Chakwera to be replaced

Secretary General for Assemblies of God in Malawi Reverend Benito Chisamba has said Reverend Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who worked as the president of the church did not resign, but rather retired and will be replaced in that respect.

In an interview with Mana on Wednesday, Chisamba explained that Chakwera retired after serving 24 years as the leader of the church.

“Retirement as a church leader doesn’t mean he has stopped being a pastor who is recognised in Malawi,” Chisamba explained.

He said Chakwera will still be involved in the church and will be recognised as a minister.

Malawi Assemblies of God is conducting a four-day revival meeting which started on August 6 2013 and is expected to end on August 9 2013. This year’s annual general meeting (AGM) is being held under the theme “rekindling the fire of prayer”.

The church is supposed to elect the new president at the end of the AGM following Chakwera’s retirement.

“The church will Friday convene a general council to elect the new president,” Rev. Chisamba said, adding that “The general council of the church will fill the position through nominations which will take place on Thursday.”

Candidates for the position are not yet known because the council did not receive any nominees.

Chakwera retired and has since joined politics as a member of Malawi Congress Party (MCP).