The Bishop of the Upper Shire in Malawi, Brighton Vitta Malasa, has asked members of the Anglican Communion join him in praying for members of the Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) who were injured last Saturday (5 November) when the Namaso Anglican Church building they were in was damaged by heavy winds.
“I have been informed that some women were injured while the roof of the Church was blown off,” the Bishop said in an interview from Zambia. “This is saddening, but we thank God that we have not lost any single life.
“Let us pray for our [Daughters of the King] women who were injured at Namaso Bay Church due to heavy storm that destroyed the Church they were in for their Retreat.
“We are also inviting people of good will to come and help in the re-roofing of the church as the Namaso Bay congregation is most likely affected by the damage,” he said in a statement.
The diocesan DOK chaplain, Father Masitala said that the injured are getting on well and that most of them will be back in their homes within the week.
The diocesan secretary, Brenda Maganga explained that the women were on a three day retreat but it ended abruptly due to the misfortune. “The retreat started on Friday 3 November and was scheduled to end Sunday, but they could not continue as some were injured,” she said in a somber mood.
Maganga could not ascertain the cost of the damage incurred to the church, because the diocesan building and maintenance team had yet to complete their work. The health and welfare of the victims was been looked into first, she said, adding: “sooner or later an assessment will be done, but one thing that is clear is that the roof was blown off which will require a good fortune to maintain as it will not just be roof [that needs replacing].”
Anna Kalima, one of those injured, praised the Lord for His saving hand: ““We glorify His name and pray that we all get well soon, otherwise without the Almighty God we could have perished,” she said.
The Church is near Kaphiridzinja Cottage in the area of Traditional Authority Nankumba, while the Archdeaconry covers areas of Nkope Parish, Sauya Parish and Monkey Bay Parish, among others.
Daughters of the King is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of prayer, service and evangelism. Members make a commitment to Jesus as their Saviour, and follow Him as Lord of their lives.