“Judah Must Go First”

A Call to Praise Ahead of the National Day of Prayer

By Francis Maingaila ♥️.

Lusaka, October 10, 2025 — Organizers of the Judah Must Go First event have called on Zambians across all denominations to gather in unity and offer praise to God ahead of the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation scheduled for October 18.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Bishop Billy Mfula, Chairman for the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation, explained that Judah Must Go First is not the same as the National Day of Prayer but a preparatory event aimed at praising God as a nation.

“There’s a big difference between Judah Must Go First and the October 18 gathering,” said Bishop Mfula. 

“Tomorrow’s event is a celebration — a day of joyful praise. The National Day of Prayer, on the other hand, is a solemn assembly where we humble ourselves before God, repent of our sins, and seek reconciliation as a nation. Praise and repentance both have their rightful place in our walk with God.”

He added that the event is inspired by the biblical story of the tribe of Judah, which was commanded to lead in battle through praise before victory was granted.

 “In the same way, we are saying before Zambia goes to the polls next year, we must first praise God and allow Him to fight for our nation,” he said.

Bishop Mfula reaffirmed that Zambia’s strength lies in its identity as a Christian nation.

 “What may seem strange to others is faith to us. Just as the walls of Jericho fell when men walked around them in faith, so will our challenges fall when we praise,” he said.

“We believe that as we raise a sound of praise, God will fight for Zambia, and our nation will see breakthrough.”

Docus Kaulula, Director of Judah Must Go First, emphasized that the event is interdenominational and open to all citizens regardless of church affiliation or political leaning.

 “This is not a church for one denomination or a political group. It’s for everyone — SDA, Baptist, Pentecostal, and others. We are coming together as one body of Christ,” she said.

“We urge politicians and citizens alike not to politicize what God has ordained. The National Day of Prayer and this event belong to God, not man. When the church works with government, it is not about supporting a political party — it’s about standing with leadership in the spirit of unity.”

Kaulula stressed that participants should come as Zambians to worship, not as members of political groups, adding that the event reflects a “maturing church” that knows how to separate faith from politics.

Dr. Penias Mbewe, Vice Chairperson for the National Day of Prayer, said the Judah Must Go First event is a timely spiritual initiative that sets the tone for the National Day of Prayer.

 “We often complain about leaders and challenges, but how many times do we pause to simply praise God?” he asked.

“This is the best way to end the year and enter the next one — by worshipping before we do anything else. When praises go up, God’s glory comes down.”

He added that the event will feature a broad lineup of artists and church leaders, uniting people from all walks of life in praise and worship.

 “As we praise, we believe barriers — spiritual, economic, and social — will be broken,” he declared.

Gospel artist Teddy Matanyali encouraged Zambians to attend the event in large numbers, describing it as a “moment of encounter” with God.

 “When praises go up, God’s glory comes down,” he said. “

We have seen God answer when the nation unites in prayer and praise. This is not a political event — it’s a spiritual gathering for everyone who believes God can restore Zambia.”

Matanyali revealed that the showgrounds will host both local and international gospel artists, including special guests from South Africa and Nigeria.

“We’ll have worship, praise, and prayer — everything in one place. It’s free, and everyone is welcome,” he said.

The Judah Must Go First praise event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lusaka Showgrounds, starting from 06:00 hours. 

It will feature musicians, pastors, interdenominational choirs, and citizens from across the country.