Religious Forum: New ministry to help the needy

Newly-established Help and Empowerment Ministry last Friday donated assorted items to the underprivileged in Chiwembe and Kwale Townships in Blantyre. Founders, Bishop Brison and Prophetess Lonia Nkhoma have since promised to not only bring people into God’s fold, but also improve their living standards through various charity initiatives. I met Nkhoma to explain the basis and principles of the organisation.

What is your ministry all about?

We are established for charity in various areas

to lessen the suffering among the underprivileged by improving their way of living and empower them through projects and activities.

How will you accomplish this?

The organisation will work with other non-profit making organisations, charities and clubs. Besides, we will introduce our own relief programmes as need may arise and also as resources permit.

Tell me some projects you’ve lined up?

A part from general charitable activities, the organisation will be looking into environment, farming, entrepreneurship, education, women empowerment, widows and orphans. We will focus on water, sanitation and youth activities. We intend to help in planting various trees and manage waste in residential areas. This will be both medium and long-term project.

What about entrepreneurship?

We will help people establish small businesses and boost small businesspersons currently struggling because of lack of capital. We intend to form groups or clubs in the communities where revolving funds will be provided to the entrepreneurs. This will mainly target the rural areas although urban areas may also be considered in the communities

affected by poverty.

Who is funding this ministry?

In the meantime, we are open to contributions from

various sources, including our directors and anybody willing to contribute towards improving the living standards of the poor. The organisation will also rely on self-help initiatives from member groupings, clubs and communities to run its affairs. We also expect directors to provide their expertise on voluntary basis.

And the organisation expects its employees to volunteer?

Not necessarily! The organisation will soon employ fulltime as well as part-time employees whenever there is a demand for their services. These employees would be paid allowances. I should

emphasise that this will not be related to their qualification or market value because this is a charity.

The organisation will also be offering seminars and trainings to support its activities.

Where are you located?

We are yet to identify space within Blantyre from where we will be operating.