Mission Express ZW

28/05/2026

Solusi University Launches Inaugural Theological Forum to Reaffirm Adventist Faith and Mission

BULAWAYO – Solusi University has opened its first-ever theological forum, a four-day gathering aimed at strengthening theological scholarship, dialogue and engagement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Running from Wednesday to May 30, the forum is held under the theme _“Faithfulness to Scripture and Adventist Theology in a Changing Mission Environment.”_ It has brought together Biblical scholars, theology professors, students, church leaders, pastors, chaplains, and alumni from the Faculty of Theology.

Organisers said the forum is intended to become a sustained academic and intellectual platform for the church. The initiative was prompted by concerns that core theological pillars are facing growing challenges and require renewed reaffirmation.

“There is a concern that Biblical theology is at times being pushed to the margins, while narratives that downplay theological scholarship continue to emerge even from within church ranks,” organisers noted. “This risks weakening the church’s mission and identity.”

The forum seeks to reaffirm loyalty to Scripture, Adventist theology and the church’s mission. It also highlights the central role of Scripture in mission work while affirming Adventist theology amid calls for alternative interpretations. In addition, it provides space for robust dialogue and unity around theology and mission.

Several international and regional scholars are presenting during plenary sessions.

Prof. Jiří Moskala of Andrews University, USA, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the significance of the Book of Daniel and the doctrine of divine judgement in Adventist belief. Prof. Larry Lichtenwalter, also from the USA, spoke on the role of the Book of Revelation in Adventist theology and mission.

Prof. Elisha Marfo, Dean of Research and Innovation at Fulton Adventist University, examined the relationship between African traditional religious worldviews and the Biblical worldview, and addressed the challenge of breakaway movements.

Dr Clifford Sibanda, district pastor at the West Zimbabwe Conference, traced the Solusi mission as the starting point of Adventist work in Africa and presented on African theology. Prof. John Reeve of the USA urged participants to keep their focus on Christ, noting that the Protestant Reformation was a call to return to Scripture and the truth of Christ’s dual nature.

Prof. Melek Tsegaw explored a balanced understanding of the pre-Advent judgement, drawing from Psalms, Daniel, Revelation and the Pauline letters. He also proposed a theologically grounded principle for contemporary tithing practices.

Solusi University Chancellor, Pastor Bongani Ndlovu, said the forum comes at a time when theological education is increasingly questioned for its impact on communities.

“With this realisation, we have the responsibility of remaining faithful to Scripture and Adventist Theology, lest we lose our direction and DNA. This is not an option but an imperative if we are to remain true to our calling and to the mission,” he said.

He added that while methods of mission may evolve with technology, faithfulness to Scripture and Adventist theology must remain constant.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Khumbulani Mpofu said higher education institutions play a key role in shaping missionaries who both proclaim and live by Scripture. He commended the Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy for organising the historic forum.

The university hopes the forum will foster scholarly rigour, practical ministry, and renewed commitment to mission across the region.

28/05/2026

Gospel Musician Micah Matsilele Dies

The Matsilele family has announced with deep sorrow the passing of renowned musician, songwriter and worship leader Micah Ndlovu Matsilele, who died on 27 May 2026.

|| By Willie Gwatimba

In a family statement released on Wednesday, Micah was described as “a great father, brother, son, musician, and friend — a man whose warmth, talent, and kindness touched everyone he met.”

Micah Matsilele was widely known for his contribution to gospel music and ministry through songs that inspired worship, evangelism, celebrations and special occasions within the church and broader community. His music touched many lives and earned him admiration from people across different walks of life.

The family said he was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by relatives, friends, fellow musicians and all those impacted by his ministry through music.

“We kindly ask for your thoughts, prayers, and support for the Matsilele Family during this difficult time. May we honor his memory by remembering the love, music, and joy he brought into our lives,” reads part of the statement.

The family added that mourners are gathered at Number 16 Open Way, Southerton, Harare, where evening services are being held at 1800hrs on 28 and 29 May 2026.

The statement concluded with a message of hope and faith: “Till we meet on the Resurrection morning.”

Mission Express extends its sincere condolences to the Matsilele family, friends, church members and the music fraternity following this great loss.

24/05/2026

Bryan Nandana's burial at Glen Forest Memorial park in pictures. Sunday, 24 May 2026

24/05/2026

Hundreds of mourners gathered on Sunday afternoon to bid farewell to 29-year-old Bryan Nandana, who was buried at Glen Forest Memorial Park following his brutal murder in a case that has shocked Zimbabwe.

|| By Willie Gwatimba
🌐eotp.co.zw

Bryan’s funeral service was held at Newstart Children's Home in Waterfalls, the institution where he was raised from childhood after the death of his mother.

His burial comes after 28-year-old Shepherd Severa appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court facing murder charges in connection with the killing. According to police, Severa allegedly killed Bryan in Warren Park before dumping his body at Warren Hills Cemetery. Authorities say investigations are still ongoing, while the suspected ritual-related nature of the murder has triggered widespread public reaction.

The funeral service was marked by deep sorrow, with emotional scenes as relatives, church members, friends, pastors and community members gathered to celebrate Bryan’s life.

Bryan was raised under the care of the late Dr Saleem Asad Farag and Mrs Farag after his parents had worked at the children’s home. Family members said Mrs Farag took responsibility for raising him from the age of seven, becoming a mother figure throughout his life.

Speaking during the service, Bryan’s uncle paid tribute to Mrs Farag for the role she played in raising his nephew into the man he became.

