President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has commended the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church for its remarkable contributions to national development through services in key sectors of economy.
He was speaking on Saturday at Njamba Park during the Chiwembe for Blantyre Centenary celebrations, an event that was in commemoration of 100 years since the church opened its first branch in Blantyre.
President Chakwera, addressing the jubilant crowd, offered his congratulations to the SDA church on reaching this significant milestone and extended his best wishes, saying, “I believe that this is also a suitable occasion to celebrate what God has done in Malawi through the SDA Church.”
In his speech, President Chakwera emphasized the concept of repentance as a catalyst for national development, stressing the importance of changing mindset, and called for a collective effort to build a new Malawi by first creating a new Malawian.
The President called upon the SDA Church to continue its benevolent work in the public sector, healthcare, education, and other areas, emphasizing the need for the church to remain committed to the values of repentance and service to the country.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Tony Y. Nyirenda, MUC President of the SDA Church, expressed gratitude to President Chakwera for his efforts in providing assistance to families affected by Cyclone Freddy.
He commended the government for its support in delivering food relief and other essential items to those affected and helping them rebuild their lives.
Pastor Nyirenda also pledged the church’s ongoing commitment to support the government’s initiatives in healthcare, education, and disaster relief, affirming that the SDA Church would continue to collaborate with the government to expand its efforts in these crucial sectors.
The Chiwembe for Christ Centenary celebration not only marked a significant milestone for the SDA Church but also served as an occasion to strengthen the bond between the government and religious institutions, emphasizing their shared commitment to the well-being and progress of the nation.