The deaths of Tanzania’s John Magufuli, announced today, and Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza last summer feed discussion over God’s approach to corporate sin and repentance.
The Tanzanian government confirmed today that President John Magufuli has died.
“It is sad news. Our beloved president passed on at 6 p.m. this evening,” said Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who per Tanzania’s constitution will now become the nation’s first female president. “We have lost our courageous leader. All flags will be flown at half mast for 14 days.”
What officials did not confirm was weeks of speculation by opposition leaders and East African media that the 62-year-old had contracted COVID-19. The official cause: heart complications.
However, the situation echoed the chatter in neighboring Burundi last June, when President Pierre Nkurunziza died of COVID-19 at age 55, as both leaders drew criticism for their approach to the pandemic.
During a recent prayer service at Rugombo Pentecostal Church in the Cibitoke area of Burundi’s capital Bujumbura, more than a hundred worshipers followed pastor Joseph Ndayizeye as he led congregants in prayer.
He addressed the ongoing pandemic, stating that God is punishing human beings for their sins.
“It is not normal for the virus to invade the country and even kill the president,” prayed Ndayizeye, referring to President Pierre Nkurunziza who died of COVID-19 last June, age 55. “God punished us with the coronavirus pandemic because of our sins. Let us repent our sins and ask God for forgiveness and our prayers will be heard.”
His prayer is mirrored across the country of almost 12 million people. Many religious leaders in Burundi are reminding their congregants that God is angry with mankind for constantly sinning without repenting.
Ndayizeye noted that Burundian authorities have continued to commit serious human rights ...
from Christianity Today Magazine https://ift.tt/2OCqPxM
No comments:
Post a Comment