A joyful and glories time of worship, praise, fellowship and prayer has held in Mondlo where more than 600 soldiers, recruits and adherents in the Northern KZN Division met for our annual Easter Celebration. We were blessed by the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Z. and Major T. Mabaso® as our guests who powerfully ministered under them theme “Komuthi onukuphila” which means, there is a healing tree and this tree is Jesus Christ. Each session was given its own subtheme aimed at revealing the healing power of the cross through every word spoken by Jesus … from His prayer in Gethsemane to His resurrection appearances to the disciples and beyond.
GOOD FRIDAY:
The first session on Friday, led by Lieutenant M. Mdluli, set a powerful tone for the weekend. Major T. Mabaso introduced and outlined the theme, bringing focus and prompting personal reflection on our need for Jesus to heal our broken society. The officers who ministered led us to the Cross, helping us reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation.
The second session focused on the much-loved seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross. This solemn meeting, led by Lieutenant S. Mtshali, included Bible messages from officers, along with band and songster ministry, which led the congregation into a meaningful time of prayer and meditation at the feet of Jesus. In conversation, one soldier shared, “We hear the seven sayings preached every year, but God opens my eyes to new truth each time. This is truly God’s message to us.”
The day concluded with a youth and young adults’ praise evening. It was encouraging to see more than 100 young people come into the presence of God. The evening focused on connecting with one another, but also intentionally explored self-awareness, drawing from the Johari Window. It ended in a powerful time of prayer, where many young people came to the mercy seat to encounter God personally.
SATURDAY: Bible Study, Open Air, Shayatafula & Night Vigil
The morning started with a Bible study led by the Divisional Commander, Major V. Buthelezi, who expanded on the 2026 Divisional theme, “Deeper Commitments.” The Bible study was based on John 15:1–8 and Colossians 2:6–7. It challenged soldiers across the Division to go deeper in their spirituality and in their relationship with God and with others. The roots of salvation must be strong and deep so that the fruit produced is of good quality.
After the Bible study, we went into the streets of Mondlo for an open-air meeting. What was scheduled for one hour extended much longer due to the sense of God’s presence among us. It was a meaningful time of sharing the Gospel with the community. The open-air reminded us of our mandate as an Army called to the people. During the outreach, one woman was engaged and prayed with, committing to attend church on Sunday.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: JESUS THE TRUE VINE
Under the leadership of Lieutenant S. Nkambule, supported by the Divisional Youth and Children’s Ministry Board, the Junior Soldiers held their own Easter Celebration from Friday to Sunday, running simultaneously with the main venue. The theme for the children’s venue was “Jesus the True Vine.” This theme was unpacked in a variety of creative ways to capture the children’s attention and ensure growth and learning about Jesus in the midst of the fun.
On Saturday, the children took part in a craft activity where they drew trees reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. This was followed by an outreach in which they raised awareness of GBV and human trafficking, while also sharing the Easter story with other children and handing out Easter eggs. On Sunday, the children beautifully presented to the main congregation all that they had learned, from memory verses to the crafts they had made.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY
The weekend concluded with a March of Witness, proclaiming that the power of God has raised Jesus from the grave. This was followed by the Resurrection Meeting, led by Lieutenant G. Hlatshwayo. It was a joyful time of praise, during which guest speaker Major Mabaso reminded us of the power of the resurrection and that Jesus brings healing to all nations.
We are grateful to God for all that He is doing in the Northern KZN Division, even amid the challenges faced. Easter remains a powerful reminder that God is faithful and that the Church is His to keep and sustain.