Mzimba Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church women on Sunday put aside their Bibles and picked up brooms and rubbish bags.
Members of the Women’s Ministry of Mzimba SDA Church led a clean-up exercise at Mzimba Main Market as part of their annual Community Services Emphasis Week.
The campaign brought together church members, local leaders and community volunteers who removed waste and cleaned public spaces, reinforcing the message that faith can also be demonstrated through community service.
Mzimba District Women’s Ministry Leader Prisca Makamo said the activity was inspired by the church’s commitment to serving communities through practical acts of kindness and stewardship.
“As women of faith, we believe in serving our communities. Cleaning the market not only enhances the appearance of the area but also promotes a sense of responsibility among vendors and visitors. We want people to understand that caring for the environment is part of caring for one another,” she said.
Community members and market vendors expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that improved cleanliness at the market while raising awareness about proper waste disposal practices.
Mzimba District Environmental Officer Naomi Kachifumbu applauded the church for complementing government efforts in environmental management and waste control.
“Initiatives such as these promote a healthy environment and raise awareness about proper waste management. Keeping public places clean is everyone’s responsibility, and we are encouraged to see faith-based organizations taking a leading role in environmental conservation,” said Kachifumbu.
Member of Parliament for Perekezi Constituency, Fikani Ulunji Nyirenda, who joined the women during the exercise, expressed gratitude to the SDA Church for organizing the initiative.
“I would like to commend the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly the Women’s Ministry, for this commendable initiative. Activities such as these help improve sanitation in our communities and highlight the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment,” said Nyirenda.
The legislator further encouraged other organizations, churches, and community groups to emulate the example set by the Women’s Ministry by engaging in activities that contribute to community development and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, Mzimba District Pastor Horace Nyirenda said the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in a holistic ministry that addresses both the spiritual and social needs of people.
He explained that Community Services Emphasis Week provides an opportunity for church members to put their faith into action by supporting vulnerable groups, promoting environmental conservation, and participating in activities that enhance the well-being of communities.
“We believe that the gospel is not only about preaching but also about serving people and addressing practical needs,” said Pastor Nyirenda. “Through initiatives such as this clean-up exercise, we are demonstrating God’s love while contributing to the development of our communities.”
The clean-up campaign formed part of a series of activities organized during the Community Services Emphasis Week, which seeks to encourage church members to engage in acts of service that positively impact society.
The annual Community Services Emphasis Week is observed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to encourage members to participate in community development activities and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders in addressing social and environmental challenges.
