Newly inducted Salvation Army’s commander for Malawi territory, Colonel Alfred Banda, has admired the servant leadership that President Chakwera use in governing the nation saying, “this is the kind of leadership that I will use in leading the church in Malawi.”
In his acceptance speech Banda said the ceremony today “is a clear testimony that for the first time the church in the country will be led by Malawians.”” We have come this far by faith. I and my wife Colonel Pamela Banda accept this responsibility with humility. Let me thank the President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Monica Chakwera for gracing the occasion. This will go down in history and will be appreciated by generations to come.”It has taken us 53 years to attain this status.
It’s been a tradition that territorial leaders were being assigned from outside the country. But now the church has confidence that we can take up the challenge and lead the church. I promise that we will lead the church with empathy, integrity and advance the church’s mission of saving souls and sustaining all development project through ‘Servant leadership’ ,” said Banda.
Major Robert Mtengowalira of Salvation Army pledged his allegiance to the new territorial leader so that the Church achieves its mission in the country.He said: ” Salvation of souls is not a man’s responsibility it needs team effort and we pledge to support you.”The Salvation Army’s began operations in Malawi on November 13, 1967 and was granted official government recognition on October 2, 1973, according to its website.
During the ceremony Colonel Ian Swan and Colonel Wendy Swan of the Church said induction of Colonel Alfred Banda as commander for Malawi territory is quite significant because Banda has been charged with a big responsibility to lead “the Church towards salvation of people.”
General Secretary of Evangelical Association of Malawi Reverend Francis Mkandawire said much as Government is clearing the rubble in public service so be it in the church as there are divisions arising in there due to allegiance to partisan politics.He said: ” As a church we have people belonging to different political parties so let’s avoid these unnecessary divisions. Let’s unite and support Government.”
The Malawi leader has read the Bible in Chichewa a scripture portion from John.17: 17-26.
