The use of anointing oil as a tool to heal those with afflictions has been associated with the fast-rising men of the cloth, who lead different Pentecostal denominations.
Believers have embraced the use of oil, believed to possess the power to cure illnesses, boost businesses and stabilise struggling marriages, among other problems that affect human beings.
Zimbabweans have become so obsessed with anointing oil such that prophets have been lining their pockets through selling bottles containing the “holy liquid” at exorbitant prices.
Apostolic sects have generally been against the use of oil, accusing modern preachers of lying and duping their congregants by offering mere cooking oil.
Interestingly, some of the “white garment” apostolic sects have used a number of tools equivalent to anointing oil to heal and deliver their members from ailments or demonic possession.
These include holy water or river-bed pebbles, which they urge their members to take home at times.
A young apostolic sect leader has defied the odds and is now using anointing oil, which he distributes to his followers, while posting other bottles overseas per request from those who need it.
Isaiah Gynatsio, a prophet from Johanne Murenje Apostolic Church of All Nations, will on December 30 and on New Year’s Eve hold crusades in Chitungwiza, where he said he would preach, perform miracles and distribute “holy anointing oil” to the congregants.