Report by Fabrice Djimadoum
UPF Zambia organized an one-day Seminar for Military Chaplaincy held on November 15, 2023, at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka. A total of eight (8) chaplains’ participants from Zambia National Service (ZNS), Zambia Army, Zambia Police (ZP), Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS), Zambia Air Force (ZAF) including the Zambian Chaplain General, Brigadier General Rev. Henry Matifeyo. As you may know, the Chaplain General’s Office in Zambia is mandated to offer and implement spiritual and moral support services by upholding national values, and cultural, and religious beliefs at national and international strategic Chaplaincy services. There are also 8 members of staff, Rev. Bakary Camara the IAPD Africa overseer, Rev. David Isaac Phiri and his wife, President of FFWPU Zambia, Rev. Rudolf Faerber, UPF Secretary General and his wife, Mr. Kouame Dieudonne, Tongil Moodo Federation Zambia, Mr. Fabrice Djimadoum, FFWPU Secretary General and Mrs. Michelle Burrows, Personal Assistant to Rev. Camara.
The MC was Mr. Fabrice Djimadoum and the event started with an opening Prayer offered by Rev. Faerber followed by an opening remark given by Rev. David Isaac Phiri who introduced the objective of this gathering which was to share the vision and works of UPF. Then an introduction Video on UPF was shown. Later on, remarks from Rev. Rudolf Faerber highlighted UPF’s vision.
Later, Rev. Phiri shared with participants on Founders’ Life course and introduced different associations within UPF.
After the break, participants were able to follow through a live Zoom broadcast from South Africa by Rev. Jean Augustin Ghomsi who IAPD Africa staff in charge of Education. Rev. Ghomsi shared about Character Education, Family Values, and the Blessing Festival. During the session, Rev. Ghomsi highlighted character education and family as the cornerstone for building a peaceful world. Afterwards, the President of Tongil Moodo Zambia Federation (TIMDZF), Master Dieudonnée Bohoussou Kouame gave a powerful PowerPoint presentation that highlighted TIMD vision, and activities carried out including seminars, and social actions among others. He later made a sample of some technical demonstration with a lot of applause from the participants. The Police Chaplain endorsed TIMD to work with them.
At the end of the presentations, participants were given a floor to interact through question and answer sessions. During the session, they wanted to know more about IAPD.
The Chaplain General, Brigadier General Rev. Henry Matifeyo in his closing remarks thanked UPF for organizing this important and educative program. As the attendance is truly worthwhile, reenergizing of their minds. He further testified that Rev. Moon vision for peace is biblical. He urged UPF to continue and will continue a good collaboration to enhance it. He also urged his fellow participants to consider bring their spouse during “part 2” on UPF teachings. He finally disclosed that the Chaplaincy is delighted to collaborate on family values.
The Africa IAPD overseer, Rev. Bakary Camara thanked participants for attending the program despite their busy schedules.
He urged participants present to include UPF during their tour of duties to spread peace in the Far end corner of Zambia. He requested the Chaplaincy for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will strengthen a good collaboration. He further said UPF wanted to give an introduction about the vision for Peace in Zambia, Africa, and the World.
The seminar ended with a heartfelt closing prayer by a Chaplain present. The Seminar was successful as participants were delighted and looking forward to collaborating with UPF and for more such training.
Note that UPF has met Chaplaincy staff at the Ministry of Defense 3 times to introduce UPF to men and women in uniform to Forster peace in Zambia.
