Because we spend God’s second tithe, it often feels like an all-expense paid vacation that doesn’t cost us a kwacha, the Malawi currency. This is indeed a time when God commands us to spend the second tithe on whatever our heart desires.

It’s also a wonderful time spent listening to sermons driving us towards a time when Jesus Christ shall take over the governments of this corrupt world, and usher in God’s Kingdom of peace, joy and prosperity. 

Every year before the Feast, a common complaint is “pre-Feast trials.” Problems crop up concerning health issues, financial woes and of late, COVID-19. Satan knows that God commands us to rejoice, so he tries to put some obstacles in front of us so that we give up. But trials are part of our Christian growth. One of the most important benefits is getting our spiritual batteries recharged from observing the Feast with fellow members of God’s Church. Without the annual recharge, it is more difficult to face trials.

Missing the Feast can also be discouraging. This year’s Feast was observed with a difference as people had to heed some measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall however, it was valuable time listening to Feast sermons, including audio sermons from the home office. It was also wonderful to sing praises to God.

One of the highlights during the Feast this year was the ordination of Flora Chinangwa as deaconess by pastor Gracious Mpilangwe. The ordination took place on the Eighth Day and was marked by a heavy downpour. This is normal at this time of the year in Malawi as rains are due for the planting season.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, some activities were shelved to avoid close contact with each other. These included the Feast dance, field trip, variety show and sports. On average, the Feast was attended by 88 brethren, including senior citizens—some of them in their 90s.