When faith, tourism, regional integration intertwine

Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, on the Enlightened Christian Gathering’s (ECG) crossover night of prayer on December 31 2023, was not just draped in darkness.

It shimmered with a kaleidoscope of lights, mirroring the vibrancy pulsating inside the Auction Holdings Limited magnificent hall.

ECG’s Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, his voice resonating with conviction, declares: “This is not just any night. This is the Night of Wealth Transfer!”

And, 30 000 people from 73 countries shouted “Amen” in agreement with Major One’s declaration, as Prophet Bushiri is fondly called by ECG followers.

The majority came from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) regions.

Regional integration at play

And under the starry canopy, a symphony of faith, tourism and regional integration begin to play.

“Out of the 30 000 delegates, about 23 000 are from ECG churches in 73 countries around the world,” said ECG spokesperson Aubrey Kusakala.

Some delegates were from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and other countries in Africa.

“We also had delegates from the USA, UK, Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Australia and other countries in the world,” he added.

This crossover, according to Kusakala, was the biggest event Bushiri ever held in Malawi.

He elaborated: “I should, however, point out that the biggest crowd the prophet ever pulled was during the 2021 crossover night of prayer in South Africa where he filled a 100 000-seater capacity FNB Stadium, a feat which not even the World Cup could not accomplish.”

Sadc director of finance, investment and customs Sadwick Mtonakutha-Mwale said such pilgrimages stimulate free flow of people, services, capital and ideas, which is good for the region as it stimulates economic growth.

Sadc and Comesa regions are also harmonising regulations, policies, developing and improving infrastructure, engaging in diplomatic efforts, enhancing cooperation and have established custom union to promote regional integration.

Cultural exchange

ECG events are fast turning into major religious pilgrimages in the Sadc Region which do not only promote the regional integration, but also cultural exchange.

Imagine South Africa’s exuberant rhythms mingling with Malawi’s serene whispers, Kenya’s sun-kissed laughter harmonising with Zimbabwe and Zambia’s vibrant chatter.

It was breath-taking, seeing Malawi Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule singing and dancing side by side with Swazi Dhlamini from South Africa.

The crossover showcased gospel music genres and dances from across Africa and beyond.

A ripple of prosperity

Hotels pulsed with a frenetic energy, their occupancy boards flashing a dazzling 100 percent.

Lilongwe’s streets hummed with an unaccustomed buzz, every nook and cranny overflowing with visitors.

“We filled all hotels, motels and lodges in the city, including rest houses in Biwi and Kawale townships.

“We had to look for more accommodation for our guests outside the city at Chikho, Linde and Thope motels in Dowa District,” said Kusakala.

Business did not only boom for hospitality industry but also for Lilongwe and Dowa-based kanyenya (meat kebab) and fresh fries vendors.

Dowa-based kanyenya vendor Andrew Padambo expressed excitement at the booming business.

“I made more money than the past two months combined,” he said.

The overjoyed Kamtukule entreated ECG, aka The Jesus Nation, to continue holding such international events in Malawi.

Other ECG events that attract international delegates are School of Seers and Salima Revival Crusade.

Kusakala said it was not only Malawi’s hospitality and transport sectors that boom, but also the entire economic blocs.

“Some delegates came by air, others by road. Some buses are local, but many are foreign. This means the whole region cashed in on the crossover,” he stressed.

Mtonakutha-Mwale agreed that the benefits accrued from pilgrimages are multi-faceted.

“The transport sector was affected immensely because some delegates flew into Malawi, others came by road, spending money along the way.

“Service stations and even garages made money in events of breakdown. The hotel, food, laundry and security service providers, too, derived benefits from the crossover directly or indirectly,” he explained.

Mtonakutha-Mwale urged member States to create a conducive environment to allow the tourism industry to flourish.

“Member States should ensure that tourism licenses are affordable, few and easy to access.

“Why should investors get so many licences from different government departments to operate a tourist attraction centre? Why not consolidate the licences into one or two?” he quizzed.

Mtonakutha-Mwale also advised regional governments to aggressively market their tourist attraction centres.

Malawi Tourism Council executive director Memory Momba-Kamthunzi also expressed excitement at the ECG crossover night of prayer.

“Government should tighten noose on security and speed up the issuance of visas to delegates who may need them,” she emphasised, underscoring the importance of tourism in shoring up foreign earnings for the regional blocs.

The tourism boom was a tangible wave of prosperity washing over the region’s hospitality and transport sectors, leaving trails of empowered businesses and smiling faces in its wake.

Region unveil its treasures

But the wealth transfer was not only confined to hotel rooms.

Inspired by the spirit of crossover, some delegates embarked on breathtaking journeys across the region’s picturesque landscapes.

Kusakala said they took some delegates to the prophet’s prayer mountain in Mzuzu City, others went to bask on the sparkling beaches of Lake Malawi while sampling its celebrated delicacy, chambo fish.

“The chambo! Oh, the chambo!” exclaimed Mary Moeng from Gaborone in Botswana, her voice thick with delight.

Sarah Mulenga from Kitwe in Zambia and Nairobi-based Peter Wajiku romanticised the allure of Kilombero rice, praising its unique aroma and taste.

Kusakala confided that many people expressed their commitment to revisiting the country to savour the delights of chambo fish and Kilombero rice.

He added: “Some western delegates have also indicated their intention to extend their visit by making stopovers in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya to explore various tourist attractions in those countries.”

Seamless borders, open hearts

Malawi’s commitment to welcoming the world shone through the Mwami-Mchinji One Stop Border Post (OSBP), shared with Zambia.

“Hassle free entry? That is another wealth transfer I can appreciate!” chuckled Thembi Mzilikazi from Soweto in South Africa, her words echoing the sentiments of countless others.

Mchinji-Mwami OSBP was not just administrative efficiency by President Lazarus Chakwera and his Zambia counterpart Hakainde Hichilema who opened it on December 9 2022.

The two heads of State inaugurated the border to expedite document processing for travellers such as Cindi Bwalwa from Lusaka, Zambia and Peter Phiri from Harare, Zimbabwe.

The OSBP is a clear message etched in open arms and welcoming smiles, a declaration that the two countries are ready to embrace the world and share their riches and rich cultural diversity. OSBP is Comesa’s initiative to promote regional integration.

Prayers for global peace

The Night of Wealth Transfer was not just about individual prosperity; it resonated with loftier goals.

Prayers for peace and unity, like celestial threads, wove a tapestry of hope encompassing Sadc, Comesa and nations beyond.

“Let us pray for peace and security in countries holding elections in 2024….Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar, South Sudan],” declared Bushiri.

ECG’s prayers resonated with Sadc’s objectives of achieving economic development, peace and security and growth, alleviating poverty and enhancing the standard and quality of life of people of Africa.

The crossover was not just a religious gathering. It was a testament to Malawi’s dedication to a brighter future for all, a future interwoven with the aspirations of regional blocs and global goals.

Echoes of hope

As the final notes of the event faded, a profound sense of possibility lingered.

Malawi, once again, had showcased its potential as a land of spiritual rejuvenation, economic opportunity and breathtaking beauty.

The Night of Wealth Transfer was not just a fleeting moment; it was a catalyst, a springboard propelling Malawi towards a future brimming with promise.

In the words of Prophet Bushiri: “This is just the beginning! Malawi’s wealth, both spiritual and earthly, is ready to be shared with the world.”

Apart from Bushiri, his spiritual father Uebert Angel, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Alph Lukau, David Oyedepo, Ephraim Valentin Ndikuriyo, Gilbert Deya and the late TB Joshua are also accredited for having a significant impact in boosting spiritual tourism for their countries.