COVID-19 HITS THE CHURCH

By: Bester Kayaye.

As the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic cases continues spiking in the country, the body of Christ has not been spared with Rev. Edward Chitsonga being the latest prominent clergyman to succumb to the virus.

Rev. Chitsonga, a former President for Malawi Assemblies of God has died of Covid-19 at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.

Until his death, Rev. Chitsonga was the Senior Pastor at Area 47 Assemblies of God Church in Lilongwe.

This comes barely a day after the Founder of City Wide Revival church Apostle C.J Tsukuluza and Bishop Moses Hamungole of the diocese of Monze in neighboring Zambia, passed on due to Covid-19.

Bishop Hamungole who was in Malawi to attend the funeral and burial of Archbishop Tarsizius Gervasio Ziyaye last month died around 18:00 hrs yesterday at Levi Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital where he was bed ridden for the past two weeks.

Meanwhile tributes are pouring for the late Rev. Chitsonga and among other elites that have expressed dismay over his passing include Bishop Trevor Kautsire of Miracle Ministries International Family who described his passing as a big loss to the body of Christ.

One of the legendary media icons in the country Deus Sandram had also expressed shock over Rev. Chitsonga death.

Writing on hos Facebook wall Sandram who is also populary known by his radio program Obwande explained late Rev. Chitsonga as a God’s messenger who turned many souls towards the path of Christ.

Sandram said; “We were all shocked when our “Doctor” announced he was leaving the Police Force to the Bible School after accepting the Lord’s call to ministry.”

“Within the Malawi Assemblies of God family where he started ministering, the “Doctor” was a darling to so many. He led so many souls to Christ.”

Last week the Catholic Bishops under ECM called for strict adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures following a recent spike in coronavirus infections in the country.

In a statement released on 8^th January, 2021, the Bishops have expressed concern over the recent rising of positive cases of Coronavirus.

The ECM reminded the Clergy, the Religious and the Laity that Public Health guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the ECM COVID-19 Precautionary measures should continue to be strictly adhered to during all Church gatherings and funeral functions.

“We are being reminded to continue washing hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizers, observing social distance, wearing face masks, avoiding physical greetings and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, and avoid public gatherings among others.”

The ECM has also reiterated caution issued by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 that people should imagine that everyone else they meet is positive.

Malawi has recently seen a surge in coronavirus cases. Since Thursday, the country has been confirming more cases than ever recorded.

Ministry of Health statistics show that more than 60 percent of confirmed cases are through local transmission. 

For example, on Saturday, Malawi recorded 381 cases with 12 deaths, the largest figure in a single day since it recorded its first three cases on April 2.

Meanwhile President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a state of National Disaster where among others he has urged the African Union, Private sector and other relevant stakeholders to intervene in resource mobilisation either in Cash or kind.