With divorce rates on the increase, a lot of couples would give almost anything to get objective therapy and resolve their marital problems. Borne out of a pressing need to ensure that colleagues and workmates have healthy relationships, the Family Clinic offers prayer and counselling to families in need. As the clinic’s founder Constance Masamba tells Akossa Mphepo, some couples have travelled from Lilongwe to Blantyre to get spiritual counselling.

Brandon Banda* confesses that he was an alcoholic before he was ‘fixed’ by the Family Clinic.

“My drinking was a problem. I drunk every day, which adversely affected my family. I often spent nights out at the pub and did not come home until morning.  I spent all my money on alcohol and rarely had anything left over for my family,” says Banda.

He says he has his wife to thank, because she dragged him to see Family Clinic founder Constance Masamba when she could no longer put up with his booze binges.

“Pastor Masamba introduced me to Jesus Christ, counselled me and helped me re-evaluate my life. Today, I can proudly say that I have been sober for close than a year. I can also declare, without any uncertainties, that I shall never indulge in an alcoholic drink for as long as I live,” Banda affirms.

He points out that he is still in close contact with Masamba and his wife still attends Family Clinic fellowships.

“My wife has changed tremendously. The house is much cleaner, more peaceful. Even the way she handles me is different,” he says, with a smile.

Established in the 1990s, Family Clinic was borne out of a desire to see people succeed in their relationships following Masamba’s divorce.

“I had to look after my children single-handedly when I had nothing. We went through a very tough time. Each time I think of how my children and I suffered, I remain resolute in counselling families so that no one will go through such pain,” Masamba explains.

The  clinic  offers teaching, counselling, deliverance and preaching.

“People often come back to me with positive results. Couples leave with a better understanding of each other, which is important,” Masamba says.

She elaborates that understanding each other’s roles in the marital setup and performing them accordingly is one of the keys to a healthy, happy marriage. Anything short of this will lead to a lot of problems.

“A married woman must always remember that her primary responsibility is her family irrespective of whether or not she is a high-flying career woman,” Masamba explains.

The Family Clinic has two helpers, who work on a voluntary basis since clients are not charged for services rendered. Why then, does Masamba continue this noble cause if there is no money involved?

“This is my calling. There is nothing better than seeing people who were at loggerheads with each other reunite. There is no greater joy than the one I get when a misguided, naughty child realises the error of his/ her ways and begins behaving appropriately,” offers Masamba.

Need more information Family Clinic? Call them on 0999 279 404 or flip through to page 4 for Masamba’s ‘Spiritual Family’ column.

* Not his real name