Saint Columba donates to Theological College

Saint Columba congregation of the CCAP Blantyre Synod on Saturday donated food items worth K1.2 million and K300 000 cash to cash-strapped Zomba Theological College (ZTC).

The college’s vice-principal, Reverend Hastings Phiri said the institution is facing acute food shortage for both students and lecturers to the extent that management had to seek direction from higher authority.

“There is hunger here, we are facing acute food shortage. We need urgent food assistance. The situation is pathetic,” said Phiri.

Saint Columba moderator Reverend Innocent Chikopa reading from Matthews 3:10-17 described ZTC as a desert for training church ministers where the devil is tempting them on hunger to see whether they would survive in their studies without food.

“You have to persevere. We all went through the same scenario here, but we persevered and we are where we are today because of perseverance,” said Chikopa.

Principal of the college Reverend Frank Mfune blamed the food shortage at the institution on lack of love from the three CCAP synods in the country.

“It is not that the synods have no money to assist us, but lack love and passion for the college. Saint Columba has done this out of love and passion, not that they have things in abundance,” said Mfune.

Chairperson for the Saint Columba social welfare committee, Edith Sokosa, thanked Saint Columba congregants and the entire session for the understanding spirit and contributions towards the college.

“The donation we are making today is from individuals, church members, family and group contributions for us to raise the K1.2 for foodstuffs and K300 000 cash money. This exercise was led by our moderator,” said Sokosa. n