19 August 2025
From the 10-13 July 2025, ten apprentices and five trainers gathered for the 2025 MAT Zimbabwe Conference! It was held at the Oasis of Hope Church in Marondera, Zimbabwe. The theme this year was ‘The Cross of Christ’.
This conference brings together all apprentices currently undergoing a two-year apprenticeship, as well as any other alternative MAT training streams. Apprentices get to share with each other about their experiences as they undergo training. They share the joys and sorrows of ministry, exchange ideas and learn from each other. Apprentices also get to learn new skills and pray together under God’s Word. The event is mutually edifying and encouraging for trainers and their apprentices!
MAT founder Reverend Antony Dandato was the key speaker at the event. He spoke from Nehemiah 7 on The Heart of Christianity, and shared that God’s church is made up of people who are saved and are experiencing life transformation through Christ. He encouraged attendees to read the book of Nehemiah with Jesus in mind—as the one who came to save us. Guest speaker Reverend Blessing Katini taught about The Cross of Christ. In his teaching, he emphasised that hell is real, even though many shy away from speaking about it. Jesus Himself didn’t hide the truth about hell, but the good news is that He conquered it by dying for us.
Apprentice Choice Gladys Dondo is a first-year apprentice who attended the conference for the first time. She is being trained by Reverend Katini at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru, Zimbabwe.
She shared about her experience, “I learned that ministry is a shared responsibility and that power must be used wisely. The teachings on the heart of Christianity from Nehemiah and the Cross of Christ challenged me to reflect on my influence and to boldly share the message of salvation. I appreciated the sense of unity and love among apprentices, and I’m grateful for the lessons that have shaped my understanding of ministry as a journey of fellowship, learning, and growing together.”
Second-year apprentice Daniel Tigere was also in attendance. He is doing his apprenticeship in student ministry at Chinhoyi University of Technology, training under Reverend Tafadzwa Musona. He says, “At the MAT Apprentice Conference, I learned that power is the capacity to influence or persuade, but it is not evil; instead it is a tool for the church’s benefit. Leaders should emulate Jesus, who had power, but chose to serve His disciples. The church will follow the character of their leaders, emphasising the importance of servant-hearted leadership and good character.”
Daniel was also struck by the need to continue passing on the gospel and encourage others to respond to the need for harvest workers. He shares, “I learnt about the importance of disciple-making in ministries, which is highlighted in key passages like 2 Timothy 2:2 and Ephesians 4:11-16. As apprentices (and future trainers), we should disciple, recruit, or train others, creating a ripple effect.”
Prayer points
- Heavenly Father, please help apprentices and trainers be faithful to God’s Word as they serve in various ministries and contexts.
- Lord God, grant wisdom, compassion and effectiveness to all MAT apprentices and trainers.
- Lord, give strength, unity and your wisdom to the MAT staff as they prepare for the second half of the year.
- Father, be guiding the plans, decisions and ministries of MAT, and grant the team good teamwork and collaboration.