21-year-old prophet takes Bulawayo by storm

A 21-year-old self-claimed prophet has taken Bulawayo by storm, which has resulted in him commanding a huge following in the city.

The young and single prophet, Apostle Ronald Matusi of Transfiguration Zone International Ministries, commands a congregation of over 1 500.



His church has a wide range of congregants, both young and old. The church has been in existence for a year with branches in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Zvishavane being established.

When news crew attended a service yesterday afternoon the auditorium at Jesus Life International was packed to the brim and he was preaching on Waiting For The Right Time.

Congregants were seen raising  their hands jumping up and down  shouting praises as he went through his sermon.

The young apostle went on to climb on chairs, laying hands on congregants, "giving them an anointing" with some falling over and others weeping.

Speaking after the sermon, Apostle Matusi said he received his calling from God to preach when he was doing his Upper Sixth form at Induna High School.

He said God began using him to deliver prophetic and healing ministry when he was the president of Scripture Union at the school.

"When I was the president of the Scripture Union at the school, God began using me to deliver prophetic and healing ministries," Apostle Matusi said.

He said last year he started his church in January after spending six  days and six nights fasting when he got a vision.

"When I was fasting I received a vision from God. I was ministering to trees using a cordless microphone preaching in English.

"Then I heard a voice from God saying 'The trees resemble people of all nations and you have been called for an international ministry and multitudes are coming so you should go out and preach the word of God'," he said.

Apostle Matusi said last year after 40 days and 40 nights of praying and fasting he collapsed on day 35 at a local prayer house called Prayer Trenches in Bulawayo's Hillside suburb.

He said his spirit went to heaven where he met a man dressed in white robes.

"When I woke up I was in between his legs and I heard him saying do not rejoice in multitudes because they are coming, but raise a prayerful and holy church. Then I woke up.

"On day 40 I heard a voice from God saying 'I released you as a prophetic solution in this city'," he said.

Asked if he was staying single forever, he said he would get married next year, without giving more details.

His mother, Mrs Alletah Matusi, said she was initially against her son being a minister of the word.

She said when growing up he did not show signs of being in the ministry, but while doing his A-Levels all that changed.

"After he told me what he was seeing and the repentance of my husband I began to support him," Mrs Matusi said.

A congregant, who preferred to be identified as Mai Mavera, said the young apostle's preaching was powerful and inspiring.

She said with the help of the young apostle she fasted and prayed for 20 days and 20 nights for her husband's deliverance.

"He is now a born again Christian and we attend church regularly," Mai Mavera said.

Her friend, who preferred also to be identified as Mai Chekwa, echoed the same sentiments.

The young apostle is the head of the church, which has other young unmarried pastors at the helm.

Their ages range from 21 to 24.