As MMD youths, we find the statement from UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema that he will not attend the October 18 National Day of Prayer and Fasting highly regrettable and unfortunate.
Instead of commending the convenors of this important event, Mr Hichilema was on a radio programme denouncing the move and describing the event as a mockery to God.
We believe that President Edgar Lungu’s proclamation that the entire nation dedicates this day to prayer and fasting is consistent with the teachings of the Holy Bible.
It therefore baffles us that a leader was has attempted to rule this country a record number of times could place conditions before he could participate in this key national undertaking.
We wish to remind Mr Hichilema that all leadership is anointed by God and that God speaks through his appointed leaders. We believe that President Lungu is simply a vessel that God wants to use to reposition Zambia for greatness.
The history of Zambia is full of moments in which the entire nation came together under a single umbrella and cried out to God for help and the Almighty God has always seen us through.
From the 1990 political crisis that saw a return to multipartism, the Gabon air disaster to the third term debate, Zambia as always sought the face of God under trying times to restore hope.
It is clear that the nation is today facing numerous social and economic challenges and it is imperative that a day dedicated to prayer and fasting is observed.
By refusing to participate in the National Day of Prayer and Fasting, Mr Hichilema has yet again reignited has old debate about his standing with the Lord.
We know that the Bible commands us not to judge but we surely cannot allow a man who desperately wants to rule this country to approach national issues with too many questions about his religious beliefs and principles.
We therefore call upon all the Church mother bodies to challenge Mr Hichilema to explain the true reasons why he is shunning this important event. The Church mother should also take time to counsel and preach to Mr Hichilema about why a storing relationship with God is important as a leader.
As MMD youths we shall not allow leaders such as Mr Hichilema to get closer to the echelons of power without straightening their relationship with God.
We support Dr Nevers Mumba as leader of the MMD because we fully understand how much Dr Mumba loves God.
Even our past Presidents from Dr Chiluba, Dr Mwanawasa to Mr Banda, they all attended national prayer events.
Our call therefore goes to all political leaders that aspire to lead Zambia especially Mr Hichilema to come clean on matters of the Lord.
We can only conclude that Mr Hichilema still has a lot of question marks about his relationship with God which makes him unsuitable to lead the Zambian people. We can also conclude that maybe the UPND leader fears to be in the house of prayer because he does not want to be delivered.
Muloongo Chimunya
what of da hindus n muslems ll they oso pray n fast on dat day?