By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday, 30th July, 2023 called for strong collaboration between the church and State in transforming lives of the communities that both serve in their respective capacities.
Chakwera made the call during this years Thanksgiving prayer service for CCAP Nkhoma Synod that was held at Civo Stadium in the capital Lilongwe.
“I thank God so much for allowing me to be here today on the last Sunday of the month of July. Our aim was to join you all in worshipping God, and I am thankful for the Devine relation that is between us, for if God did not be amidst us in the past three years, we could have been swallowed alive, but here we are today for his grace. For the past three years you have not been able to conduct this event due to numerous challenges you have already mentioned, but that today it has been done, we have to thank God.
Since 1889, when the Synod started its operations, the church has been very important in development of the country and promotion of religious freedoms. I want to thank the church for standing firm in serving Malawians throughout the trying moments the country has passed”. Said President Chakwera while pledging for deeper collaboration of the State and the church in serving the citizenry.
Further, Chakwera said Malawians need to rise and work together in wishing the country well, adding that national pride and patriotism need to begin with Malawians themselves.
In his speech, Malawi leader assured religious leaders and all Malawians that this year Affordable Inputs Programme is set to commence as early as possible for the beneficiaries to redeem their farm inputs in time.
He then urged the church to continue playing an advisory role to his government for it to do what is just and good for Malawian people.
Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chakwera said the event presented a wider opportunity to the nation to continue expressing gratitude to God over the good things that still form part of the livelihoods amidst the prevailing socio-economic challenges.
“I am also delighted to have received a firm assurances from the Nkhoma Synod for continued support as we both deliver services in health and sanitation, education, agriculture, social protection programmes and climate change management among others”. Reads part of the message to Malawians via his official Facebook page soon after the service.
On its part, CCAP Nkhoma Synod through its Moderator, Rev. Phillip Kambulire said the church is facing similar challenges as being faced by government, but God is doing a lot more good things for the country worthy thanksgiving, hence conducting the Thanksgiving Sunday under the theme “Nothing can separate us with the love of God”.
Meanwhile, the CCAP Nkhoma Synod has pledged to continue working with government, saying as a church, the Synod of Nkhoma believes it is its responsibility to pray for the leadership and the country while continuing to offer advice wherever necessary for better leadership as President Chakwera has always welcome such advice.
During the Thanksgiving Sunday, President Chakwera gave K5 million.