PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has asked the church to pray for those whose minds may be tempted to creating havoc if things are not going their way ahead of the 2021 elections.

According to a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe, Tuesday, President Lungu said this when a delegation of Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church pastors paid a courtesy call on him.

Chipampe stated that during the meeting, the President urged citizens to pray for peace as the country approaches elections next year.

“As we approach elections next year, the challenges will be many including the temptation to create havoc when things are not going your way. Let us pray for such minds to be tranquil for the sake of peace in our nation,” President Lungu said.

President Lungu also commended the SDA church for its significant contribution to national development in the education and health sectors.

“You are known for your hospitals, clinics, and schools including Rusangu University,” President said Lungu.

He urged the church to continue with community service including feeding the hungry and reaching the poor.

And SDA Southern Zambia Union Conference president Dr Harrington Akombwa said the SDA church had enjoyed cordial relations with government and will continue to support it.

The SDA church is this Sunday scheduled to hold its 2020 Lusaka Conference which will be conducted virtually.