The uncle also revealed that Mrs Farag had financially assisted Bryan in purchasing the vehicle he was driving at the time of his death.

“She gave Bryan money to buy the car and he was repaying her slowly. His plan was to marry his girlfriend after clearing the payments later this year,” he said.

Bryan’s girlfriend also addressed mourners and thanked everyone who had stood by her during the painful period. Reading from Ecclesiastes 9:5, she described Bryan as a blessing in her life.

“Bryan was such a blessing from God and he was everything to me,” she said emotionally.

In a touching eulogy, Bryan was remembered as a humble, intelligent and gifted young man whose music ministry touched many lives.

The eulogy highlighted his educational journey from David Livingstone Primary School to Simbaredenga Primary School after moving to Newstart Children’s Home. He later attended Nyahuni Adventist High School before enrolling at Solusi University, where he graduated with an Accounting degree in 2024.

Bryan also worked at Harare Institute of Technology and other companies, where he was described as calm, respectful, professional and eager to learn.

“He blessed many people with his music talent as a pianist. He did not seek recognition or praise, but simply used his gift to bring joy and glory to God,” read part of the eulogy.

Mrs Farag said Bryan had dreams of pursuing music professionally and believed he still had much to offer society.

“Music was Bryan’s passion, his dream was to take it as a profession. He went to Solusi and did well. Bryan had a lot to offer. We just wonder why he was taken away from us that way. One day we shall know why this was allowed to happen,” she said.

A special musical tribute was performed during the service, with Mrs Farag playing the piano while Brother Joseph sang, leaving many mourners visibly emotional.

Pastor Marandure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church delivered a sermon of comfort from Isaiah 6:1-2, telling mourners that although they were overwhelmed with questions, God remained in control.

“We have questions but with no answers,” said Pastor Marandure.

“What God called Bryan for, the boy delivered. We cry, but heaven is drawing a victory.”

The pastor compared Bryan’s death to the Biblical story of Stephen, saying those responsible for such acts were often people known personally to the victims.

“I am yet to see dogs killing each other, but humanity can do anything,” he said.

“The last enemy to be destroyed will be death itself. Time is coming when death will taste death itself. God will avenge the blood of those who were killed for no reason.”

Funeral expenses were reportedly covered by Doves Funeral Services together with contributions from friends and well-wishers.

Among those present were members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, pastors, relatives, the Newstart family, friends, and representatives from various organisations including the Faculty of Business Administration at Solusi University.

Bryan Nandana was born on 26 November 1996 and died on 19 May 2026.

22/05/2026

Happy Sabbath 💐

22/05/2026

Arrival of General Conference President, Pastor Ps Erton Kohler in Maputo for Impact Mozambique.

22/05/2026

A 28-year-old Harare man, Shepherd Severa, has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court in connection with a shocking murder case that has sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe.

By Willie Gwatimba
🌐eotp.co.zw

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Severa allegedly confessed to killing his friend, 29-year-old Bryan Nandana, by cutting his throat with a kitchen knife before allegedly sucking his blood.

Police say the incident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday in Warren Park, Harare, before the victim’s body was later dumped at Warren Hills Cemetery.

Investigations indicate that Severa allegedly lured Nandana to meet him at Pfukwa Shopping Centre in Warren Park D at around 3am. Reports suggest the two men had been friends, with Nandana reportedly owing Severa US$2,800.

According to sources close to the investigations, an argument reportedly broke out between the two before the situation turned violent. Severa allegedly grabbed Nandana by the neck and stabbed him with a kitchen knife.

Police further allege that the suspect placed the victim’s body inside the back seat of a white Toyota Aqua vehicle before driving to Warren Hills Cemetery.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and detailed the police investigation.

“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Shepherd Severa (28) in connection with a murder case which occurred in Warren Park D, Harare, in which Brian Nandana was killed,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He added that police recovered a blood-stained Toyota Aqua vehicle at Warren Hills Cemetery on 19 May 2026 at approximately 4am. Investigators reportedly linked the suspect to the crime scene through the vehicle and a mobile phone that had been left behind.

Police say Severa later led detectives to a shallow grave within the cemetery where the victim’s body was recovered. Authorities reported that the body had a deep cut on the neck and injuries to the back of the head.

The disturbing nature of the allegations has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with some residents in Warren Park D speculating that the killing may have been linked to ritual practices. However, authorities have not officially confirmed any ritual motive as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the Centre of Hope paid tribute to Bryan Nandana, describing him as a beloved pianist and dedicated member of the ministry community.

In a statement, the organisation said:

“Bryan’s dedication, humility, and passion for ministry touched many lives and brought warmth and inspiration to every gathering he served.”

The organisation also extended condolences to Nandana’s family, friends, and all those affected by his death, describing his passing as a major loss to the community.

Service Announced

The family and loved ones of the late Bryan Nandana have announced that his burial service will be held this coming Sunday, 24 May 2026, at New Start Children's Home.

Nandana, who was widely described as a humble, talented, and deeply spiritual young man, has continued to receive tributes from across Zimbabwe, particularly from members of the Christian community and those who knew him personally.

Friends, church members, and community leaders have described him as kind-hearted, peaceful, and dedicated to serving others through music and ministry.

Mourners are expected to gather at New Start Children’s Home on Sunday to pay their final respects and celebrate his life.

Investigations into the case remain ongoing as Shepherd Severa continues to face murder charges before the courts.

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Obrigado!

12/02/2026