SOUTHERN AFRICA INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION HOLDS WOMEN’S CONGRESS IN ZAMBIA

More than two thousand Women from six unions namely Malawi, Northern, Central, Southern Zambian Union, Zimbabwe East and Zimbabwe West Union Conferences attended a regional Women’s congress organized by Southern Africa -Indian Ocean Division Women Ministries department from 6 to 10th September, 2023 at Rusangu University in Zambia.

Two hundred and ninety (290) delegates were from Malawi Union Conference. The theme for the congress was “Better Not Bitter”.

The congress was officially opened by the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID) president Dr Harrington Samui Akombwa who challengd the women to arise and shine in the name of the Lord.

Presentations during the congress included Gender based violence,Managing finances, Women’s Health, Women and relationships, Women and evangelism.

Nokanyo Lulu Ndholvu from South Africa was the main speaker who presented a series of inspirational daily sermons on divine and evening services.

On the Other Hand Dr Precious Milingo an active member of Olive Seventh-day Adventist church Kampala and a founder of Utano Health Solutions, took the women through women’s health Followed by Malawi's Mercy Kumbatira who is the current Executive Director responsible for cooperate operations in the Reserve Bank of Malawi presented Women and finances topic. On women and violence, Maimba Ziela (Senior Counsel), a managing partner at Lusitu Chamber and a personal ministry director in Northern Zambian Union Conference shared with the participants on abuse and how to manage it.

A lesson focusing on the concept of how busy women can balance their daily activities, women were encouraged by Dr Linda Sibanda, Women ministry Director of Northern Zambian Union Conference. Sibanda asked ladies to manage their time well and have time to rest despite their busy schedules.

Nokanyo Lulu Ndholvu from South Africa was the main speaker who presented a series of inspiration daily sermons on divine and evening services. The Preacher encouraged women by saying that they are light on the earth and they should pray for their marriages and children and God will bless them. She further emphasised that women should not keep grudges to avoid bitterness.

“Let us choose hope, gratitude over bitterness whenever we have challenges, let's thank God in everything and write down good things the Lord done to us. When we live in prayer, we will have gratitude and our children will imitate it”, Said Lulu Ndholvu.

The Preacher encouraged women by saying that they are light on the earth and they should pray for their marriages and children and God will bless them. She further emphasised that women should not keep grudges to avoid bitterness.

“Let us choose hope, gratitude over bitterness whenever we have challenges, let's thank God in everything and write down good things the Lord has done for us. When we live in prayer, we will have gratitude and our children will imitate it”, Said Lulu Ndholvu.

On Friday September 8, 2023, the women contributed and performed massive outreach activities. On this day, they visited Monzee Hospital, Monzee Prison and Choongo school for children living with disability. Among other things, the outreach program presented assorted non- food items like slippers, soap, books and cash.

The congress lasted for four days and was closed by union parades with cultural presentations on 9 September, 2023.

Story by Maggie Chikhambi-CMC Media