The Obligation

When Jesus was about to leave the earth, he left a commission with his disciples, to go into all nations to preach the gospel. The gospel is simply good news and good news is supposed to be shared. Many have taken up the challenge to share this good news. What is more important to God is that this good news must be shared. The channel through which this good news is shared is secondary in as far as the importance of getting the gospel out. God has used a donkey before in order to convey His message to Balaam (Numbers 22: 28). Jesus also talked about even the stones crying out, if His disciples kept silent (Luke 19:40).

Paul being inspired of the Holy Spirit in Philippians 1:15-18 said, “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, not sincerely…, but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice.” So the Church that one goes to is not as important as getting the truth of the Word. Jesus had the custom of attending the synagogue (congregating) – Luke 4:16 even though some hypocrites where there.

The important thing for the one that hears what has been preached, despite who has preached is that they must go and search the scriptures to find out whether these things are so. Just like the people of Berea in Acts 17:11-12, they did not believe on face value but went and searched the scriptures for themselves. Many Christians trust whatever their Pastor says. If one has a person relationship with Christ, he/she must search for him/herself no matter what their Pastor says.

The practical things that will help you keep your fervency in the Lord are as follows: Purpose in your heart what you are going to do (Daniel 1:8), while living away from home. Schedule a time for personal prayer and study of the Word, Find a small group of people whom you can share fellowship with. Many people join big Churches and get lost in the crowd. Even if you join a big Church, join a small group for the sake of participation and openly talk about your relationship with Christ. If you can find somebody you can be praying with that helps greatly. Of course not someone of the opposite sex, if not related. Better careful than to be sorry.

If keeping your personal relationship with Christ is not working for you, may be you should consider going back home where it was flourishing (Matthew 18:9). It is better to sacrifice the goodies of the developed countries than to lose your soul (Matthew 16:24-27). We know this is a hard saying but how important is your faith? What are you willing to give up for it?

Bishop Jeston & Rev. Charity Katebe

www.royalglobalchurch.org

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings…”
(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day because when you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop growing, you stop living.

What are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that “good enough” is good enough. You are created for more than just average. Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. As you do, you’ll rise up higher and higher. You will stand before leaders and rulers, and you’ll live the blessed life God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father in heaven, today I choose to rise out of mediocrity. I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me to live skillfully so that my life is a continual praise to you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamanshimba died in the Lusaka University Teaching Hospital last evening. This is according a news report from local radio station QFM.

Mr.Tetamashimba has been admitted in the intensive care Unit of the country’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after he was flown back from South Africa where he went to seek medical treatment.

Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha confirmed that local government minister Ben Tetamashimba has passed away at 19 hours on Saturday.

On Friday, Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha disclosed that Mr. Tetamanshimba was recovering well and urged people in the country to pray for the Minister’s speedy recovery.

“Teta is picking up from his illness. I urge the people of Zambia to pray for the Minister and wish him a speed recovery,” Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said on Friday.

Lt-Gen Shikapwasha also said government would keep updating the nation on the health of Mr. Tetamanshimba.

And the MMD in Southern Province has described the death of Local Government and Housing Minister Ben Tetamashimba as a fundamental loss to the party as it had lost a fearless member.

Southern Province MMD Chairman Solomon Muzyamba said the party in the province was very heartbroken at the passing on of Mr Tetamshimba as he was not only a luminary but also a torchbearer of nationalism in the country.

Mr. Muzyamba said Mr Tetamashimba was a very fearless leader who never hid his true vision and belief irrespective of the consequences to him adding that he always put the nation first in all he said and did.[quote]

He said Mr. Tetamashimba will particularly be missed in the MMD where he was a troubleshooter and had the political answer to every political problem.

Mr. Muzyamba noted that Mr Tetamashimba was a friend of many and a pain in the necks of the dishonest adding that he will be greatly missed by all.

And AMICAALL has postponed the 53rd Annual Conference of the Local Government Association of Zambia and the 6th AMICAALL General Assembly.

Local Government Association of Zambia President Charles Mumena said the conference that was scheduled to take place from September 7 to 11th has been postponed to December 7 and 11 of this year following the death of Mr. Tetamashimba.

Mr. Mmumena has since extended the association’s condolences to President Rupiah Banda and the bereaved family on the passing on of Mr Tetamashimba.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Nyirenda has said the funeral gathering for the late Minister of Local Government and Housing Benny Tetamashimba is being held at House Number 345, Independence Avenue, next to the official residence of the Chief Justice Enerst Sakala.

ZANIS

President Rupiah Banda has called for hard work, patriotism and efficiency in the country.

The President said this at Mkaika during the celebration of the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete today.

The ceremony attracted hundreds of people from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and other countries. In his speech, President Banda emphasized that for development to take place in the country, there is need for hard work, patriotism and efficiency.

President Banda said Government would continue to support cultural activities such as the Kulamba traditional ceremony which is a cultural heritage that plays a central role in the socio-economic development of any society.

