By CATHERINE NYIRENDA and JULIUS PHIRI –

THE Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) have welcomed the decision by President Edgar Lungu to designate October 18 as an annual day of prayer and fasting.
EFZ executive director Pukuta Mwanza said the declaration of October 18 would help strengthen Zambia as a Christian Nation.
President Lungu on Sunday, during the national day of prayer and fasting held at Lusaka’s Showgrounds, designated the day as a public holiday which would be set aside for Zambians to pray and fast for the healing and prosperity of the nation.
“The declaration is strongly commended as Zambians would have one day in a year, on which the people in the entire country will dedicate their time to pray for love, peace and unity.
“It will also help strengthen Zambia as a Christian Nation,” Reverend Mwanza said.
Rev Mwanza was humbled by the zeal of Zambians who turned out in masses across the country to dedicate their time for the national prayer and fasting.
“The event was successful as people gathered. We received reports of people gathering in different places across the country who braved the sun to participate in the day of prayer and fasting,” Rev Mwanza said.
He said the massive turnout of people during the prayers should be an indication to politicians that the Zambian people wanted healing in the country.
Rev Mwanza condemned those that shunned the prayers and fasting for being unrealistic.
BIGOCA overseer Peter Ndhlovu commended President Lungu for the declaration of October 18 as a public holiday for prayer and fasting.
Bishop Ndhlovu said the designation of the public holiday was the greatest gift that Mr Lungu had given to the Zambian people.
“We congratulate President Lungu for putting God as number one in his life. He has shown it, and may Kings respect him,” Bishop Ndhlovu said.
The country is now expecting fruits of repentance by ending the mudslinging and insults that have rocked the country, especially among political party leaders.
MMD president Nevers Mumba also welcomed the declaration of October 18 as the day of national prayer and fasting, saying there was nothing wrong to have a public holiday dedicated to prayers.
Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Eastern Province chairperson Sonye Banda praised Mr Lungu for declaring October 18 as the day of fasting and prayer.
“The President is on firm grounds that he has gone further to declare October 18th as a day for prayer and fasting. This was our wish as the church mother body,” Rev Banda said.