By Tawonga Moyo

Mzuzu, March 10, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has applauded the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia for complementing government’s efforts when the country is struck with disasters.

The President made the remarks on Sunday in Mzuzu when he congregated at Mchengautuba CCAP Church of the Synod of Livingstonia.

Chakwera noted that the church never chooses to be silent when calamities befall the nation, but is always quick to render a helping hand which demonstrates good relationship between government and the church.

He said such a positive relationship between the church and government is crucial in spearheading the Malawi 2063 (MW2063).

"It is a great privilege for me to worship here today. I applaud the great work the Synod of Livingstonia does. When we faced Cholera crisis last year, you took a step to help and I'm grateful.

"In the education and health sectors, the church is always active to help. When we talk of MW2023, it is important to note that each one of us can accomplish our goals faster through mindset change. Once a vision is shared and repeatedly shared, it becomes everyone's vision,” he said.

Chakwera quoted the scripture from Acts 16, where Apostle Paul's companions agreed with the vision he had and took a step to help him accomplish it, saying such a spirit is what can help build the country.

CCAP Synod of Livingstonia General Secretary, Rev. William Tembo, thanked the President for his continued quick response to disaster affected areas, saying it demonstrates fatherly love.

In his sermon titled "Raising the Bar" taken from Exodus 17:10-13, Moderator for the Synod, Reuben Msowoya, called upon Malawians not to be ordinary spectators of what is going on in their nation but take responsibility in making things better.

"We don't need spectators. Good citizens work for their lives, family and nation. We need to raise the bar as a nation by taking responsibility of everything that concerns us without always expecting to receive something. God doesn't bless lazy or jealous people.

"Our nation is blessed with natural resources. We just need to change our mindset and work in unity to defeat poverty. We need to have a vision and strive to reach where we want to be," said Msowoya.

Chakwera made a K5 million contribution towards the church's tiling project.