Harare-based preacher Obadiah Joel Jefuresi is set to launch spiritual anti-drug crusades aimed at curing the so-called diseases affecting young people across the country.
This initiative comes in light of alarming statistics shared by Knowledge Mubende from the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, indicating that over 60 percent of young people admitted to mental health facilities in Zimbabwe are struggling with drug and substance addiction.
In an interview with Zimgospel Masters, the 28-year-old evangelist revealed that this initiative is a vision directly from God.
“I acknowledge the existence of other institutions and individuals who are putting in efforts to eradicate the problem.”
“We have rehabilitation centers that specialize in administering injections to people who are using drugs, and I salute them. However, I received a vision to start drug awareness crusades where we move from place to place, city to city, preaching against drug use,” he said.
Jefuresi emphasized the spiritual aspect of his mission.
“I will be preaching and delivering the word of God. If there is any need to pray for these people, we will pray for them. While physical counseling and medicine are good, we must also take it spiritual, as they are destroying their spiritual well-being.”
He believes that peer influence can play a significant role in recovery.
“If they can hear from their age mates, they might listen, as they share the same experiences and aspects of life, especially in this era.”
The evangelist expressed his determination to reach the youth.
“At my age, I can even go and preach the gospel. If they can see how God is using people their age, they might change.”
Jefuresi is seeking support to carry out these spiritual drug awareness campaigns, which will involve moving from city to city and location to location, educating people about the dangers of drug use while complementing existing rehabilitation centers.
“My main agenda is to reach the youth in order to restore the real gospel,” he said. “The devil is fighting the young generation because they have bright futures. I believe that through the help of God, we can win.”
In related news, another Harare tabloid, H Metro, reported last June on an anti-drug abuse campaign called “Save the Next Generation,” launched in Chitungwiza. This campaign, which aims to combat drug abuse and substance addiction, was organized by Pastor Tafadzwa Macheka of the United Ambassadors of Christ Church, alongside other stakeholders in the community. Pastor Macheka noted that the initiative’s vision was inspired by the successful conversion of a drug lord four years ago.
