By Vinjeru Ngwira
Macro-Micro Enterprise Development (MMED) has conducted a week-long business training in Mzuzu, Malawi, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and financial management among church members.
The five-day training took place at New Life Christian Assembly in Mzuzu and brought together more than 60 participants from different churches across the Northern Region.
MMED Director from Uganda, Professor Jack Ecuna, said some church leaders have often misinterpreted biblical teachings by claiming that heaven is meant only for the poor or that money is evil. He said such beliefs are misleading and discourage Christians from pursuing economic growth.
Professor Ecuna explained that the church needs financial resources in order to grow and sustain its activities. He noted that churches require money for various developments, including construction projects and other ministry-related programs.
He added that the training was designed to equip church members with practical knowledge in business operations, entrepreneurship, and guidance on how to start and manage successful businesses.
Speaking during the training, Northern Region MMED Chair Cou (Business Manager) Pastor Davie Chingamu Mzunga said the program also encourages participants to support vulnerable members of society. He explained that beneficiaries are encouraged to dedicate 10 percent of the profits from their businesses to assist underprivileged people and orphans.
Mzunga further said the initiative will help many church members who operate small-scale businesses to improve their operations and contribute to the growth of the church.
He also thanked MMED for the program and explained that participants were guided on the conditions for accessing loans under the initiative. The loans attract a 10 percent interest rate and are repayable within three years. The training also attracted nearly 10 Business MMED board members among the them Bishop Shadreck T Mkandawire from Lilongwe.