This generation of champions has turned around the fortunes of Zambia. We are not victims, underdogs or losers. We are victors, heroes and winners. This team has earned Zambia respect in the soccer world and has caused many to take a second look at their world map. These ordinary but courageous and spirited young men have given us a legacy which future generations will be inspired to emulate. At a time when too many of our institutions run by Zambians have let us down, the winning of the African Cup is a testimony that when people are daring, self-sacrificing and work as a team they do achieve much. We must also thank the coach and the board of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for helping the team work together to stay focused on the mission at hand.

As I consider this achievement, I am reminded of the Zambian national team that perished on the shores of Libreville where the Africa Cup final took place. It is easy for those who do not know Christ to credit this victory to the spirits of our compatriots who died in that fateful plane crash in 1993. To do this is to miss a wonderful opportunity to learn lessons of endurance, perseverance, discipline and hard work from this humble team.

John Wesley said, “Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world. I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; and such alone will overthrow the kingdom of Satan and build up the kingdom of God on earth.” As Wesley states God work is not for those who are wise according to worldly standard but those who are committed to His purpose and devoted to His work. Co-workers, what we have here at Jubilee Centre is a team of men and women who are coming alongside church leaders encouraging them to yearn for communities, cities and nation that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God (Hebrews 11:13). Our success is not going to come because of our wisdom but because of God’s transforming us into his people in spite of our common pedigree. Our status excludes us all boasting in heritage, achievement, or membership in a particular church.

As we celebrate this victory let us put into practice the lessons we have learned from it. They were underdogs, but they worked hard and it paid off. Paul tells us, “But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him… “Therefore, as it is written: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1Cor.1:27-31). May this victory inspire us to grow in our faithfulness to Jesus.

Lawrence Temfwe (Devotion to Jubilee Centre staff on Monday Morning of 13^th February 2012)

By comparison we haven’t seen any persecution in Zambia. We have had it easy. We have grown soft and lazy. We relax in a privileged subculture and yet fail to take advantage of opportunities to enter law school, politics, the film industry or journalism.  By entering into these arenas we could create change from within. While change would not be easy with God it is possible. Christian influence in the Zambian music industry is one bright spot. Christian songs are often leading the charts. As church leaders we need to disciple these upcoming artists to move beyond writing songs that primarily deal with personal blessing. We must help them to write songs about Jesus healing broken homes, overcoming HIV and AIDS and poverty. Just imagine songs starting with lines like “Do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd… the Lord is known by His justice…I will sing of your love and justice…Seek the Lord and Live.”

There is a new generation of Christians who knows that Zambia’s transformation is not in anointed water from Nigeria but in taking their faith to the world. This new generation of Christians defines faith by action. At Christmas and New Year the church leaders in Mapalo made an appeal to their local civic leaders. They asked that all places serving alcohol would close their bars at 22:30. In their petition they stated that this would help to halt rape cases, reduce HIV and AIDS infection, gender violence and other crime. They argued that these should be family nights in which families spend together or go to church. The petition was granted! On these two nights the churches held all night prayer meetings and many were saved.

Wake up Zambian Christians. Since we are not being fed to the lions for our faith, we still have an opportunity to build a society that reflects biblical principles. We even have a president who is on record saying he will rule this country by the Ten Commandments. To stimulate such change Christians must penetrate the structures of society that are reforming and remoulding our culture. For this to happen, we need shrewd church leaders who understand how unbelievers think and how the systems and structures of our society operate, so they can teach their people to evangelize them by taking their faith to the workplace and the community. Mapalo church leaders are doing it. Are you? And by the way, next time you go to Nigeria visit the north of that country. What you see there could be used by God to call the Zambian Church back to the glorious vision for which He created it.

Lawrence Temfwe

Parents must be deeply rooted in the Christian doctrines of creation, revelation, redemption and judgment. If we are not rooted in the faith we cannot equip our children with the patience and gentleness needed to make a good-faith effort to stop any teacher who dares to slander historic Christianity. Our children must see us invite our unchurched neighbours and we must let them watch us engage them with love and passion on why we believe that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. At evening meal we must share stories of how we were able ‘to fight the good fight of faith’ with skeptical workmates. Parents must set an example in their home that affirms Christianity as a lifestyle or worldview that governs every area of their existence.

