‘VOTE FOR PEACE’

By AARON CHIYANZO INSTIGATORS of violence for political gain or cult riches must stop it immediately, repent and turn away from evil because the arm of God is not short to deal with them, Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda has said. Dr Banda said there was a lack of peace in communities because of envy, hatred, selfishness and a craving for power by some individuals. He said this in his homily at the Big Sunday Prayers for Peace and Security at the National House of Prayer construction site in Lusaka yesterday, graced by President Edgar Lungu. Dr Banda said those who failed to be peaceful lacked peace within themselves and their surroundings. He said such people were followed by a lack of peace wherever they went because they lacked peace at personal level. “If there is no peace in the heart, what will come out is a replica of what is in the heart. You cannot give what you don’t have,” he said. Dr Banda however warned that those who were instigating violence for political mileage were headed for doom. And Pentecostal Assemblies of God overseer, Archbishop Joshua Banda said candidates in any election who have good motives never involve themselves in violence or other evil schemes. Bishop Banda said the real intentions of people seeking political office would be exposed once the outcome of the elections was known. He said leaders with a motive to serve mankind sincerely would urge their supporters to accept the outcome and soldier on while those with selfish intentions would want chaos. “For now we take that all the 16 Presidential candidates have good motives to serve us. Those will selfish motives will be seen after the election outcome is known,” he said. Meanwhile, a Rwandese national Nyamuganza Damascene urged Zambians to guard the peace the country has known jealously. Mr Damascene narrated how his family was disintegrated because of the genocide that hit his country in the 90s. He said divisions among citizens of a country could have devastating results if not well handled quickly. Mr Damascene said Zambians could not afford to wreck the peace and good name the country was known for worldwide for political reasons. “We also once had the cattle, good life in my family of eight but ended up running with no known destination. Life is tough, food is measured and your daughters are abused sexually. You can’t want that,” he said. And Partners in Mission Works president, Reverend Serge Changa said no evil plans would prevail before, during and after the elections. Rev Changa said peace would continue to be enjoyed in Zambia. He said the prayers that had been offered signified the levels of commitment towards peace that Zambians had. Rev Changa hailed President Lungu for always presenting himself as a servant of the people despite being the Head of State. “Before, during and after the elections peace will be enjoyed in Zambia,” he said.  And President Lungu yesterday inspected work at the ultra-modern National House of Prayer under construction. This was shortly after attending a church service to pray for peace and security in the nation before, during and after elections. Zambia Army regiment commander in charge of works at the House of Prayer, Colonel Pitson Mvula told the President that about K20 million had so far been injected in the project to erect pillars. Col Mvula said another K20 million would be needed for the concrete.  He said the roof of the building would require about K60 million. President Lungu expressed happiness with the pace of the project which he has been inspecting from time to time. President Lungu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the National House of Prayer in Lusaka’s Woodlands area in 2015. He said the desire to spearhead the construction of the house of prayer is to honour God. Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of the House of Prayer for All Nations Tabernacle, President Lungu said his ascendance to power was purely an act of God. The President said he was not ashamed to surrender himself and the country unto the Lord. Once completed, the National House of Prayer will have a seating capacity of more than 10, 000 congregants.