HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

Abstract
Facing the giants: Pentecostal perspectives pertaining to
faith-healing of cancer and HIV/AIDS in Harare

Wellington Bwanali
wellybwanali@live.com

Facing the giants: Pentecostal perspectives pertaining to faith-healing of

cancer and HIV/AIDS in Harare.
ABSTRACT
The societal challenges posed by cancer and HIV/AIDS has resulted in different
religious, scientific and moral perspectives of managing the conditions. Against this
background, one of the key topical issues in mainstream Pentecostalism has to do with
faith healing of various cancer conditions and HIV/AIDS. There is a growing
movement of miracle healing in Harare and HIV/AIDS and cancers have been used
as symbols for demonstration of faith healing power. However, problems have arisen
due to the approaches being allegedly used by some charismatic denominations. It
has been reported widely in the media that many patients are developing health
complications and many are dying of HIV/AIDS and cancer related illnesses as some
Pentecostal churches are discouraging worshipers from taking anti-retroviral drugs,
medical cancer therapy (surgical operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and
other related treatments.
Some of the prominent Pentecostal denominations in Harare are: Apostolic Faith
Mission in Zimbabwe (AFM), Assemblies of God (AOGA), Prophetic Healing and
Deliverance Ministries (PHD), Zimbabwe Assemblies of God (ZAOGA), Family of God
(FOG), Spirit Embassy, Faith Ministries International, Hear the Word Ministries, Heartfelt
International Ministries, Christ Embassy and United Family International (UFI). There are
also numerous other denominations which ascribe to Pentecostal beliefs operating in
Harare.
Miracle faith healing, manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy
Spirit, and prosperity teachings have been some of the fundamental drivers of the
Pentecostal movement in Zimbabwe. However, the evolving epidemiology of cancer

and HIV/AIDS has posed Goliath challenges to the church. Whilst society has
embraced the contemporary approaches pertaining to management of these
conditions, the Pentecostal movement has maintained that people can be totally
healed of HIV/AIDS and cancer, because of the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit. The
questions coming to mind are: Is it possible for Pentecostal churches to adopt biblical
approaches that do not risk the lives of infected and affected people? How can the
Pentecostal movement in Zimbabwe help in improving the lives of those diagnosed
with HIV/AIDS and various life threatening cancers.

Evangelist Wellington Bwanali

4926 67th Crescent, Glen View 3
Harare
Cell: 0773607004;
E-mail: wellybwanali@gmail.com