President Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for its positive contributions towards Malawi’s national development.

In his speech delivered at the SDA Blantyre Centenary celebrations at Njamba Freedom Park yesterday, he said the church has played a key role in the sectors of education, health, governance, creative industry and agriculture, among others.

Chakwera said the SDA Church has, among others, established schools with quality standards, trained healthcare workers and produced various forms of wholesome art for family enjoyment.

He said: “I celebrate these contributions today and I call on the church to recommit itself to a new life of repentance, service and development on this special occasion.

“While some may devote themselves to a life of service and development for the love of the country, an Adventist like yourself has even a greater reason to do so, and that greater reason is the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The President urged the church to continue developing thriving businesses to occupy the economic sector and that they should do the same in the sectors of agriculture, education and health.

He said through such positive contributions, the country is guaranteed to develop; hence, life will be better for Malawians.

Chakwera further said the government is committed towards working with the church.

In his speech, SDA Church in Malawi president Pastor Tony Yolam Nyirenda, pledged continued partnership with the government in the area of healthcare provision.

He also said the church’s schools have embraced reforms that will positively contribute to provision of quality education in the country.

“I wish to assure you [your Excellency] that together we will work until Jesus comes,” said Nyirenda.

The SDA leader said the centenary celebrations were an opportunity for the church and its members to be reminded of the role they need to play in spreading the gospel.

The centenary celebrations chairperson Ernest Kaonga described the event as historic.

The Advent message arrived in Blantyre and was first received at Chiwembe SDA Church in 1923 where people got baptised and opened a church.

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