Articles by Guest Editor

Technology

Mwabashike urges the church to pray for national leaders

Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa has called on the church to remain steadfast in praying for national leaders as they navigate the country through various developmental challenges. The media reports that speaking during the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) St. Paul’s Congregation in Mkushi, Mr Nkulukusa underscored the importance of unity within the body of Christ, regardless of denominational or ideological differences. He acknowledged that leaders, being human, are prone to making mistakes, and therefore, require ongoing spiritual guidance and intercession from the church. Mr Nkulukusa emphasised that the church plays a critical role in promoting peace and unity which are key pillars for sustainable national development. “Peace is fundamental to any nation’s social and economic prosperity. Where there is peace, citizens can freely participate in productive and economic activities,” he said. He added that a peaceful environment allows communities to thrive and build a lasting legacy for future generations. The Provincial Minister also urged political leaders to consistently uphold peace and unity, not only during the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation, but in their daily conduct. He further commended the church and the people of Mkushi for their dedication to prayer and encouraged continued collaboration between the Church and government in promoting good morals and national unity.

Technology

Christians in Lusaka observe national day of prayer

The Lusaka Showgrounds today transformed into a sanctuary of faith and unity as thousands gathered from various denominations and faith to observe Zambia’s 10th National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance, and Reconciliation. The environment filled with a triumphant and hopeful spirit, as voices from all walks of life rose in unison to heaven. The event, a significant annual national occasion, was attended by President Hakainde Hichilema, who graced the gathering. The media reports that the proceedings began with a heartfelt statement of purpose from the Chairperson of the National Day of Prayer Organising Committee, Robert Sihubwa, setting the tone for a day dedicated to spiritual renewal and national healing. This year’s national day of prayer was commemorated under the theme, One Nation under God: Consolidating and Harvesting National Development and Spiritual Resilience in the Tenth Wave of National Prayers. The event brought together clergy, traditional leaders, government officials, and ordinary citizens in prayer and thanksgiving. The programme featured various prayer points, including supplications by clergy for the country’s farmers and the agriculture sector, which is vital to Zambia’s economy, while others thanked God for the unity demonstrated by the church in the country among other areas. Throughout the event, musical ministrations energised the gathering, with uplifting performances that fostered joy and jubilations among attendees. Later, His Royal Highnesses, Representing the House of Chiefs and led by Chief Chipepo, offered prayers for national healing and reconciliation, calling for divine intervention to bring peace and unity to the land. Today’s observance underscored Zambia’s ongoing commitment to spiritual resilience and national development, emphasising the importance of faith and unity in shaping the country’s future.

Technology

President Hichilema underscores the church’s role in national unity

President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the critical role the church plays in promoting unity in the nation, citing that government and the church are equal partners in national development. The President has further acknowledged that his government values the peace and unity being enjoyed in the country, further recognising that Zambians are God’s people. He has outlined the continued achievements the country has scored in sectors such as mining and agriculture among others, noting that all this has been possible due to God’s goodness. The media reports that the Head of State said this when he officiated at this year’s celebrations of the 10th National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation in Lusaka at the show grounds. President Hichilema also called for families across the country to strive to raise responsible and God fearing children as this is important to growing a society of decent children. He further called for dialogue at all levels in the country, stressing that it is the route every Zambian must take in order to move forward. The National Day of Prayer Organising Committee Chairperson, Robert Sihubwa, has commended President Hichilema for showing commitment to the country. He noted that the presence of the Head of State at the National Day of Prayer and his family, demonstrates his commitment to the betterment of the country. Fr Sihubwa highlighted that this year’s event has also deliberately incorporated young people as they are both leaders of today and tomorrow. Earlier in his homily, Tabernacle of David from the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Harrison Sakala, indicated that as Zambia celebrates 10 years since the national day of Prayer was initiated, there is a need for continuation. Bishop Sakala also urged people not to just pray but also change the work culture as a country if development is to be achieved at both levels. Various prayers were offered from representatives of various church denominations who prayed for farmers and the agriculture sector as a whole, and others thanked God for the unity of the church to stand in the gap for the nation. Among the praying leads were Grace Ministry’s International, Presiding Bishop Lucky Simumba, and Winners Chapel National Pastor, Adediran Johnson. This year’s event was held under the theme ‘One Nation under God: Consolidating and Harvesting National Development and Spiritual Resilience in the Tenth Wave of National Prayers’.