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church His Holiness Lunyazi Lezulu has urged the youth to respect their parents and society at large.
The respecter church leader said this when addressing over 3,000 congregants during the Sabbath Service held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence dancing arena on Saturday.
“I call upon the youth to respect their parents and elderly people within society. By so doing, you will be able to live longer on earth and further have fruitful and prosperous lives,” the Shembe Church leader said.
Lunyazi Lezulu also warned the youth to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse.
“The youth should try to live a holy life by refraining from alcohol and drug abuse. This can propel to successful lives.”
The South Africa-based church leader further expressed his excitement about being part of the service that was also attended by His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and King Misuzulu of the Zulu Kingdom, among others.
“I am humbled to lead this historic service, which is attended by the King of Emaswati and the Zulu King. I am also grateful for the support and humility that I always received in Eswatini and feel loved by emaSwati,” he said.
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The church leader then sang Isihlabelelo (Hymn Number 88 from the Shembe Church Hymn Book) and closed the sermon with Hymm song number 237.
The Shembe Church had two sermons, with the morning service being conducted by Reverend Mkhonta from Eswatini while the afternoon sermon was conducted by Reverend Gcwensa from Ebuhleni in front of other dignitaries, including Royalty, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and members of the public, among others.
Shembe church members will today hold the Umgidi ceremony at Ludzidzini royal residence where they will worshipping using African traditional dance.
The Church is currently conducting the second annual sermon at its Eswatini headquarters, Esabelweni in Bethany.