By CHARLES SIMENGWA –
A UNITED Church of Zambia (UCZ) clergyman in Ndola has urged men to be the pillars of society by leading exemplary lives and being shepherds of their families.
Outgoing UCZ Ndola North Consistory chairperson, Mkuzi Banda said at the weekend that men should play a pivotal role in building the church by stepping up their gospel outreach missions and ensuring the church structures were firmed up.
Reverend Banda said this on Saturday during the MCF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at St Andrews Congregation in the town centre.
He urged the participants to uphold the spirit of togetherness and to continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev Banda was happy with the improved attendance at the AGM this year, but emphasised that much still needed to be done to further build MCF groups in all the congregations in the consistory.
The participants were drawn from St Andrews, Northrise, Hillcrest, Chifubu, Twapia, St Paul’s and Pamodzi congregations.
Others were from preaching points that included Kawama, Kaniki, Misundu and Baluba.
Rev Banda stressed the importance of renewing membership and adhering to the rules and regulations of the MCF.
“It is important for you to recommit yourselves every year. Work towards encouraging, building and correcting one another so that together you contribute to the growth of the UCZ,” he said.
Ndola North Consistory MCF convener Noel Nkonde said the 2014 national conference had been deferred to a later date since it had coincided with preparations for the UCZ golden jubilee celebrations.
Mr Nkonde, who called for more efforts in recruiting new members, said there would be two badging rallies this year.
“One badging rally will be held in May in Chingola while the other one will be in Mufulira in November,” he said.
Ndola North Consistory treasurer Amos Mwaba urged the MCF groups to come up with more fundraising ventures to boost the mission and evangelism programmes.
Ndola North Consistory secretary Goodfellow Sikazwe said there were a number of challenges during the year 2013 which included lack of finances to visit some preaching points and non-remittance of membership fees by some MCF groups.
