On the 14^th of April, the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, celebrated his 72^nd birthday. Bishop Marcelo Pires, who is responsible for the evangelistic work of the Universal Church in the country, was invited to pray for the Head of State and all of South Africa. The celebration was held outside, in front of the government building known as Luthuli House, located in the town square of Johannesburg.

This symbolic act was registered and printed on the cover of the main newspaper of South Africa, “The Star”, last Tuesday (15).

The bishop took advantage of this opportunity and encouraged everyone present to awaken the faith that is within each one of us: “If your life changes, South Africa will also change for the better! Within each one of you is something called faith, and faith is the power of God within you. Having a degree, or a job position of high responsibility, is useless when a person does not believe in himself or herself. Prayer is very important, but if we just pray and do not put our faith into practice, we will not see results.”

The bishop also explained the importance of praying for the president of our country, as it is written in the Word of God, because if he is blessed, the people will also be blessed as a consequence.

Then he invited everyone to extend their hands towards the president – representing the people praying for their ruler –, while he determined the blessing upon Jacob Zuma.