Haggai Leader Elected President of Malawi

Headlines across sub-Saharan Africa are celebrating the election of Malawi’s sixth president. A quiet opposition leader who came onto the political scene less than a decade ago, President Chakwera is no stranger to Haggai International.

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was born in Nyasaland (presently Malawi) in 1955. His parents were subsistence farmers and had already lost two infants before his birth. Believing that God had plans for this third child to live, his father named him “Lazarus.”

His parents were right in their assumptions that God would work in the life of their son. By the time he was a teen, Nyasaland had become Malawi, a republic independent of the British commonwealth. And just as Malawi gained its footing as an independent nation, young Lazarus was pursued a career in the ministry.

In 1986 he attended the Haggai Leader Experience, where those in his cohort group described him as a “quiet, composed, and rather jovial person who had given all of himself to Christ.”

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (back row, second from right) attended the Haggai Leader Experience in 1986.

Shortly after returning from the HLE, Lazarus received the first of three degrees in theology. He became a respected professor in theology and then the president of the Assemblies of God, Malawi’s largest Christian denomination. His ministry flourished, but about a decade into his tenure leading the denomination, Dr. Chakwera felt a new call. 

“God spoke to my heart….He said, ‘I am not pulling you out of ministry. Instead I am extending your ministry. I want you to get into politics.”

In 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party

Initially taken aback by this new call, he was then reminded of God’s use of Israel to carry out His plans in the context of a nation. So, in 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party. He spent the next six years serving in congress until he ran for president in 2019.

The 2019 election was initially won by incumbent President Peter Mutharika, but controversy followed when irregularities were discovered in the election process. Almost five months after that election, the constitutional court annulled the results. The election was held again one year later, and on June 23, 2020 Dr. Chakwera was elected as Malawi’s sixth president.

Reflecting upon how his Haggai training influences his policies, he says “Malawi will now have a government that will serve its people, not one that rules.”

Read more about Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s efforts to confront corruption and coronavirus at Christianity Today.

Haggai Leader Elected President of Malawi

Headlines across sub-Saharan Africa are celebrating the election of Malawi’s sixth president. A quiet opposition leader who came onto the political scene less than a decade ago, President Chakwera is no stranger to Haggai International.

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was born in Nyasaland (presently Malawi) in 1955. His parents were subsistence farmers and had already lost two infants before his birth. Believing that God had plans for this third child to live, his father named him “Lazarus.”

His parents were right in their assumptions that God would work in the life of their son. By the time he was a teen, Nyasaland had become Malawi, a republic independent of the British commonwealth. And just as Malawi gained its footing as an independent nation, young Lazarus was pursued a career in the ministry.

In 1986 he attended the Haggai Leader Experience, where those in his cohort group described him as a “quiet, composed, and rather jovial person who had given all of himself to Christ.”

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (back row, second from right) attended the Haggai Leader Experience in 1986.

Shortly after returning from the HLE, Lazarus received the first of three degrees in theology. He became a respected professor in theology and then the president of the Assemblies of God, Malawi’s largest Christian denomination. His ministry flourished, but about a decade into his tenure leading the denomination, Dr. Chakwera felt a new call. 

“God spoke to my heart….He said, ‘I am not pulling you out of ministry. Instead I am extending your ministry. I want you to get into politics.”

In 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party

Initially taken aback by this new call, he was then reminded of God’s use of Israel to carry out His plans in the context of a nation. So, in 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party. He spent the next six years serving in congress until he ran for president in 2019.

The 2019 election was initially won by incumbent President Peter Mutharika, but controversy followed when irregularities were discovered in the election process. Almost five months after that election, the constitutional court annulled the results. The election was held again one year later, and on June 23, 2020 Dr. Chakwera was elected as Malawi’s sixth president.

Reflecting upon how his Haggai training influences his policies, he says “Malawi will now have a government that will serve its people, not one that rules.”

Read more about Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s efforts to confront corruption and coronavirus at Christianity Today.

Haggai Leader Elected President of Malawi

Headlines across sub-Saharan Africa are celebrating the election of Malawi’s sixth president. A quiet opposition leader who came onto the political scene less than a decade ago, President Chakwera is no stranger to Haggai International.

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was born in Nyasaland (presently Malawi) in 1955. His parents were subsistence farmers and had already lost two infants before his birth. Believing that God had plans for this third child to live, his father named him “Lazarus.”

