By Jeremy Munthali in Turkey
Zambian Missions in Belgium, France, Switzerland and Turkey together with the Zambian community in the countries of accreditation, yesterday joined the country in observing National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Dr Joseph Chilengi, Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata, Zambia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Professor Esther Munalula-Nkandu and Zambia’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Martha Lungu Mwitumwa, led diplomats and the Zambian community during a virtual church service conducted by various clergymen from Turkey, France, Switzerland and Belgium.
In a moving prayer petition, Dr Kaseba-Sata who prayed for continued actualisation of Zambia as a Christian nation, committed President Edgar Lungu and his Government in God’s hands as he upholds the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
“We pray for the implementation and observance of these values by all sectors , all line ministries, in all districts, in all provinces, in all agencies and above all Lord, let the observance of these values be observed in our homes,” Dr Kaseba-Sata said.
Prof. Munalula-Nkandu, who prayed for healing from COVID-19, thanked God for watching over Zambia in the midst of the pandemic.
“We thank you God that even if we have lost lives that Lord you still have been our comfort, we still choose to hold onto you. We choose to trust you as you are our refuge and our shield. We are confident that those who put their trust in you will not be put to shame,” Prof. Munalula-Nkandu prayed.
Ms Mwitumwa thanked God for delivering the people of Zambia during times of strife and reunited them after conflicts among themselves.
“Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save us. May leaders be led by your wisdom; may they search your will and see you clearly as our Lord and Saviour,” she prayed.
And Dr Chilengi said in his opening remarks that Zambians have always turned to God to guide the nation through trials and periods of uncertainty.
“As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, people across the globe are unable to gather in their churches, mosques, and other places of worship. Not withstanding this situation, we cannot stop asking God for protection, comfort and strength, we must pray for victims of the pandemic and those who have lost loved ones,” Dr Chilengi said.
Dr Chilengi said the National Day of Prayer was a special day set aside annually by President Lungu for Zambia to seek the face of the Lord.
“Let us continue to put our President and the entire leadership in prayer, as they continue to run the affairs of the country. Most important, let’s remain good ambassadors and loyal to the Government of the day,” Dr Chilengi said.
The virtual church service, which attracted over 80 participants, was anchored on the theme: “Zambia Seeks God’s Intervention for Sustained National Unity, Peace and Prosperity” inspired by Isaiah 43:2-3 and 3 John 2.
