Pastor and Mai Cherayi to Minister at the 2026 AFM of Zimbabwe National General Spiritual Conference

MUFARO, MASVINGO | 27–30 AUGUST 2026

The Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe is set to gather believers from across the nation for the 2026 National General Spiritual Conference, taking place from 27 to 30 August 2026 at Mufaro National Conference Centre in Mushagashe, Masvingo, under the powerful theme, “The Power of the Holy Spirit”, drawn from Acts 1:8.

Among the ministers expected to contribute to this significant spiritual gathering are Pastor Ellard Cherayi and Mai Sharon Manyonganise Cherayi, a husband and wife ministry team whose journey has brought together pastoral ministry, worship, music and a passion for the presence of God.

The appearance of the Cherayis at the conference is particularly significant given their history of using music and worship as a vehicle for communicating the Gospel and ministering hope to people.

From the Worship Platform to Pastoral Ministry

Pastor Ellard Cherayi has built a notable ministry profile within Zimbabwean gospel music and the church. His journey began in church praise and worship before he joined the renowned ZimPraise Choir in 2014, an experience he has credited with contributing significantly to his growth as a musician and minister.

His musical journey eventually developed into a solo ministry, with his debut album, Atmosphere of His Presence, released in 2017. He later became associated with the gospel ensemble New Dawn, before developing a ministry partnership with his wife.

But for Cherayi, music was never merely about performance.

In interviews, he has repeatedly described music as ministry, with the purpose of communicating the Gospel, encouraging people and pointing them towards God. The Cherayis have used worship as a platform for concerts, recordings, church ministry and workshops for praise and worship teams.

Their transition into pastoral ministry marked another important chapter in their journey. The couple was ordained as pastors under the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe at the end of 2022.

This combination of worship ministry and pastoral ministry gives the Cherayis a distinctive voice as they minister to the church.

A Couple Called to Complement One Another

Pastor Ellard and Mai Sharon Cherayi have also become known for their ministry partnership as husband and wife.

The couple has spoken openly about the importance of recognising each other’s strengths rather than competing with one another. Cherayi has described Sharon as gifted in music and the arts, while he sees his own role as bringing a strong spiritual and pastoral dimension to their worship ministry. Their philosophy has been to allow each other to shine in their respective areas of gifting while remaining united as husband and wife.

Their marriage and ministry partnership began after years of involvement in the gospel music space. Sharon, like her husband, was part of ZimPraise and subsequently developed her own music ministry. The two later founded and worked together through the New Dawn gospel ensemble before establishing their ministry as a husband and wife team.

Their partnership has produced several musical projects, including the live recording God the Lifter of Men, as well as the collaboration Fara Iwe Moyo Wangu. They have also ministered in Zimbabwe and internationally, conducting concerts, worship gatherings and workshops.

A Ministry Built Around the Presence of God

One of the defining elements of the Cherayis’ ministry is their emphasis on the presence of God.

Pastor Ellard’s debut project, Atmosphere of His Presence, already reflected this emphasis. Their subsequent ministry has continued to combine worship with messages of faith, hope and encouragement.

Their God the Lifter of Men project has carried the same message. Songs such as “Anosimudza” and “Hallelujah” emerged from a project designed to encourage people who are carrying burdens and remind them that God remains present in difficult seasons.

More recently, Sharon has continued to develop her own worship ministry. Her work has included songs and live worship recordings such as “Zvivimbiso”, released as part of the God the Lifter of Men project. In 2026 she was also nominated in the Outstanding Female Musician category at the National Arts Merit Awards, reflecting the growing recognition of her contribution to Zimbabwe’s gospel music landscape.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Their ministry comes into sharp focus against the backdrop of this year’s AFM of Zimbabwe National General Spiritual Conference theme:

“THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”
Acts 1:8

Jesus told His disciples:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses…”

Acts 1:8 connects the coming of the Holy Spirit directly to empowerment for witness. The disciples were not simply promised an emotional experience. They were promised power for a mission.

That message is especially relevant to the church today.

A church can have buildings, programmes, technology, music, structures and organisational systems, but the mission of the Church ultimately requires the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to become witnesses. He gives courage where there is fear, strength where there is weakness, wisdom where there is uncertainty and boldness to proclaim Christ.

For a ministry couple whose journey has moved from the worship platform into pastoral ministry, the theme provides a fitting spiritual context.

The Cherayis’ story demonstrates how God can use gifts in music, worship and communication as instruments for ministry. Their journey from church worship ministry, through ZimPraise and New Dawn, into their own music ministry and pastoral calling illustrates the importance of allowing God to continually shape and expand one’s assignment.

An Invitation to Mufaro

As AFM of Zimbabwe prepares for four days of worship, preaching, prayer and spiritual renewal at Mufaro National Conference Centre, the ministry of Pastor and Mai Cherayi adds another dimension to what promises to be a significant gathering.

Their ministry is expected to contribute to an atmosphere where worship becomes more than music and where the church is reminded of its central calling: to encounter God, receive His power and become His witnesses.

The 2026 National General Spiritual Conference therefore comes with a clear challenge to every believer.

Receive the power.
Walk in the power.
Witness in the power.

The destination is Mufaro National Conference Centre, Mushagashe, Masvingo.

The dates are 27–30 August 2026.

And the cry of the conference is clear:

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Acts 1:8.

Mufaro awaits a people hungry for God, ready to encounter the Holy Spirit and ready to leave the conference empowered for the work of the Kingdom.

Sources: NewsDay/Southern Eye, The Herald, Zimbabwe Independent, Music In Africa, and the Cherayis’ published ministry material.