By CHARLES SIMENGWA

A CLERIC in Ndola has bemoaned the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and other anti-social behaviour that is promoting mischief in Zambia.

United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Northrise Congregation minister-in-charge, Mwape Chilombo said Christians should work together to discourage deeds that might lead to the collapse of the moral foundation of Zambia.

Reverend Chilombo called on all Zambians to reflect deeply on their lives and seek to dedicate themselves to Christian values that uphold a disciplined lifestyle.

She said in her Christmas message on Wednesday that it was sad that soon after the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, observed from November 25 to December 10 annually, a seven-month pregnant housewife was brutally beaten by her husband and sustained multiple cuts for which she was treated at Kitwe Central Hospital.

The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an international campaign that starts on November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, the Human Rights Day.

The campaign hopes to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international level.

Rev Chilombo bemoaned the rising cases of defilement in all parts of Zambia which had traumatised and derailed the lives of the victims.

“We have lost count of defilements. May this Christmas transform our lives,” she said.

Rev Chilombo said Christians should seek salvation by being prayerful and reading and meditating upon the word of God every day.

She said the birth of Jesus was different from every other birth, and that through His church, God was calling His people to Jesus Christ.

“The boy was conceived by the spirit in Mary’s womb and born with a sinless nature. He took our nature and entered into human life and experience. What a wonderful saviour,” she said.

Rev Chilombo appealed to Christians to obey the holy spirit and depend on God for guidance as treaties forged by human beings could not bring victory to one’s life as much as God’s own plan could.

She said Matthew, whose given name was Levi, was a Jewish tax collector who obeyed Christ’s call and became one of the original 12 disciples.

Rev Chilombo said as a way to transform their lives, all the Christians and non-believers alike should uphold unity and peace, and desist from harmful practices such as vandalism of public property.

“Remember that your life is important, do not drink. There are more accident cases than HIV/AIDS now,” she said.