By Mirrium Fumulani

Balaka, December 1, Mana: Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday celebrated its Annual Big Sabbath with a call to strengthen unity and embrace hard-working spirit.

The annual event, which took place at Balaka Primary School ground, brought together various sub-congregations within the Seventh-day Church in Balaka District such that spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and other joyful activities were part of the day’s activities.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) after the event, Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Masauko Joster Samudeni, said the event was meant to create room for church members to discuss ways of promoting unity apart from encouraging them to fulfil church activities and personal endeavours.

“We believe that faith is not just about worshipping on the Sabbath, but is also about living out our beliefs through service.

 “The Big Sabbath is therefore a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our faith, and make a positive impact in our lives both bodily and spiritually,” Pastor Samudeni added.

He therefore encouraged all churches in the district to utilize the time and give offerings that can help the church build prayer houses among others.

“People cannot worship God in a bare place; we need to respect a place where people gather to worship God. In this gathering, Churches also share all developmental activities and what they have accomplished this year,

“This helps leaders to know if the churches have managed to fulfil their targets,” Pastor Samudeni added.

A member of the Seventh–day Adventist Church that attended the Big Sabbath, Mayamiko Mputeni appreciated biblical teachings, saying this provided an opportunity for members to do soul-searching on their role in the church as the year-ends.

Balaka Seventh-day Adventist main church in Balaka has 54 sub denominations and on the Big Sabbath, families bring food to share with other families to show love and unity