For parents to be equipped to disciple their children they need a church whose doctrine and practice demonstrates that God is sovereign over all of life. We need a church that shows the world that Christianity is more than a private belief, salvation is not only personal and God cares about more than economic “prosperity”. The church must help their members to understand that Christianity is an all encompassing worldview that answers all of the most important questions of life. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? The church must do more to help its members grasp this comprehensive vision of life so that members can enjoy the fullness of God’s grace in everyday activities. The church must be careful to present a reasonable and practical faith to unbelievers or it will become increasingly marginalized with no consequential impact on the culture.

We must be careful not to turn a blind eye to the statement of this teacher. To do so would be to turn our back on the culture, which is a betrayal of our biblical mandate. Let us take interest in what is happening in our schools that we halt any efforts to slide our children into believing there is no God but their teachers. The mother mentioned in this story is helping her child to see Christianity as a life system or worldview which governs every area of existence. For the sake of our schools and our nation, we need more parents to do the same. Churches need to do more to disciple parents with an understanding that Christianity offers the only viable and rationally defensible answers to the most important questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?  Is your church teaching members that the whole world can only be understood only in relation to God as revealed in the Bible?

Lawrence Temfwe

Most of us in the church are part of the 60% of Zambians living in poverty. We find it difficult to relate to the faith which led Moses to give up his position in the palace. By faith, Moses knew that wealth and prestige were momentary pleasures. How many Christians living in extreme poverty would refuse adoption by Pharaoh? How many of you serving as guardians of orphans would love the chance to have Pharaoh as a foster parent to those children. Before you answer this remember all of the money you are trying to raise for school fees in this month. Moses says Hebrews, “persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”   When the truth dawned Moses refused be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, Ruth and Esther are examples of people whom God blessed with material blessings. If they lived today they would probably be driving expensive vehicles, living in beautiful houses and sending their children to the best schools in town. There is nothing wrong with having material blessings. What is wrong is to think that your blessings are the only basis for you to be considered into Hebrews 11. The leaders in Hebrews are commended for their faith because: they conquered kingdoms, shut mouths of lions, administered justice, were jeered and flogged, chained and put in prison, stoned and sawed in two. They went about in sheepskins. They were destitute, persecuted and mistreated. It does not matter what your status in society, what matters is whether you have seen him who is invisible and your actions are directed by faith, hope, obedience and endurance.

The leaders in Hebrews 11 died in faith. They did not receive the tangible fulfillment of God’s promises, although they did see them from a distance. Their journey was all about a vision that was inspired by seeing the invisible future. Those mentioned as people of faith demonstrate to us the nature and possibilities of faith for believers in every generation. Whether we are called to be politicians, farmers, military, business, judiciary, teachers, nurses or homemakers, the example of Hebrews 11 is for us. And, in order to stay in the race of faith, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. Because He realized perfect faith from start to finish, he fulfilled God’s promises for all who believe, giving faith a basis by his enduring the cross and scorning its shame.

Lawrence Temfwe

(Extracts from a message preached at Bread of Life ChankuteNdola  rural)

Before we blame the government for this omission we need to take a serious look at ourselves. Have we represented our views of God in the public square in a united and clear fashion? After all, the government has often requested representation from evangelicals on important issues. Have we made relevant and thoughtful contributions when asked? If so, should we not be stunned by our exclusion? In keeping with biblical rites should we not tear our clothes and put dust on our heads, and fall on our faces before the Lord and pray till evening (Joshua 7:6-9)? Are we afraid that if we pleaded to the Lord He might respond by saying, “Stand up! Deal with issues in your camp that have made you irrelevant and insignificant in the public square?”

If evangelical Christians are the majority, then we do not need to be overly troubled by exclusion on the Technical Committee. The government should take notice when we do things right and whether we are present or not, His law will be included. It is the church’s charge to go into the world and “turn it upside down.” In Paul’s time, the church was in the minority. The population took notice of Christian’s unswerving dedication to the teaching of Christ. Supreme homage and total obedience was given only to Christ, the rightful owner. Submitting to Jesus as Lord and King is a political statement. Christianity insists that God is the source of justice and righteousness. When His law is omitted from the public square Christians still follow His law as revealed in the Bible.

