President Lazarus Chakwera has applauded the Reverend Dr Winston R Kawale of Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Nkhoma Synod who retired yesterday after 40 years of service.
Speaking in Lilongwe during the Reverend’s colourful retirement service at Kang’oma CCAP congregation in Area 23, Lilongwe yesterday, the President said Kawale’s work both in the church and the many organisations he has served was enviable.
Chakwera said: “I have worked with the Reverend in the past years and I must say he is a good man, he has worked with intent, integrity and intelligence so much so that everyone one of us should mirror his work ethic.”
He wished Kawale and his family the best as they embark on the new journey and urged the retired cleric
not to abandon the church, but instead continue to mentor those around him.
Delivering his final sermon before bidding farewell, Kawale urged his fellow clergy to declare war on corruption, saying change must begin with them.
He said: “It is a shame that after all these years of independence, we are still far behind in terms of development.
“We lack basic essentials such as electricity and clean water because others have thought it wise to pocket our development money. These very same people [engaging in corruption] are members of our churches. We need to put an end to this so we can have a better future.”
In his address, Chakwera responded to Kawale’s call for the country to fight corruption, saying it is everyone’s responsibility to fight the vice.
The President said it is true that corruption had taken its course in the country for the past years, but said his administration is committed to ending the vice.
He said: “My government will not spare anyone involved in corruption practices. No position will save anyone. If we do that, the country will not progress.”
In his farewell remarks, Kawale also cited the event
graced by the President as one of the highlights since he began ministering, but said the best of all was leading many to the Lord.
Outlining his retirement plans, he said he plans to pursue farming, co-author a book on the history of Nkhoma Synod and spend more time with his wife, seven children and “many” grandchildren.
Ka n g ’ oma CCAP congregation church elder Arnold T. Chisale said the church had registered change since Kawale was assigned as moderator.
He said: “The Kang’oma CCAP congregation will surely miss him and his work. He has been nothing, but a kind and good leader. We pray he continues to share his work with others even after retirement.”
Besides serving three congregations of Mlanda in Ntcheu, Mtunthama in Kasungu and Kang’oma, Kawale also ser ved as general secretary of Nkhoma Synod for six years. He also worked as a senior lecturer at Mzuzu University for 10 years and as chairperson of the Northern Region Diabetes Association of Malawi, among others