His parents were right in their assumptions that God would work in the life of their son. By the time he was a teen, Nyasaland had become Malawi, a republic independent of the British commonwealth. And just as Malawi gained its footing as an independent nation, young Lazarus was pursued a career in the ministry.

In 1986 he attended the Haggai Leader Experience, where those in his cohort group described him as a “quiet, composed, and rather jovial person who had given all of himself to Christ.”

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (back row, second from right) attended the Haggai Leader Experience in 1986.

Shortly after returning from the HLE, Lazarus received the first of three degrees in theology. He became a respected professor in theology and then the president of the Assemblies of God, Malawi’s largest Christian denomination. His ministry flourished, but about a decade into his tenure leading the denomination, Dr. Chakwera felt a new call. 

“God spoke to my heart….He said, ‘I am not pulling you out of ministry. Instead I am extending your ministry. I want you to get into politics.”

In 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party

Initially taken aback by this new call, he was then reminded of God’s use of Israel to carry out His plans in the context of a nation. So, in 2013, Dr. Chakwera ran for office and became leader of the Malawi Congress Party. He spent the next six years serving in congress until he ran for president in 2019.

The 2019 election was initially won by incumbent President Peter Mutharika, but controversy followed when irregularities were discovered in the election process. Almost five months after that election, the constitutional court annulled the results. The election was held again one year later, and on June 23, 2020 Dr. Chakwera was elected as Malawi’s sixth president.

Reflecting upon how his Haggai training influences his policies, he says “Malawi will now have a government that will serve its people, not one that rules.”

Read more about Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s efforts to confront corruption and coronavirus at Christianity Today.

Comments

  1. Aida G. Troupe July 1, 2020 at 3:51 am - Reply

    God is raising up His Army in the heavenlies to do great exploits and to show God’s shining love, righteousness to help transform the peoples of the nation’s in preparation for the Lord’s 2nd coming…

    Congratulations from a co-minister from the Philippines!

    We rejoice with you Mr President!

  2. Rennet Samson July 1, 2020 at 7:14 am - Reply

    Praise be to God! Wonderful news indeed!

    • Praveen Alexander July 2, 2020 at 12:57 pm - Reply

      Praise the lord Jesus Christ. My life has been completely transformed after attending the Hagai International Leadership program during 2010 at Maui. Indeed it gave a lot of wisdom and has inspired me to write a book titled “Life is a Journey to eternity” .I believe that this book would lead many to Jesus Christ

    • David Boakai... November 10, 2020 at 12:56 pm - Reply

      As a 1998 graduate of HI Maui center , i praise God for how what Dr. Haggai envision and those who work with HI to equip global leaders. Read what HI graduates doing around the world reignite me to reviews my notes and take my group photo to reflect on my fellow participants. Seeing. Dr. L. Chakwera HI photo and testimony is joyful and uplifting inntimes like these. I wasca refugee in Ivory from Liberian civil when i attended HI.

  3. Tingoyesa Mipando July 1, 2020 at 7:18 am - Reply

    As a Haggai Leader myself and a Malawian, I have seen GOD’s doing from when He joined politics to this day He has been elected to be the 6th President.

    Malawi and other Nations should surely see GOD in all this, a nation geared to win nations through service not rule.

    We are created for such a time as this, GOD’s appointed time (Kairos)

    Honor and Praise to GOD alone!

  4. Dr. Vidya Sundar Veeravalli July 1, 2020 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    All praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a Haggai Alumni, I feel our living God is placing His chosen servants in High places for His work and in His time. Draw yourself closer to God , seek His face and do whatever God wants you to do . God bless.

  5. Thomas Franklin July 1, 2020 at 5:34 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Dr.Lazarus Chakwera! Proud of you Mr.President as a fellow Haggai Leader from India. All glory to Jesus!

    Only wish & pray that more such leaders should arise to God given positions like this that will leverage eradicate Gospel poverty!

    May you be filled with His wisdom and grace to lead your people towards the righteous path, peace and blessings!

    It’s definitely a credit & honor to Haggai International!

  6. Bhaskar Kumar July 1, 2020 at 5:39 pm - Reply

    It is such a great news. May God guide him like he guided moses, Daniel and the greatest among the great King Solomon. May God us you Mr. President as one of his General. May you live and expand HIS Kingdom on Earth.