Representing God in the public square is a great challenge for any who profess Jesus as Lord. It is particularly challenging for evangelical Christians in cultural centres of power. Social problems like HIV and AIDS, unemployment, orphans and vulnerable children and corruption can be attributed, in part, to the inaction of Christians with political power. Do you not act because you do not care or because you do not know? I think it is often times the latter. The church needs more teaching on the practical implications of God’s Word related to the public square. We need to equip Christians with fundamental beliefs to penetrate every level of society. While the State House is not the vehicle for advancing the church, Christians need to be prepared for thoughtful engagement on issues related to justice and righteousness when asked to contribute. Ultimately, as we represent God to our communities let us remember that ‘the battle is not ours but the Lords.’

Lawrence Temfwe

Your media and advertising messages on HIV and AIDS where you are encouraging the use of condoms are confusing. The adverts seem to suggest that people with multiple sexual partners are engaged in normal love relationships. The way it is portrayed, this lifestyle choice has little effect on one’s happiness or joy in life. Once everyone’s attention has been taken, the adverts casually ask if they have thought about AIDS. Are we serious? In real life the elderly men who pick up young girls do not do so transparently as your adverts suggest. These shameful activities are pursued in dark corners where the perpetrators can look behind their backs to make sure no one is following them. Sir, what you are advertising on television and on billboards in Lusaka are not normal or healthy sexual relationships between committed adults. We need a pragmatic approach to this serious issue.

A few months ago I stumbled on a no-nonsense approach on Yahoo news. An adult film performer in Southern California tested positive for HIV and as a result the multi-billion dollar adult film industry was shut down until the performer was retested. The article stated that, “A series of tests were being conducted on the performer to confirm the case before anyone the performer might have spread the illness to will be notified to get tested.”  The article further mentioned that “if the initial case is confirmed, the group will ask two generations of the person’s sexual partners to get tested, meaning those who had sex with the performer and the sexual partners of those who had sex with the performer.”

Sir, this story happened under the watch of the USA government. Look at their approach. The decision was fast, focused and tough. HIV and AIDS in the USA is hardly the challenge it is for Zambia yet in this country we are acting like it is normal for elderly parents to have relations with young women…as long as they use a condom. What are we trying to communicate to our young people? It is okay to participate in risky sexual exploits as long as you don’t get AIDS?! If a condom manufacturer was running these advertisements one could understand. But the government should not participate in glamourizing and promoting immoral behaviour.

Sir, I recommend that the resources spent to promote condoms be used to promote positive expressions of life and love. Let us highlight examples of true greatness in people who have quietly chiseled character into their lives through steadfastness and commitment to one partner. Let us use advertisements to promote our cultural values of virginity, fidelity, love and respect. Zambia has many individuals and families who embody these values and would be humbled to share their testimonies in the media. Our goal is to help young people embrace a vision for their life and for our nation. We do this by helping them identify their talents and interests and by promoting good character. To promote lasting change we must emphasize good character and integrity.

Sir, I am at a loss that our government can use such immoral scripts to encourage the use of condoms. We should use scripts that teach mutual responsibility, self control, fairness, inherent dignity and the value of human life in order to envision our people to zero new AIDS infections. I pray that your future adverts will accurately reflect the devastating effect that AIDS has had on our national peace and joy and that it is in our power to stop it.

Lawrence Temfwe

Over four years ago, JC understood that if the church was to be the salt of the earth and light of the world it cannot continue to do the church as usual. By the grace of God 288 church leaders from 94 churches rose up to the challenge and have in the last three years been attending Transformational Journey seminars were they are learning what it means to stand up to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God in communities with extreme human needs.

Last October the JC team of Lawrence Temfwe, Peter Mwakalombe and Kabwe Kabwe – Willow Creek Country Manager were privileged to be joined by a team of four people who between them have over 90 years of ministry as leaders at Willow Creek Church – Betty Schimdt, Steve Bartz, Dan Lovaglia and Scott Pedersen to address the theme of Biblical and Effective Church Governance.

Photo: Elder Steve teaching during Transformational Journey at JC Conference Hall.

The subject on church discipline raised a hot debate. In one discussion a pastor stated, “How do you discipline a major tither? You can’t because if you do, you stop eating.” Another stated, “Instead of representing God in our discipline of erring members, the pastor is caught up in his own agenda of getting rich and the church slowly loses its position as the moral fibre of the nation.”

The facilitators, however, did offer practical teaching from God’s Word that equipped church leaders in how to represent God to the culture by penetrating every level of society.In his concluding remarks a participant Bishop David Ngona said, “Our churches and communities are experiencing a new spiritual birth because of these trainings that are helping us lead our churches with servant attitudes and address issues of discipline from a godly perspective.”

