Government praises Adventists

Government has praised the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) for actively participating in the enhancement of socio-economic development of the country.

Gender in Development Minister Sarah Sayifwanda said government is appreciative of the church in offering health and agricultural training opportunities to the communities aimed at bettering the welfare of people.

Ms Sayifwanda said this in a speech read on her behalf by acting Legal and Governance Director Monde Gwaba at the new Libala SDA church ground breaking ceremony in Lusaka today.

She said the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation has seen unprecedented growth of various churches which is key in nurturing a prosperous nation.

Speaking earlier, SDA Central Zambia Conference Executive Secretary Goliath Nine said the church has embarked on the construction of an ultra modern church at a cost of K6 billion to accommodate over 3000 congregants.

Pastor Nine said the development is outlined in the church’s Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2014.

The church that currently has a sitting capacity of 1,500 will be expanded to a capacity of at least 3000 to accommodate the growing membership.

And in a related development, Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa has said government and the church will continue working together in finding solutions to various socio-economic problems affecting the wellbeing of people in the country.

Mr Shawa said government and the church are inseparable partners in the maintenance of peace which is a prerequisite for national building and development.

He said this in a speech read for him by Lusaka Province Local Government Officer, Francis Ndhlovu during the fundraising and promotion day for a public address system at Matero Main SDA Church in Matero Township today.

Mr Shawa said with the advancement in technology, the church should also benefit from technology as a modern communication tool in its evangelism ministry.