Speech by His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia at the launch of the 2019 membership renewal of the Bible Society of Zambia (BSZ) Tuesday, 11th December 2018 State House Lusaka

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu poses for a photograph with a delegation from Bible Society of Zambia, Minister of Religious Affairs,Godfridah Sumaili and other State House Officials and Senior government officials shortly after the President renewed his Membership as the Patron of Bible Society of Zambia at State House on Tuesday,December 11,2018 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE

• Bible Society of Zambia President and Board members;
• The Clergy;
• Distinguished guests;
• Members of the Press;
• Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ:

I am delighted to be here to grace the launch of the 2019 membership renewal of the Bible Society of Zambia.

It is an honour for me as patron to participate in the spreading of the gospel through the distribution of the bible.

The Bible Society has been undertaking this noble cause since 1966. We thank you for this and wish you god’s favour as you expand his ministry.

The work of the Bible Society is crucial in our relentless desire towards the actualisation of The Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation. This is so because the Christian faith is based on the word of god as written in the bible.

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:

The ‘Vision Statement’ of The Bible Society, which is: “To see Zambia transformed by the bible,” is a call to all of us to ensure that our country is indeed transformed through the word of God.

I recall what George Washington, former President of the United States of America, once said, and I quote:

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and The Bible.”

— End of quote

This quote is a serious call to all of us leaders across sectors to embrace the ‘Word of God’ as we lead his people. The ‘Word of God’ is our anchor in decision-making and many other undertakings.

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu launching 2019 membership renewal of the Bible Society of Zambia at State House on Tuesday,December 11,2018 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE

It is therefore, incumbent upon all of us leaders to support the fundamental responsibility of the churches and other institutions such as the Bible Society of Zambia to propagate the biblical teachings and values to the ‘Children of God’.

Our unwavering commitment to this task will yield positive results such as shaping our way of life and daily undertakings in particular as individuals and in general as a nation.

Dear brethren:

I am glad to note that since 1966, the Bible Society of Zambia has lived up to its call by its continued commitment to spread god’s word through translation and distribution. This is despite the many and diverse challenges that the society has had to grapple with.

Currently, our society has close to 20 translations both as full bibles or new testaments inclusive of on-going translations in different Zambian languages.

Society President:

I am aware that these translations are financed by partners abroad. However, i wish to appeal to fellow Zambians that we should support this cause by financing our own translations.

With this gesture, God will be pleased with us. The bible in 2 Corinthians verse 7 talks about, God loving a cheerful giver.

We should therefore be cheerful givers by supporting the work of the Bible Society of Zambia.

We should be proud that the society has made significant strides in its evangelisation. I am happy that the society also distributes ‘Audio Bibles’, which are broadcast on some radio stations through a programme called “Faith Comes by Hearing”.

The Audio Bibles have been translated into 7 local languages. This is indeed commendable! It is a sure way of ensuring that people’s faith in god is enhanced and no one is left behind.

In addition to other activities i have highlighted, the society reaches out to, and supports over 1,000 orphans who are physically challenged.

This is a practical demonstration of the love of god for needy people in our society. I wish to urge you to continue with the good work.

Let me conclude by pledging my continued support to the work of the Bible Society of Zambia.

In the same vein, i appeal to all people of goodwill to join in the Bible Society’s noble effort of advancing the Kingdom of God. This will encourage the organisation to spread the Word of God throughout the nation.

It is now my honour and privilege to officially launch the 2019 membership renewal of the Bible Society of Zambia.

God bless you all and

Our great nation Zambia

I thank you.