Apostle Dr. Abel Sande: A Patriarch of Faith and Pillar of Zimbabwe’s Pentecostal Movement
Oudney Patsika | Sona Headlines & Sona Solar Zimbabwe
From the Zambezi Valley to the world, the life of Apostle Abel Kademaunga Sande (1927-2021) is a monumental story of unwavering faith and pioneering spirit. Affectionately known as "The Caterpillar" for his relentless work ethic, he co-founded one of Africa's largest ministries and went on to establish a global church, leaving an indelible mark on Zimbabwe's spiritual landscape.
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| Apostle Abel Kademaunga Sande (1927 - 2021) |
His journey from a life of hardship to a "Billionaire in the Spirit" is a powerful testament to sacrifice, prayer, and a relentless passion for evangelism.
The Formative Years
Born on May 1, 1927, in the Zambezi Valley and raised in Hurungwe, Apostle Sande's early life was marked by poverty. This upbringing forged a resilient and down-to-earth character. Though his father was a pioneer of the Jehovah's Witness faith, Apostle Sande's path led him to the Apostolic Mission Church in 1949 after being witnessed to. His leadership qualities emerged early as he was elected a youth leader. The definitive call to full-time ministry came in 1963 while he was a supervisor at Lobels Bakery, prompting him to leave his well-paying job for a life of service.
Apostle Sande valued theological education as a cornerstone of ministry. He attended the Canadian Assemblies of God Theological School in Mutare in 1966. Seeking deeper spiritual knowledge, he traveled to Nigeria in 1978 to study at the All Nations for Christ Bible Institute under the esteemed Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a period that greatly intensified his burden for evangelism in Zimbabwe.
Ministry Milestones
In 1967, Apostle Sande and Dr. Ezekiel Guti founded Assemblies of God Africa (A.O.G.A.), with Dr. Guti as Chairman and Dr. Sande as Vice Chairman. This ministry evolved into the global powerhouse known today as Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith. For 20 years, Apostle Sande served as a key pillar, evangelist, and church planter, contributing significantly to its foundational growth.
After two decades of dedicated service, Apostle Sande was led to begin a new work. On October 11, 1987, Ambassadors for Christ Ministries International (AFCMI) was born, with its name drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:20. AFCMI grew rapidly, establishing a presence in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe and expanding internationally to South Africa, Mozambique, the USA, and beyond, with 50 Overseers and 200 Pastors under its banner.
Character & Impact
Apostle Sande lived by "the gift of giving." He famously donated his only house in Mufakose to AOGA and sacrificially moved to Marondera to live in a one-room bachelor hostel for the sake of evangelism. His generosity was legendary; he would often donate his entire love offering or tithe to the next person in need he encountered. He ministered at the Mutemwa Leprosy Centre and was known to walk through Harare's CBD giving money to every blind person he met.
Prayer was the food of his soul. Apostle Sande was known for his ceaseless prayer life, sometimes going for days in prayer. His phone was described as being continuously engaged with calls for prayer at any time of day. This deep spiritual discipline was the source of his power, leading to countless testimonies of healing and even the dead being raised to life.
Apostle Sande was a pioneer who championed the spirit of belief among black people. He passionately mentored countless servants of God, whom he referred to as "vana vangu" (my children). Spiritual giants like Andrew Wutawunashe, Sam Manyika, Bartholomew Manjoro, and Paul Saungweme testify to the profound impact he had on their lives and ministries.
Ministry Gallery
A Lasting Legacy
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we honour the visionaries who build enduring structures that empower communities. Apostle Abel Sande's life was a masterclass in building for generations. From the conceptualization of the "Talents" system that financed the construction of countless church buildings to planting ministries that have stood the test of time, his focus was on creating lasting impact. Just as he worked tirelessly to bring spiritual light, our mission is to provide a different, yet parallel, form of power—the stable and sustainable energy of the sun. We celebrate the legacy of "The Caterpillar," a man who proved that with faith and relentless effort, one can build institutions that continue to illuminate the world long after he is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apostle Abel Kademaunga Sande (1927-2021) was a prominent Zimbabwean cleric, co-founder of ZAOGA F.I.F., and the founder of Ambassadors for Christ Ministries International (AFCMI).
He was nicknamed "Caterpillar" or "Big Engine" because of his admired diligence, relentless work ethic, and unstoppable drive in evangelism and God's work.
He was a co-founder of the ministry alongside Apostle Ezekiel Guti in 1967, serving as its first Vice Chairman for 20 years before starting his own ministry.
He founded AFCMI on October 11, 1987, after serving for 20 years in the ministry he co-founded with Apostle Guti.
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