By Catherine Chikopa

Thyolo, January 4, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has urged members of the Seventh - day Adventist (SDA) Church to cultivate peace and unity of purpose as vital components for Malawi’s transformation.

Speaking during a prayer service at Thekerani SDA Church in Thyolo, Usi emphasized the role of the church in fostering harmony within communities.

“Prayers are the foundation for peace. Churches must lead by example in uniting people rather than creating divisions. It is a peace that brings meaningful transformation,” Usi said.

Usi also reminded the congregation of God’s unconditional love for all people, stressing the importance of setting aside tribal or political differences to achieve one common goal of salvation.

“We are all one before God almighty. There is no Lomwe, Tumbuka, Sena, or any other tribe in His sight. As a church, we should be exemplary, united and work as one body in Christ,” he pointed out.

Member of Parliament for Thyolo South, Mabvuto Sandram Scott, praised Dr. Usi for setting a remarkable example to the congregation.

“People’s faith will rise, seeing the Vice President praying and putting God first. People of Thekerani need continuous encouragement and we look forward to more such visits in future,” Scott who is also SDA congregation in Parliament said.

Pastor John Nakomwa of Thekerani SDA Church expressed profound gratitude for the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a milestone for the congregation.

“Your coming today is like a dream come true. It is God who sent you here and we look at you as Joseph in the Bible,” said Pastor Nakomwa, drawing parallels between Dr. Usi’s mission and Joseph’s role in saving his people.

He added, “There are many churches you could have visited, but God directed you here. We do not take this for granted.”

During the visit, Dr. Usi donated K1 million to the church’s DORCAS women’s group.