  7. Sujit Ranjan Pradhan July 1, 2020 at 10:48 pm - Reply

    Wonderful work by the hand of God.Elevation to the highest Post of President is only by mighty deed of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All glory and honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.As a Haggaii International Alumni of 2014 batch I am delighted by this News.AMEN

  8. Robert Chang July 1, 2020 at 11:05 pm - Reply

    I pray that God will guide him and protect him from the evil one , so that he will not compromise in in His laws and principles. Congratulations!

  9. KC GILCHRIST July 2, 2020 at 12:56 am - Reply

    Glory to be God, the seed planted does bring great fruit in it due time, congratulations Dr. Lazarus Chakweram, May God bless his newly elected government

  10. Stella July 2, 2020 at 5:14 am - Reply

    May God Annoint him with wisdom n knowledge like king Solomon

  11. Kelly Rajahpillay July 2, 2020 at 5:41 am - Reply

    All my congratulations to the newly elected president of Malawi! All praise and glory be to God, for it is His doing! It is very Biblical that Ge appoints His chosen to be in places of authority!
    I pray that you and the government will sacrificially serve Malawi and make it a great nation for the Lord! Amen 🙏

  12. Ebenezer Kojo Abakah July 2, 2020 at 6:21 pm - Reply

    This is a defining moment in African leadership. He and the current President of Burundi have publicly confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus, It therefore a rear opportunity for them to give a new meaning to leadership on our continent. A continent plagued with Self seeking and power drunk leaders who will do whatever it takes to stay in power. Leaders who are totally detached from the ordinary citizens. May God grant them every wisdom and Grace for them to excel to the Glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

  13. Saulos July 4, 2020 at 12:32 am - Reply

    Haggai Institute has one of the best leadership training materials I have ever come across and and it is not a surprise to me that you have started raising presidents. Well done HLE and Congratulations to Dr Lazarus Chakwera

  14. Paula Paindane July 4, 2020 at 6:56 pm - Reply

    This is really humbling to see that God is at work in every nation.
    Congratulations may God continue to show His grace over Mr.President and the Malawian people.

    God bless

  15. Rev. Jackson Sifaeli Mtaresi July 6, 2020 at 4:58 am - Reply

    Praysed be the Name of the Lord , myself I congratulate President Dr Chakwera, I see new move of God’s grace, and development in Malawi under Realy born again Christian President. May God bless Malawi and it’s leadership.

  16. Byron Lopez July 19, 2020 at 5:35 pm - Reply

    Extended ministry! But the same vision
    May God’s wisdom and grace leads this New time for his nation

  17. Bishop Eliodo Simon Peter August 26, 2020 at 7:33 pm - Reply

    Leaders are both born and made. The role that Haggai Leadership Experience did was and is critical in the development of full leadership potential in the life of the Malawian President.
    To some, though born, a leader within is trapped in the grave of a follower waiting to be set loose in the process of training and development.
    We thank God for what he is doing through HLE.

Comments

  1. Aida G. Troupe July 1, 2020 at 3:51 am - Reply

    God is raising up His Army in the heavenlies to do great exploits and to show God’s shining love, righteousness to help transform the peoples of the nation’s in preparation for the Lord’s 2nd coming…

    Congratulations from a co-minister from the Philippines!

    We rejoice with you Mr President!

  2. Rennet Samson July 1, 2020 at 7:14 am - Reply

    Praise be to God! Wonderful news indeed!

    • Praveen Alexander July 2, 2020 at 12:57 pm - Reply

      Praise the lord Jesus Christ. My life has been completely transformed after attending the Hagai International Leadership program during 2010 at Maui. Indeed it gave a lot of wisdom and has inspired me to write a book titled “Life is a Journey to eternity” .I believe that this book would lead many to Jesus Christ

    • David Boakai... November 10, 2020 at 12:56 pm - Reply

      As a 1998 graduate of HI Maui center , i praise God for how what Dr. Haggai envision and those who work with HI to equip global leaders. Read what HI graduates doing around the world reignite me to reviews my notes and take my group photo to reflect on my fellow participants. Seeing. Dr. L. Chakwera HI photo and testimony is joyful and uplifting inntimes like these. I wasca refugee in Ivory from Liberian civil when i attended HI.

