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This picture collage shows newly-weds Mugove Chimasha and his wife Tendai (top left), Simbarashe and Marjorie (top right), Tapiwanashe and Tapiwa Portia (middle left), Elisha and Gritel (middle left) and Langton and Susan (bottom)

Sydney Kawadza Senior Features Writer
Sibling bonds remain the greatest family ties most people enjoy, and as some say, they bring health and happiness with age. Some siblings, even in adulthood, cannot stay apart for too long and spend weekends together for as long as relationships are cordial. Even with such love, it is usually never

the case to have their wedding the same day.

For example, many siblings because of their different tastes prefer to have their weddings separately – in their own unique way. But, for the Chimasha brothers of Harare, their wedding day meant extra bliss. On July 11, the five brothers and their partners exchanged vows before a single marriage officer.

The splendid wedding took place at the Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe Family Worship Tabernacle in Waterfalls. Mugove Chimasha (44), who tied the knot with his sweetheart Tendai, never imagined being a part of such a unique wedding. Mugove led his younger brothers Simbarashe (34), Tapiwanashe (33), Elisha (29) and Langton (28) in exchanging their wows with Marjorie, Tapiwa, Portia, Gretel and Susan in that unique wedding.

Born in a family of 14, the brothers have been close and the unity was epitomised by their choice of wedding. “We are a closely-knit family having shared the same blankets as we grew up. We ate from the same plates and tying the knot on the same day cemented our unity as a family,” Mugove said. For the family, becoming a part of Prophet Jengeta’s fellowship was a miracle.

“We never knew of the prophet till November 2013 when one of my brothers, Alfonse, fell seriously ill and efforts to have him healed were in vain. “Alfonse had been critically ill and for three days he could not speak or eat. Our cousin, who is Prophet Jengeta’s mechanic, advised us to go to the man of God.”

That night, Mugove added, the family felt the hand of God. The miracle healing and deliverance that resulted in Alfonse’s full recovery opened a new chapter for their lives. Tapiwanashe concurred that the Damascene moment has seen more and more blessings for the family.

When the Chimasha brothers thought all had been said and done, Prophet Jengeta had another prophecy. He had envisioned the unique wedding. “We committed to the wedding because God made a revelation and followed through by planning a joint wedding,” Tapiwanashe said. Pulling through the wedding brought together their family and church, according to Elisha.

“We have seen the hand of God and how He works. Those who believe in Him can witness His miracles and blessings. “We come from a humble background but we managed to successfully hold the event,” he said. Another brother, Simba, believes the occasion has strengthened their family ties.

“It’s a blessing. We followed the dream. We owe everything to God . . .,” he said. For Langton, the youngest of the brothers, the wedding was a chance to feel his brothers’ love. “My brothers helped me overcome so many challenges. I feel blessed when I look at what I have achieved with my wife,” he added.

With a venue and guest list to organise as well as six families to please, the wedding preparations could have been chaotic and a real battle for the couples. But, all went smoothly and the couples shared a 10-tier cake. However, each bride and groom had their own team.

Tendai (Mugove’s wife) described their unique wedding as a blessing. “Our husbands come from a blessed family and through Prophet Jengeta’s teachings our marriages have been solidified,” she said. Her sister-in-law, Susan – the youngest of the brides – said God would protect her marriage.

“Many couples face many problems but we have dedicated our unions to God and He will lead each and every couple to victory,” she said. Marjorie, who tied the knot with Tapiwanashe, said: “If one prays hard and believes that God is in charge then He will be the foundation that will make our unions stronger.”

Gretel, who wedded Elisha, said: “Our marriages have begun with God and we hope He will continue to lead us as a family. This assures us that we have a prosperous future.” Growing up, the five brothers had their fair share of problems.

Coming from a disadvantaged family, there were suspicions that demons were responsible for their financial challenges. These, they believed, were also fighting relentlessly to disrupt the weddings. At one point, one of their sisters is said to have manifested a demon which vowed that the wedding would not go on.

“The demon declared that instead of a wedding, the family would gather for a funeral. God always has his way of doing things,” Mugove said. Prophet Jengeta was ecstatic. “Until now, I did not realise this uniqueness because as our church name suggests, we have always prayed for a strong family union.

“When the brothers approached me to solemnise their marriages I was not surprised as God had given me a vision of the wedding through a prophecy. “One of our resolutions for 2015 is to make sure that most of the church members have their marriages solemnised this year.

“The brothers had suggested June this year but it coincided with my 16th wedding anniversary. “We agreed on July 11 and everything, as they say, is history.” Flanked by his wife Seth, Prophet Jengeta said the church expects more such weddings.

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