By Mabvuto Kalawa
The catechist of SS Peter and Paul Nathenje Parish has encouraged Christians to devote most of their time to prayer and thanksgiving to God.
Mr. Jonas Kachikho made the remarks at St. Denis Mphakati in Sonkhwe during the community’s masika celebration.
He urged parishioners to give tithe to the church, describing it as a way of thanking God for a good harvest and for life itself.
Mr. Kachikho also reminded those in attendance that even people who do not have tithe to give should still come to pray, noting that prayer is itself a form of thanksgiving.Peter Mutharika Takes Blue Alliance Campaign to Salima and Dedza
He referenced the Bible’s teaching on tithing to the Levites, citing the book of Deuteronomy where the Israelites were instructed to give tithes.
During the function, Catechist Kachikho challenged the congregation to think outside the box so the church can develop further.
Mary Maliata, a choir member and choir mistress, said giving tithe is important because it helps develop the church and is part of thanking God for good harvests and rains.
She added that while people cannot give directly to God, they do so through priests and catechists.
Chiefs who are also Catholics attended the event, and Senior Group Village Headman Sonkhwe spoke on their behalf.WHH hands over 60 boreholes to Dedza communities
He thanked the father superior for recognizing them as Christians and said the chiefs would assist the parish in all its development agendas.
Mr. Amosi Chiutsi, chairman of the Sonkhwe outstation, thanked Christians for giving tithe this year despite a modest harvest.
He said their effort was a way of thanking God and promised that next year’s contribution would be greater.
Mr. Chiutsi encouraged Christians not to be discouraged by what others say about tithing, calling it a form of thanksgiving to God.
Tithing is one of the activities of thanksgiving observed once a year in the Catholic Church and is carried out as a tradition.
Members often give farm produce such as maize as their tithe.Christ Mandate Church for Jesus Mission donates various items to vulnerable communities in Mitundu
During the function, St. Denis Christians contributed twenty bags of maize as their tithe.
Sonkhwe outstation has two small Christian communities and falls under Nathenje Centre, one of the centers under Nathenje Parish.
The function is one of the activities the parish is carrying out this month and will continue to other small Christian communities, ending on June 29.