The President further assured the people of Eastern Province that Government would continue supporting the agriculture and other sectors.

He assured the gathering that Government had already disbursed fertilizers and other farming inputs to all the districts in readiness of the next farming season.

Speaking during the same function, Mozambican Minister of Education, Inais Bonfacio Ali expressed his gratitude to be part of this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony.

He said Mozambique respects chiefs and traditional leaders because they help in the development process.

Mr. Ali said traditional ceremonies are a platform for the exchange of ideas and the fostering of unity.

And speaking on behalf of Malawian President Dr. Bingu Wamtharika, Malawian Minister of Local Government, Dooal Gondwe said that Zambia and Malawi have worked together for a long time and continue to share many ideals of common interest.

He described the ceremony as a unifying factor for Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi.

He said the ceremony was not for celebration only, but a springboard for the development of the three countries.

ZANIS

The MMD says former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, is free to contest the party and republican presidency in 2016.

MMD Acting Spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti, says the ruling party is democratic and gives equal opportunities to all members to contest any positions including the presidency.

Mr. Mulongoti told ZNBC news that members are free to make such indications although there is still a long way to go before the 2016 elections.

Mrs Mwanawasa has been quoted in Friday’s edition of the Times of Zambia news paper as saying she will contest the 2016 polls.

The former first lady said for now she will support the candidature of President Rupiah Banda.

She said her decision to contest the 2016 presidential elections has been driven by her passion to lead Zambia.

Mrs. Mwanawasa also dismissed rumours that she is a wealthy woman.

[ZNBC]

President Rupiah Banda has castigated opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema for inciting the donor community to with-hold funding to Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema is allegedly inciting the donor community to withhold their support because the fight against corruption is being mishandled.

The President Banda said it was important for the opposition leader to realize that Zambia is faced with a lot of challenges which require support from donors.

He cited challenges in areas of road infrastructure, education and health as some of those requiring assistance.

Mr. Banda expressed regret that Mr. Hichilema, who is also co-leader of the PF/UPND pact, can incite donors not to release funds to Zambia forgetting that he was still under the leadership of the MMD government.

The President said Mr. Hichilema lost elections and he would lose the forth-coming 2011 presidential elections because his behaviour showed that he has nothing to offer to the Zambian people.

Mr. Banda advised the UPND leader to think twice than inciting donors and unnecessarily criticize government even when it was delivering services to the people.

“Mr. Hichilema should know that he is under the control of the ruling MMD and whether he likes it or not, inciting donors to rise against my government entails that the UPND will also suffer. Zambia needs funds to address and fix the infrastructure in this country,” he said.

The Head of State was speaking this morning, shortly before departure for Katete where he is scheduled to attend the Kulamba ceremony at Paramount Chief Gawa Undi’s palace.

And President Banda has advised diplomats accredited to Zambia against issuing bad statements.

President Banda said the Zambian government will have an audience with the US Government to iron out issues adding that diplomats should use the proper channels of communication.

Mr. Banda’s statement comes following US Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth’s that donors were not satisfied with the manner Zambia was fighting corruption, especially the acquittal of former second Republican President Dr. Frederick Chiluba.

Meanwhile, President Banda has said Mozambican President Amando Guebuza who was expected to attend the Kulamba ceremony, will be represented by his Education Minister.

Mr. Banda said his Malawian counterpart Dr. Bingu Wa-Mutharika has confirmed his attendance at the ceremony.

The President was seen off at the Lusaka City Airport by Vice President George Kunda, Cabinet Ministers, senior government and MMD party officials.

ZANIS

Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has disclosed that Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamanshimba and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Misheck Bonshe who are admitted at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) are recovering well.

And Lieutenant General Shikapwasha has urged people in the country to pray for the two Ministers for a speed recovery.

In interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Lt-Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said Mr. Tetamanshimba and Mr. Bonshe are feeling much better.

“Teta is picking up from his illness while Mr. Bonshe is feeling much better. I urge the people of Zambia to pray for our two Ministers and wish them a speed recovery,” Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said.

Mr. Tetamanshimba, who was earlier evacuated to South Africa was brought back and has since been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at UTH while Mr. Bonshe is also admitted there.

He said government will keep updating the nation on the health of the two ministers.

Meanwhile, the National Revolution Party (NRP) President Cosmo Mumba has accused government of not updating the nation on the health of the Minister of Local Government and Housing Benny Tetamashimba’s condition.

In a separate interview with ZANIS, Dr. Mumba said the Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao, should inform the nation on Mr. Tetamashimba’s condition because the nation wanted to know how he was doing.

Dr. Mumba has since appealed to President Rupiah Banda to allow Mr. Tetamshimba to take a rest from his duties when he is discharged from hospital.

He said handling both the ministerial position and politics was a lot of work and requires one to have enough rest.

ZANIS