The late African preacher and religious leader Shoniwa Masedza of the Johane Masowe eChishanu was born

On this day in 1914, the late African preacher and religious leader Shoniwa Masedza aka baba Johane Masowe eChishanu was born in the rural district of Rusape in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). At the age of 17 he left his parents and headed towards Norton were he began working as a shoemaker. Shoniwa was nicknamed ‘Sixpence’. In receiving his calling, he was instructed to tell people not to call him with his nickname, rather he was to be called father John. The late African preacher was instructed to teach the law of God. During his time, he urged people to stop worshiping other gods but to turn to the one living God who created the earth.