By Deogratias Mmana, Llywellenie Mpasa, Pemphero Malimba & Feston Malekezo:
Christians Sunday observed Palm Sunday, which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into the city of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Holy Week, with a call to Malawians to rely on God for solutions to socio-economic problems that are facing the country.
In Zingwangwa Township, Blantyre, members of St James Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) marked the occasion with a procession from Zingwangwa through Zion in Chilobwe to Chimwankhunda before going back to the starting point.
Led by the church’s moderator, Reverend Henry Mtema, members of the congregation, some of whom carried palm leaves and others branches, marched through the streets, making strategic stops along the route to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“These activities provide a profound opportunity for our church to engage meaningfully with our community,” Mtema said.
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Palm Sunday signals the beginning of the Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday, which commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Clement Lungu, the church’s session clerk, underscored the significance of the procession,
“This event is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the profound sacrifice and love of our savior Jesus Christ,” he said.
Yankho Kachipanda, a participant in Palm Sunday activities, said the activity reinvigorated her faith.
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“Participating in the Palm Sunday procession is a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the significance of Jesus Christ’s journey,” Kachipanda said.
In Lilongwe, Christians took advantage of the day to pray for solutions to challenges besetting the country.
CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Lilongwe Congregation Moderator Reverend Nase Chunga said Palm Sunday celebrations were an ideal forum for seeking God’s intervention in problems that have left people of the country on their knees.
Chunga said people should give themselves fully to God as He is their only hope for positive change.
“Right now, people are pressed with so many issues; the economy is not ticking and there are so many suicide cases. The good news is that Jesus Christ is the only answer to such problems,” he said.
Area 47 CCAP Synod of Livingstonia deacon Elijah Chipeta said they are geared to hold special prayers from Monday to Thursday as part of the Holy Week.
“This is an important week to Christians and we will have special players because we believe in Jesus Christ,” Chipeta said.
During the activities, church members at Area 47 CCAP Synod of Livingstonia held a Palm Sunday Donkey Parade from their premise to Chitedze Research Station.
They held the parade under the theme ‘Welcome The King of Salvation’.
Episcopal Conference of Malawi National Coordinator for Communications and Research Father Francis Damaseke told The Daily Times that the Holy Week is about the suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said the Holy Week has three special days called Tridium, when big festivals take place.
At St Andrews CCAP in Mzuzu City, Christians marched in the streets of the city despite facing rains during the parade.
Reverend John Mnyenyembe said Christians need to be courageous.
“We need not to have fear. Christ is trying to set an example for us all to follow,” he said.
At Kavibale CCAP, Christians marched for about two kilometres from the maize silos to their church.
Moderator for the congregation, Reverend Allan Mwale, said Palm Sunday is important because it is the symbol of their salvation.
He added that Christians should reflect on their lives.
