Founder of Salvation for All Ministries International, Apostle Clifford Kawinga, has called for stronger collaboration between churches, traditional leaders and communities, describing such partnerships as critical to accelerating sustainable development and improving livelihoods across Malawi.
Kawinga made the remarks on Sunday in Lilongwe during an engagement with more than 500 traditional and religious leaders drawn from districts across the Central Region.
Addressing the leaders, Apostle Kawinga said chiefs remain indispensable partners in community transformation because of their influence and responsibility as custodians of culture, land and community welfare.
He emphasised that, while the church remains committed to spreading the Gospel, it is equally focused on addressing the social and economic challenges affecting communities through practical development interventions.
“Sustainable community transformation can only be achieved when government, the church and traditional leaders work together under a shared vision. Traditional leaders are crucial in guiding the implementation of development projects because they understand the realities and priorities of their communities. Together, we can build communities that are spiritually grounded, economically productive and socially transformed,” said Kawinga.
He told the gathering that the church’s social development arm, the Hope Field Initiative, was established to drive projects aimed at improving livelihoods. The initiative is implementing programmes in youth empowerment, irrigation farming and the provision of potable water, with chiefs expected to play a central role in identifying community needs and guiding project implementation.
Apostle Kawinga said the ministry’s vision extends beyond spiritual growth and seeks to create communities that are economically empowered, socially developed and resilient to challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.
He described irrigation farming as a key intervention under the Hope Field Initiative, noting it offers a pathway to increased food production and economic empowerment, particularly for young people and university graduates seeking livelihood opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V hailed the initiative, saying that, biblically, chiefs and religious leaders were meant to work together for the betterment of their people.
He commended the church for the livelihood projects it is implementing, which he said are helping to transform the lives of many underprivileged people.
He then called on chiefs to embrace the partnership and actively participate in shaping development initiatives that respond to local needs.
According to Kawinga, the church’s impact over the years has been significant, reaching more than 10 million people through spiritual and humanitarian programmes.
The ministry has also constructed more than 50 community structures, including schools, churches, police stations and houses, while supporting more than 500 students with school fees and providing food assistance to nearly two million people.
The gathering brought together Paramount Chiefs, including Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V, Senior Chiefs, Traditional Authorities and church leaders under the theme, “A Shared Vision: Strengthening the Relationship Between the Church and Communities Through Spiritual and Traditional Leadership.”
By Patrick Dambula
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