  3. Tingoyesa Mipando July 1, 2020 at 7:18 am - Reply

    As a Haggai Leader myself and a Malawian, I have seen GOD’s doing from when He joined politics to this day He has been elected to be the 6th President.

    Malawi and other Nations should surely see GOD in all this, a nation geared to win nations through service not rule.

    We are created for such a time as this, GOD’s appointed time (Kairos)

    Honor and Praise to GOD alone!

  4. Dr. Vidya Sundar Veeravalli July 1, 2020 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    All praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a Haggai Alumni, I feel our living God is placing His chosen servants in High places for His work and in His time. Draw yourself closer to God , seek His face and do whatever God wants you to do . God bless.

  5. Thomas Franklin July 1, 2020 at 5:34 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Dr.Lazarus Chakwera! Proud of you Mr.President as a fellow Haggai Leader from India. All glory to Jesus!

    Only wish & pray that more such leaders should arise to God given positions like this that will leverage eradicate Gospel poverty!

    May you be filled with His wisdom and grace to lead your people towards the righteous path, peace and blessings!

    It’s definitely a credit & honor to Haggai International!

  6. Bhaskar Kumar July 1, 2020 at 5:39 pm - Reply

    It is such a great news. May God guide him like he guided moses, Daniel and the greatest among the great King Solomon. May God us you Mr. President as one of his General. May you live and expand HIS Kingdom on Earth.

  7. Sujit Ranjan Pradhan July 1, 2020 at 10:48 pm - Reply

    Wonderful work by the hand of God.Elevation to the highest Post of President is only by mighty deed of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All glory and honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.As a Haggaii International Alumni of 2014 batch I am delighted by this News.AMEN

  8. Robert Chang July 1, 2020 at 11:05 pm - Reply

    I pray that God will guide him and protect him from the evil one , so that he will not compromise in in His laws and principles. Congratulations!

  9. KC GILCHRIST July 2, 2020 at 12:56 am - Reply

    Glory to be God, the seed planted does bring great fruit in it due time, congratulations Dr. Lazarus Chakweram, May God bless his newly elected government

  10. Stella July 2, 2020 at 5:14 am - Reply

    May God Annoint him with wisdom n knowledge like king Solomon

  11. Kelly Rajahpillay July 2, 2020 at 5:41 am - Reply

    All my congratulations to the newly elected president of Malawi! All praise and glory be to God, for it is His doing! It is very Biblical that Ge appoints His chosen to be in places of authority!
    I pray that you and the government will sacrificially serve Malawi and make it a great nation for the Lord! Amen 🙏

  12. Ebenezer Kojo Abakah July 2, 2020 at 6:21 pm - Reply

    This is a defining moment in African leadership. He and the current President of Burundi have publicly confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus, It therefore a rear opportunity for them to give a new meaning to leadership on our continent. A continent plagued with Self seeking and power drunk leaders who will do whatever it takes to stay in power. Leaders who are totally detached from the ordinary citizens. May God grant them every wisdom and Grace for them to excel to the Glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

  13. Saulos July 4, 2020 at 12:32 am - Reply

    Haggai Institute has one of the best leadership training materials I have ever come across and and it is not a surprise to me that you have started raising presidents. Well done HLE and Congratulations to Dr Lazarus Chakwera

  14. Paula Paindane July 4, 2020 at 6:56 pm - Reply

    This is really humbling to see that God is at work in every nation.
    Congratulations may God continue to show His grace over Mr.President and the Malawian people.

    God bless

  15. Rev. Jackson Sifaeli Mtaresi July 6, 2020 at 4:58 am - Reply

    Praysed be the Name of the Lord , myself I congratulate President Dr Chakwera, I see new move of God’s grace, and development in Malawi under Realy born again Christian President. May God bless Malawi and it’s leadership.

  16. Byron Lopez July 19, 2020 at 5:35 pm - Reply

    Extended ministry! But the same vision
    May God’s wisdom and grace leads this New time for his nation

  17. Bishop Eliodo Simon Peter August 26, 2020 at 7:33 pm - Reply

    Leaders are both born and made. The role that Haggai Leadership Experience did was and is critical in the development of full leadership potential in the life of the Malawian President.
    To some, though born, a leader within is trapped in the grave of a follower waiting to be set loose in the process of training and development.
    We thank God for what he is doing through HLE.