President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged the church to participate in shaping the country for economic development.

The President said this during the commemoration of the 2024 National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation in Kitwe at Nkana Stadium.

President Hichilema further stated that it is the duty of the church to continue preaching social justice as dialogue is essential. 

The President, however, called on the church not to be a competitor with Government as it is there to serve the people.

“The church should help us in the fight against corruption and government should also participate.

“If the people in Government support corruption, they do not deserve to be in the office,” added the President.

The Head of State has also donated 60 cows and two bulls to the church to help alleviate poverty in the Province.

Speaking earlier, Former Vice President, Nevers Mumba, commended President Hichilema for allowing the country to continue commemorating the National Day of Prayer.

Dr Mumba said the continuous observation of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is a sign that God is upon the country and reigns supreme.

He further called on Zambians to pray for the country and its leadership to embrace national unity at all times.

And Kitwe Pastors Fellowship Chairman Bishop, Raddy Lewila, also urged all Zambians to unite through prayer in order to develop the nation.

Bishop Lewila has commended Government for recognising the national values by embracing the national day of prayer which has brought everyone together.

Meanwhile, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, Bishop Steven Safwali, urged everyone to believe in God and pray for the rains as that could only happen if people unite in prayer and fasting.

Bishop Safwali further urged President Hichilema to encourage everyone to work hard for the country to develop and eradicate poverty.

In his homily, LIFE Gospel Ministries International Overseer, Bishop Joseph Kazhila, advised political players to desist from careless talk that could lead the country into flames.

Bishop Kazhila said politicians should preach peace and unity for the country to continue thriving in fostering national development.

He said careless talk was not in good taste for the country which is working tirelessly to spur economic growth and uplift the living standards of people.

Bishop Kazhila also emphasised the need to use social media for the betterment of the country and not materials that have potential to destroy and attack the peace and unity the country was enjoying.

The commemoration of the National Day of Prayer was characterised by singing and dancing by various church groupings and was witnessed by scores of Kitwe residents and other towns within Copperbelt.