Religion

‘We should move out of dependency syndrome’

Last Sunday, the congregation of St Columba CCAP of Blantyre partnered with their counterparts of Chingale CCAP of Zomba both under the Blantyre Synod. Our reporter Precious Kumbani (PK) talked to Reverend Innocent Chikopa (IC), moderator of St Columba CCAP on the significance of such partnerships to the church.

 

Why should the church have partnerships such as this one?

Knowing that some churches in rural areas are struggling financially, the synod has been encouraging those in urban areas to partner with the rural congregation to support them financially, share ideas and skills on how to acquire enough resources so that the church moves forward. We want to move out of the tradition of depending on people from Europe to help us. If we are capable let us hold each other’s hand.

These partnerships are very significant in as far as the ministry of the church is concerned. Ecclesiastics 4 verses 9-12 encourage us to unite, help and work together as a family. We want to join hands in promoting the church ministry which is rooted in the word of God. We also want to ensure that the church has necessary resources that would enable it minister effectively; these include good church buildings, furniture and other infrastructure.

Chikopa (C)signs MoU on behalf of St Columba
Chikopa (C)signs MoU on behalf of St Columba

What are both sides expected to gain from this partnership?

We except to strengthen each other spiritually through prayer and visits and also help each other reach out to many with the word of God.

 

Have you ever had such partnerships before?

Yes, we have had a number of partnerships before but we want this one to be unique and we plan to intensify communication and visits between us so that we don’t lose focus. We have also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the bond.

 

You have presented gifts to the congregation of Chingale CCAP can you tell us what these gifts are and how they will help in the partnership?

We have given them 36 bags of cement to complete the floor of the church building, K25 thousand for labour payments, altar clothes and flowers, just to mention a few.

We will try to help them with some resources, but we are not promising them the moon. We are there to hold their hands as they will hold ours. Whatever initiative they are pursuing we will support them.

 

Is St Columba going to benefit from this relationship?

Yes we will, as I have already alluded to, we will be praying for each other, the prayers they will be offering for us cannot be taken for granted. God will continue blessing us through that.

 

I understand the partnership is for three years, how do you want Chingale CCAP to remember you at the end of the agreed period?

We want them to remember St Columba as a trusted prayer partner and a brother or sister who walked with them in every mile.

 

What other message do you have regarding this partnership?

I wish to see both sides being dedicated to the work of God and committed to the partnership so that whatever has been planned should materialise.

 

Related Articles

Back to top button