By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent
Christ Mandate Church for Jesus Mission has donated assorted food and non-food items to vulnerable communities in Mitundu in response to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s national call to assist Malawians affected by hunger.
Speaking during the donation ceremony, the founder of the church, Bishop Harvey Chabingah, urged beneficiaries to use the items strictly for their intended purpose. He warned the recipients against selling the goods, stressing that the donation was made freely and must not be commercialised.
Bishop Chabingah reminded the community that the church’s gesture is part of supporting the President’s appeal to help those struggling during the hunger period. He acknowledged that the items may not be enough for every household but expressed confidence that they would ease the burden during this difficult time.
He emphasised that the church could not remain idle while its members suffered, noting that food security is essential for spiritual well-being. “A person cannot pray effectively on an empty stomach,” he said. “Even Jesus, during His mission, fed those who were hungry.”
Bishop Chabingah further quoted scripture, saying, “I was hungry and you fed me,” to underline the biblical foundation of charity.
In his remarks, Pastor Lemison Phiri, Chairperson of the pastors’ committee, urged beneficiaries to share with others who did not have the opportunity to receive the items. He warned that anyone found selling the goods would be removed from the beneficiary list. Pastor Phiri also encouraged the community to work hard in their gardens, reminding them that fasting alone without effort cannot attract God’s blessings.
He thanked Bishop Chabingah for the initiative, saying the donation would significantly support families during the hunger crisis.
Group Village Headman Mitundu also expressed gratitude to the Bishop, telling the gathering that the donation had restored hope in the community. He urged everyone to pray for the Bishop so that he may live longer. He added that the relief items would allow people to concentrate on farming instead of spending time searching for food.
The chief noted that hunger had made it difficult to rule effectively, as desperate people are often driven to theft. He disclosed that cases of theft had already gone down because of the assistance.
Speaking to the reporter, one woman thanked Bishop Chabingah, explaining that the donation would help her feed her four orphaned grandsons. She assured the church that she would not sell the items, noting that the food would help improve their nutrition.
This initiative is part of the church’s broader strategic plan, developed with assistance from a consultant, aimed at reaching underserved communities.
The donated items were sourced from Orphan Grain Train, an American charitable organisation that partners with Bishop Chabingah. The partnership was established after the Bishop’s visit to the United States and has now been running for three years.
Apart from vulnerable households, several churches also benefited as part of strengthening partnerships within the ministry.
The items distributed included cartons of processed rice, twenty bicycles for pastors to ease their mobility, pairs of shoes, and various clothing items, among others. The total value of the donation was estimated at forty million Malawi kwacha.
Christ Mandate Church has branches in Mitundu, Lilongwe, Dedza, Chitipa, Nsanje, Chikwawa, and parts of Mozambique. Its headquarters is located in Mitundu under Traditional Authority Chingala in Lilongwe.
This donation was carried out under the church’s mission of reaching communities that are often inaccessible and underserved.
