It is only the tiny drops that fall persistently that can make holes in a rock.
This saying aptly depicts the story of charismatic preacher, Apostle Batsirai Java, who is also the Tabernacles of Grace Church founder.
His small efforts over the years have contributing to the building of a mountain.
Like Thabo Katlholo, Java understands that besides God, there is no glory above coming from humble beginnings, from sleeping under a porous grass-thatched mud hut to rising above and beyond tabernacles of greatness.
His journey is a testimony of patience, fortitude, and grace.
Having started his church in a five square metre living room at a family home in Chitungwiza in 2005, Java has never looked back despite many challenges.
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Just 18 years later, Java now leads one of the most spiritually dynamic and vibrant churches in the city of Harare.
Tabernacle of Grace now has seven assemblies throughout Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The church is served by full-time staff, pastorate, and numerous volunteers, apart from running a dynamic Ministerial Bible School, a philanthropic ministry of feeding widows and a scholarship programme for more than a handful of underprivileged students within the church.
Java now has a Doctorate in Theology and many qualifications in business and church leadership. He has many theology books under his name.
Today, he will officially open a giant church building in Westlea, Harare constructed at a cost of over US$700 000 and accommodating 1 500 seated congregants.
The building also has offices and a children’s playground and will also cater for community events such as weddings.
“This was a result of God’s grace, that is why this church building is called the Grace Centre,” Java said.
Prominent preacher Bishop Tudor Bismark will officially open the church.
Born in 1983 to Charles Java and Christine Java Rambanapasi, Java’s calling to preach the word of God manifested at a tender age.
Today he boasts of a legion of pastors who have passed through his hands, the likes of pastors Moreblessing Rwambiwa, Anesu Chari; Wayne Wonder and Bishop Musabayana, to mention a few.
He runs a TV channel ABJTV, reaching over 64 million people globally and with foreign affiliates in the USA, Europe and India.
The Tabernacle of Grace/ABJ Bible School has graduated hundreds of pastors locally and according to Java, this has made the Grace Centre project a voice of inspiration.
In 2021, Apostle Java made headlines after donating US$ 10 000 cash earnings on his 38th birthday towards the construction of the church, which was then at the roofing level after having been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also donated US$ 15 000 realised from the sale of his butchery in Chitungwiza towards the construction of the church, which was supposed to have ended in December 2020.
Construction of the church began in February 2020.
Repeated lockdowns reduced the church revenue by over 90%, forcing Java, to use his own money generated from his Bible School, which has a huge number of international students.
Rwambiwa, president of River Song Churches International said Java is one of the true fathers of the Zimbabwean church.
“I grew up with him, we were neighbours in Chitungwiza,” he said.
“ We started attending church in the house in Chitungwiza. We were nine. Apostle Java is a man of character.
“He is one man you can trust with your secrets. He assists everyone. He is a man of integrity; he loves the Lord and carries his Grace.”
He said A Java is a straight-forward man who has never been involved in any scandal, something that has triggered the growth of his church.
Java is a widower, who lost his wife, Vimbai Tsvangirai, the daughter of the late former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who died in an accident in 2019.
The two married in 2011.