“NOT ON MY WATCH” GLS ROCKS ZAMBIA LEADERS

“Not on my watch” stated, Meluse Masuwa a Child Development Officer with Jubilee Centre when she heard Michelle Rhee. Michelle was one of the speakers at Global Leadership Summits which were held in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone and presented via videocast. Michelle shared in her testimony how as Chancellor of Washington, DC school district she was unwilling to allow her schools under her watch continue as the worst performing school system in the US. After listening to how Michelle did it, Meluse retorted with tears in her eyes, “On my watch, I am not going to allow children be taught by untrained teachers in our community schools that are ran by churches in our networks.” The GLS was started in 1995 by Bill Hybels Senior Pastor of Willow Creek following a God given prompting to help raise and develop the spiritual gift of leadership in the local church. A participant beautifully defined GLS this way:

Photo: Participants at GLS 2011 at Bread of Life Ndola

“I have become apprehensive about attending Christian conferences … I was pleasantly surprised of how wonderful the summit was organised. Your team was wonderful. The meeting started and ended on time. The teachings were engaging, relevant to the needs of this present age and challenging. I am revitalized and emboldened. The messages demanded action; everybody can do something to make the ‘Kingdom come’. I am excited because I have already dug some ditches and God is going fill them in ways I do not know,” Mrs. Chanda Chilongoshi (business woman).

GETTING TO ZERO NEW HIV INFECTIONS

On the first of December, World AIDS Day is celebrated. Jubilee Centre is committee member for the District AIDS Task Force that prepares for this commemoration. All the network churches participate in the activities at local level. The theme for this year wasZero new infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-Related deaths.

“This day is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to remember those who have died of the disease and to review efforts being made to overcome,” stated Agnes Zalila the Care and Compassion Coordinator at JC.

During the week of AIDS awareness JC focused on couples testing. They employed mass media, inviting couples for testing. In all 90 couples tested in a single day. The counselors were provided by the network of churches and all of them have been trained in psychosocial counseling through JC capacity building program.

Martha Temfwe who was one of the counselors stated, “I wish more churches would understand what we are up against. For zero new infection to happen every church on the face of Zambia must passionately be involved.”

 Photo: Volunteers during World AIDS day

Charity Chileshe a mother of three testified during candle light service were 450 people gathered at Lilanda Catholic church in Lusaka, “I have lived with HIV for over 4 years now but most importantly is that my baby has lived without breast milk but mainly on supplementary food that includes high energized protein supplement (HEPS) through JC support. When I was told at the clinic that I should find an alternative way of feeding my baby due to my HIV status I did not know how I was going to manage that. But I thank God around the same period the positive living support group to which I was trained on how to make HEPS and my baby was one of the beneficiaries.”

PASTOR TEMFWE IN MOROCCO AT THE UN CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION (UNCAC)

Pastor Temfwe was one of the team members that was invited by the UK based TEARFUND to attend at United Convention Against Corruption held in Morocco,Marrakesh in October. At a press briefinghosted by Transparent International he said that:

“It’s in everyone’s interests to tackle corruption – so we need the broadest coalition and most effective mechanisms possible. After all our Lord Jesus Christ is called the Advocate because he not only pleads for our salvation but also desires that we enjoy life to the full as family, as community and as nation. His followers must do no less by advocating for a nation free of corruption, is just, and cares for the needy children, widows and the poor who are most affected by corruption.”

Photo: Pastor Temfwe at UNCAC in Morocco

WILLOW CREEK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TEAM AT JC

Jubilee Centre was privileged to host an IT team from Willow Creek from 10^th -16^thSeptember 2011. The training has enhanced the Staff computer skills which have added quality to staff report writing skills.

“I now understand better how to use Microsoft word, PowerPoint and emails. This is the only formal training I have ever received in computers. I am ever grateful to Willow Creek for the partnership,” stated Pastor Chris Chanda.

“My goodness this training has really re-enforced my computer skills, they indeed came at the right time. I hope and pray that the training will be an annual activity,” said Sister Jenipher Chibeka JC Finance and Administration Manager.

JC Microfinance project

JC has been able to see the gap between lower income people of Zambia and the poorest of the poor that cannot get a loan from Micro Finance Institutions which would be able to enhance their living standard hence birthing the micro finance project. JC is playing a role of a catalyst in self sustaining church development through this initiative to boost whatever business church members are involved in to better their living standards.

