What if I told you the story of a church that has risen to become a leading denomination in Zimbabwe? This is the story of AFM DUNAMIS.
AFM stands for the Apostolic Faith Mission. It began in Zimbabwe in 1915. Zacharias Manamela brought the Pentecostal gospel to Gwanda. He was a convert from the AFM in South Africa.
Church officials in Johannesburg soon recognized Manamela’s work. Rev GJ Booysen was tasked to register the church. He was from Louis Trichard.
AFM DUNAMIS has a rich history. It is one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. Despite its long history little has been written about the AFM DUNAMIS. For a long time the government did not recognize the church.
The church was led by people who were not sufficiently educated. Therefore they did not keep proper records. The church did not engage in social services like education and medical health. This meant it did not attract much public attention.
Despite the lack of official recognition the church continued. In 1919 they bought a farm in Gobatema south of Gwanda. They tried to open a primary school. Authorities closed the school due to lack of recognition.
In 1918 AFM work was introduced in Kadoma. Mr Luttig converted many people. Dillon-Malone says Luttig was accompanied by a Nyasa preacher called Dingiswayo.
Pentecostal features led to denial of official status. Faith healing and emotionalism were prominent. Authorities complained about the preachers.
In the 1920s Bosman settled in Gobatema. He worked on church recognition but was not successful. Kruger operated from Harare. Still the church could not be officially recognised. The church freely roamed through reserves without observing missionary boundaries. The faith healing practices and speaking in tongues caused uneasiness.
In early 1931 official recognition was achieved. However it was withdrawn by 1934.
In 1943 the church was given official status. This was under the leadership of Enoch Gwanzura. The pentecostalisation of Zimbabwean Christianity gave birth to many African Initiated Churches.
By the late 1940s AFM DUNAMIS had spread. It had members in Harare Masvingo Kadoma and Mutare. Official recognition led to coordination of church activities.
AFM Zimbabwe provides several services. These include custodial services accounting services and portfolio management. They also offer investment advice wealth management and international payroll. Tax advice corporate law services and employee benefits are provided.
Today AFM DUNAMIS is a leading denomination. It continues to serve the people of Zimbabwe. It provides education health care and other important services.
AFM DUNAMIS stands as a testament to faith. It highlights service and perseverance. It began with one man’s mission and it has transformed into a cornerstone of Zimbabwean Christianity.