Church Is key partner in national development—Chaponda

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The guest of honour at CCAP Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary celebrations has reaffirmed that government is committed to working with churches as partners in national development particularly in education, health and social services.

Chaponda said the church has played a significant role in Malawi’s development through the establishment of schools and health facilities and by promoting modern agriculture, entrepreneurship, hard work and integrity.

He said President Peter Mutharika is aware of the suffering Malawians are going through and is working around the clock to address it.

Chaponda said the previous administration left the economy in trouble, including shortages of foreign exchange and fuel.

He said Mutharika has assured Malawians that the fuel problem will soon be a thing of the past.

According to Chaponda, the Ministry of Energy has told him that the fuel problem will end in Blantyre within two days.

The minister asked the church and Malawians to support and pray for economic recovery.

Chaponda said Mutharika understands the challenges facing Malawians and is working to improve livelihoods and restore economic stability.

He also conveyed the President’s call for churches and people of faith to continue praying for the economic recovery, peace, unity and wisdom among leaders.

Chaponda said the church should not only criticise through pastoral letters but should also be part of the solutions.

He asked the church not only to preach love but to practise it.

He said Mutharika would have loved to attend the celebrations but sent him as his representative.

In his sermon, former Blantyre Synod Moderator Reverend Renold M’mangisa encouraged Christians of the church to take part in the country’s development.

He cited the example of missionaries who came to introduce Christianity, human development and trade in Malawi.

M’mangisa said prayer alone cannot provide answers to the problems the country is facing.

“The missionaries did not come with the Bible only; they came with various crops such as tea and coffee,” he said.

He said the church’s 150 years should be a lesson to Christians that people cannot do things alone in life.

He added that running affairs without spirituality does not work and that a spiritual person does not think of corruption and is content with what he or she has.

Senior Chief Kapeni commended CCAP Blantyre Synod for its good work in education, health and other areas.

The chief said he is ready to continue working with the church to advance development in the country, speaking during the event marking 150 years since the church began in Malawi.