We have started the project with Chifubu network of churches. Five churches have received the loans and 44 church members have benefited from Chifubu.

Photo: Cornelius and his daughters at the store

Cornelius Kasalwe a member of Gospel Missions church with the loan he got, he was able to procure a larger amount of fish (kapenta) to sell in the market, more material for the store (sewing material), and even got some groceries to sell (because this is what sells the most in that community). This has allowed him to make a larger profit margin as compared to what he used to. Cornelius said, “I am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity to better myself and my family, praise be to God. My family is now saving more money monthly than we have done in the past.”

“I am really astounded and encouraged at what some of the loan recipients have been able to produce or amplify with the money given, it really goes to show that a little used the right way can make an incomprehensible difference,” Stated Lawrence Temfwe Jr. who is volunteer in the program.

Starting the Journey of Life

JC has continued with workshops on counselling and child rights in order to help children come to terms with their grief and loss, help them face life’s challenges with great tenacity and resilience and help them tell their stories fully, clearly and honestly to encourage others going through a similar situation.

Recently, JC in partnership with TEARFUND conducted a workshop for 27 orphans under the theme Starting the Journey of Life. At the end of the workshop held at Northern Technical College each child walked away with a pair of new shoes.

Photo: Children and facilitator Mrs. Lumba during an ice-breaker to help orphans open up and share experiences

“I am happy I came to this training for counselling because now I feel free. Before I came here I was so heavy in my heart, I had no one to talk to. Here I have met my fellow orphans and I feel encouraged because I know that I am not the only one passing through challenges,” said Arthur Phiri from Faith Tabernacle in George.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Jubilee Centre staff wishes you a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!

Mathew 2:2, 6

PRAYER AND PRAISE ITEMS

• Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragements, partnership and contribution in the ministry
• Thank God for this year as many things have been accomplished in the midst of the recession
• Thank God that churches are capturing the integral mission
• Thank God that the intervention in HIV and AIDS has reduced HIV infections
• Pray for resources that we complete our offices which are under construction
• Pray that JC acquire a large piece of land on which to build a multipurpose complex

Website:

You can subscribe to our news and Monday Issue from our website. You can also give financially through our website. Kindly visit our website for the updates. The address iswww.jubileecentre.org

Become a friend of the Jubilee Centre:

We would like to encourage you to become a friend of JC by giving regularly to support the work. In return we will keep you regularly updated on our work and ministry. For those in the USA and UK we have tax efficient ways you can give to Jubilee Centre:

USA: Please send tax-deductible checks to Jubilee Centre, c/o Dr Bryan Boatwright MD, 2704 Hartlee Ct, Denton, Texas 76208.

UK: JC now has an account with the Stewardship account where you can give tax efficiently. Please use the Stewardship account form found on the websitewww.jubileecentre.org/support

Within Zambia: Please send cheques and money to us at the address below.

Jubilee Centre

‘Daring to be Salt of the Earth and Light of the World’

Website: www.jubileecentre.org

Email: mail@jubileecentre.Org

Tel: +260 (0)212 681 482 / 681 172

Address: PO Box 70519, 30 Lualaba Road, Kansenshi, Ndola, Zambia

Many Zambians were confused. How can a political party sponsor such a lavish in a nation where two thirds of its people live in frightening poverty! Where did they get money to buy thousands of bicycles, millions of t-shirts, and dozens of vehicles? Who funded all the buses and where did they get the millions they paid for billboards and state of the art advertising? Many have suggested that two months prior to the elections the MMD was spending more money on their campaign than the government itself.

Investigating the source of campaign funds is important in the development of the Zambian democratic process. The purpose of the probe is to confirm whether those who bank-rolled the campaigns run genuine companies with the capacity to donate the amount of funds it is suggested they donated. If they are not legitimate companies with the capacity to donate then the funds may have been obtained through corruption. This exercise should not just look back but should also inform us how to conduct future elections. One clear lesson learned from the past election is that large donors to political parties should be disclosed. Second, there must be limits placed on how much money individual companies or persons can contribute to a political party during each election.

