By Petro Mkandawire
Manase Vision Assemblies of God on Saturday held its annual Family Day celebration at the National Bank Sports Complex in Blantyre, aimed at strengthening fellowship among church members while promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
The event, organised under the theme Flourishing in Gods Grace, brought together over 30 families from Manase Vision Assemblies of God, Chilimba Assemblies of God and members of the surrounding Manase Township community, creating a platform for interaction beyond the church sanctuary.
Senior Pastor for Manase Vision Assemblies of God, Vincent Ndovi, said the Family Day was organised to deepen relationships among congregants and create a supportive environment that complements regular worship services.
“This initiative was crucial because it provided a platform for members to share ideas, learn from one another and refresh their minds through interaction,” said Ndovi.
Ndovi said the church places great importance on holistic development, explaining that spiritual growth should go hand in hand with attention to physical fitness and mental wellness among believers.He noted that outdoor activities such as Family Day help members to relax, bond and build stronger relationships, which in turn enhances unity and participation within the church.
Ndovi further urged other Assemblies of God pastors to consider organising similar outdoor programmes, observing that such events enhance member engagement, strengthen fellowship and promote social interaction between church members and surrounding communities.
A variety of activities were organised to cater for different age groups during the celebration, including netball, football, childrens jumping castles, draft, bawo, eating competitions and tug of war, keeping participants actively engaged throughout the day.Manase Vision Assemblies of God Youth Director, Victor Matonga, said the sporting activities were important in helping young people to build stronger community bonds while interacting with adults in a relaxed environment.
“The games are a great way to relax and relieve stress while allowing us to interact and support each other,” said Matonga.
Matonga said youth participation in church activities helps young people to develop social skills, deepen their spiritual lives and prepare for future leadership roles within the church and society.
He therefore encouraged fellow youths to actively take part in church programmes, noting that early involvement fosters responsibility, unity and a sense of belonging.Participants expressed satisfaction with the event, describing it as refreshing and engaging, and said it provided a valuable opportunity for families to interact, strengthen relationships and reinforce unity within the church community.
Organisers said Family Day remains an important annual programme for Manase Vision Assemblies of God as it promotes togetherness, fellowship and holistic wellbeing among members.
