The 2015 Blantyre Keswick Convention scheduled to run between August 29 and September 4 will, among other issues, discuss homosexuality, pornography and witchcraft. JAMES CHIMPWEYA talked to general secretary of the convention’s organising committee BISHOP EDWARD MIKWAMBA on this and that about the gathering.
What is the background of the Keswick Convention?
Keswick Convention started in the city of Keswick in the United Kingdom. In this city, there were so many evil things happening and the men of God were doing door-to-door evangelism against the bad practices. This was in 1962. And it spread to Malawi where they had various annual conventions at Chichiri Secondary School hall. Then we were having preachers such as Shadreck Wame and Stephen Lungu.
What is the theme of this year’s convention?
It is ‘Arise slumbering church’ taken from Romans 13 verse 11. We have chosen this theme because our nation is facing a lot of challenges, including homosexuality, pornography and witchcraft. We have some people who are championing these things and we want to put records straight through the word of God.
Who will be addressing these issues?
We have carefully selected respected men of God. On homosexuality, we have assigned Bishop Geoffrey Matoga of Faith of God. He is a man of high integrity who taught at the Polytechnic before he quit for prophetic missionary work. Pastor Nick Chakwera of the Assemblies of God will talk about abortions, a subject he has written a book on. He will also address the pornography issue that of late has rocked the country. The topic about witchcraft will be addressed by Apostle Willy Chaponda of Mustard Seed Church who is well known for his teachings on the same.
Biblically, what can you say about the three topics?
We know there are some people who are championing these issues and we want to put records straight to the church that has slumbered. All these are happening because of the slumbering Malawi church. We are not limited to Christians, non-believers are also invited to come and hear for themselves what the Bible says about these. On homosexuality, the Bible clearly states from the onset on the creation of man and woman that they multiply and bear children because God knew that men on their own and women on their own could not bear children; hence, the creation of a man and a woman.
What is there to say about pornography, witchcraft?
God has been against these issues from the beginning. He cursed those who trusted in witchcraft and magic. People, especially women, have been killing innocent babies who could be better Malawians than ourselves. Everybody is born in the will of God and should not just be killed anyhow. So, as Christians, we have to take our prophetic role, hence this convention. We can face curse. through acts of abortion, pornography, witchcraft and even homosexuality. People must know that witches trust their magic and not the power of God and His wisdom. This why we have lined-up professional speakers. Ethel Kamwendo Banda and Favoured Martha will spice up the convention with their gospel music.
Are those championing these attending the convention?
This is not a competition, but if they wish to attend they can come and just listen to the sermons. Should they have issues and questions on our topics, they should address them in a manner that does not provoke anybody.
What should people expect from this convention?
They should expect spiritually packed teachings and sermons. Actually, this is their time to be delivered from such evil beliefs.
You normally have an annual Jesus’ march, is it happening this year?
We have Blantyre Joint Choir who are organising this year’s march. It will start from Shoprite to Blantyre Baptist Church. They are talking to various choral groups to participate in that activity.
