ANDREW MUKOMA writes
@SunZambian
MINISTER of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfrida Sumaili has called on the Church to defend and support the construction of the National House of Prayer and the observance of the Day of National Prayer.
Reverend Sumaili said the construction of the National House of Prayer and the commemoration of the Day of National Prayer had nothing to do with politics.
She said Church leaders should rise and defend the two from attacks by politicians.
Rev Sumaili said Zambians should turn out in large numbers and take part in the National Day of Prayer on October 18 every year.
She was speaking in Livingstone at the weekend when she addressed the clergy. Rev Sumaili encouraged the clergy to speak out on issues concerning the constitution amendment process, which was before the select parliamentary committee.
She said without the Church defending the country’s declaration as a Christian nation, the devil could sow confusion in the country.
“We are here in Livingstone and Southern Province to interact with the Church so that we can be able to share information on important issues that affect our nation. As Government, we are very grateful to the Church for having been looking after the affairs of the people,” she said.
Rev Sumaili said the partnership between the government and the Church should be strengthened further.
She was concerned about the hunger situation in the country.
During a courtesy call on provincial minister Edify Hamukale Rev Sumaili called on the Church to support Government in the provision of food for the people who experienced crop failure as a result of the poor rainfall experienced last year.
Rev Sumaili said Government was concerned about the food insecurity in Southern Province caused by drought and would ensure no one died of hunger.
She urged the Church to begin to pray for rain so that it could improve this year.
People should not underestimate the power of God.
Welcoming her to the province, Dr Hamukale remembered that in 2015 the Church prayed for the rains and the country recorded a bumper harvest as compared to other countries in the region.
Dr Hamukale said so far, the Church had been helping in food supply chain.
