30/05/2026
In its efforts to raise funds and build a befitting House of God, Our Lady of Africa (OLOA) Parish has lined up a number of fundraising ventures. On 30 May 2026, we had a fundraising Prayer Breakfast spearheaded by St Vincent de Paul (SVP) lay organisation under the theme BUILDING GOD'S EMPOWERED BY FAITH. Fr Dennis Punthambuyo Phiri from St Dominic's major Seminary was the guest speaker. Fr Phiri gave an insightful, thought-provoking, compelling and illuminating speech.
Some of the insights he shared are given here in
- Giving is not easy because of the many other burdens that we carry. But the question is “what if the little you have today become the reason someone meets Christ tomorrow?”
- Your contributing to the building of this church is not a mere transaction, it is an act of worship
- It's not the amount that you give that matters, for God sees the heart. What matters more is the spirit of generosity and the goodness of heart
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 says “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
- Make a pledge to give regularly no matter how low the amount
- Pledge your time and your talents. Faith without works is nothing
- Lastly Pray constantly, for it is the Lord who builds his house( Psalm 127)
- Let's build, not just a building, but a vibrant living family of God.
- The church must be self-supporting self-ministering self-propagating. There are no more missionaries to bring money from their countries. It is now our turn. They sowed the seed, it is for us now to water the seed
- The ball is in our hands. Let's see all these challenges that we have as opportunities to save God. We are not just raising funds but laying a foundation for a house where God meets his people and where they meet each other
- Psalm 127.1 says “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain”. We are participating in the sacred partnership with God.
- Every contribution we make is a testament of our faith.
- Building God's house is about service, effort and sacrifice
- The church is a tangible space where
o The Gospel is proclaimed
o Sacraments are celebrated
o And children are guided
- Building God's house is about these three pillars of Faith. Empowered by faith, we will build with purpose and perseverance through the many challenges.
