On a remarkable Sunday at the end of September Dr. Bakili Muluzu, the President of Malawi, spent nearly five hours as the Guest of Honour at the 108th anniversary and millennium celebrations of the Zambesi Evangelical Churches.

The day began with His Excellency the President and his First Lady, Madam Patricia Shanil Muluzu, taking a tour of the ZEC offices and Church at Mitsidi which has been the main centre of ZEC activity and government since 1964. There they met ZEC leaders and pastors and representatives of other Church groups before viewing presentations of the various ZEC ministries across Malawi.

The Presidential party then moved on to Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre where a crowd of several thousand ZEC members had gathered from all over the country. The celebrations were the culmination of a week of meetings during which Church business had been discussed, officers appointed and worship and teaching sessions held.

ZEC leaders, ZM workers and visitors from the UK were presented to the President and his ministers before a full and varied programme began. The morning included a heart warming display by 150 members of the fledgling Girls Brigade movement and several contributions by ZEC choirs and singing groups. Rev Abraham Folayan, a Nigerian working with ZM in Malawi, gave a powerful Bible message in English and Rev Mwai Kamuyambeni preached in Chichewa. Prayers were led by Pastor Wilfred Thako, a ZEC 'missionary' to Zambia, Paul Searle visiting from the UK, and Debora Kumpola, who leads the ZEC work amongst ladies.

ZM's Myra Wilson meeting President, Dr Bakili Muluzu
at Millennium Celebrations 24th September 2000

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation to the President of five ZEC couples who have been married for more than 25 years. Leading the way were Rev and Mrs Charlie Bonongwe celebrating 62 years of married life! Dr. Muluzi, took the opportunity to speak about the importance of moral virtues in the fight against the AIDS epidemic which is rampant in Malawi and he called upon Churches and Government to unite in combating the disease.

The President's unexpected and very warm response included several indications of how stirred he had been to learn of the past history and present activity of the ZEC Churches. He also remarked upon the clear way the Scriptures had been preached and the way to Heaven explained during the celebration. His public speech was followed by a number of very sincere personal comments as he met leaders and participants again at the end of the proceedings. Having sat through three hours of prayers, preaching and presentations, he insisted on making a further speech of appreciation and even asked for one of the hymns to be sung again!

Not the least remarkable feature of this memorable occasion was that every minute was broadcast on national television and radio. The press also gave it extensive coverage.

We praise God for this amazing opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel and the work of the Churches across the nation.