The purpose of the probe should not be retribution. That said, we are not suggesting “cheap grace”. If corruption or theft of resources from the treasury was committed, those involved must be dealt with according to the law. This must include restitution. However, it must not end there. Since 1996 there has been a perception that the MMD has been abusing state resources during elections. Most believe that since 2001 the MMD has been winning elections by rigging. Therefore, the process we as a nation shall take in probing these abuses can bring both justice and healing. We must work hard to see that new ways of doing politics in Zambia are the result. We need to find ways for the consequences of electoral malpractice to be understood by the offenders and by all Zambians. Additionally, opportunities need to be made for offenders to seek and find forgiveness and reconciliation.

However you look at it, the excessive funds spent on the 2011 elections violated the relationship between poor Zambians and their “leaders”. In this way, the abuse was against the Zambian people, against their children’s education, against their hope to have a decent home, against better health services and against safe water. The excessive use of resources created mistrust in our communities that has now resulted in acts of vengeance behavior by those who were victims. There is need for reconciliation in our communities.

Therefore, we must pray for the fruitfulness of this probe. We should pray that the problems of the current system are identified and a future-oriented focus on problem solving is pursued. If the MMD is found guilty but we fail to answer the questions of why they did this and how we can ensure this doesn’t happen again then the next time around it will be the PF being probed. As a church we must be in the forefront to ensure that the system is not vindictive when applying justice. When Jesus encountered a very corrupt Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 we see Zacchaeus didn’t have it easy after his confession (he paid back four times in restitution), BUT he was restored to God and to the community! The church should desire the same because it is in the business of doing business that heals.

Lawrence Temfwe

RDC is a non-partisan community based organization that implement local government developmental programs. The RDC is part of the decentralization program of the government that ensures grassroots involvement in development.

Pastor Phiri who is the treasurer of Jubilee Centre Network of Churches in Chifubu and an overseer of three churches is very excited about his appointment. He said, “What I have learnt in the Transformational Journey Curriculum about appreciation enquiry, strategic planning and servant leadership is now going to be implemented at community level.”

“As a network of 25 churches we have already assessed our community needs and I am now going to mobilize my executive committee at RDC to see what we can implement,” stated pastor Phiri. Executive Director of Jubilee Centre, Lawrence Temfwe in a message of congratulation said, "Pastor Phiri is a humble man who who will serve the people of Fibobe to the glory of God"

He requested for prayers that Fibobe Ward be a model of what a RDC that serves people and that is free from corruption looks like. He also requested for prayers that he humbly proclaims and demonstrates the gospel to his peers.

The PF knew that telling Zambians, “accepting money or gifts from government officials during elections is breaking the law” would fall on deaf ears. Instead they chose the adage “if you can’t beat them join them,” and “Don’t Kubeba” was born! The “Don’t Kubeba”, or “Don’t Tell” campaign strategy was: “accept money from government officials, just don’t tell them you won’t vote for them.” This proved to be a very shrewd and effective strategy. On the Copperbelt, people thronged to MMD political meetings to get money, chitenge clothing and t-shirts.

‘Don’t Kubeba’ certainly contributed to the PF win. Nonetheless, many serious minded Christians had a lot of questions about the slogan. How should Christians respond to a slogan that encourages corruption? How can Christians make a difference in politics when one party encourages taking bribes and another party uses dishonest means to gain power? With the PF government talking tough against corruption it would seem good for them to categorically denounce the “Don’t Kubeba” slogan. “Don’t Kubeba” is a contradiction to the prevention and fight against corruption.

“One way Christians can contribute to the transformation of society is by getting involved in politics to fight corruption and injustice and by providing good governance” says a Nigerian Christian Development worker Danladi Musa.  But, outside of the New Jerusalem, Christian politicians will face many challenges. Challenges like “Don’t Kubeba”. On the surface it may appear that the PF has plainly encouraged corruption. But, how do you face a process that is characterized by intrigue, political maneuvering and deceit? What do you do when those responsible for conducting elections may be coerced into supporting the ruling party by falsifying figures in favor of preferred candidates?

The easy answer is – obey God. But what does obedience look like when the system is unjust? Do you say “Don’t Kubeba” during the election and then “Do Kubeba” if you win the election? Or is obedience your only hope no matter what? We have testimonies in the lives of people like Joseph and Daniel who remained obedient to God and in the end God vindicated and elevated them to the highest leadership positions. How are you helping church members in politics show allegiance to God? Are you telling Christian politicians that they cannot be effective in anything until he or she learns to obey God no matter the consequences?

Lawrence Temfwe