Choma East Mission District had a very tight evangelism schedule from 4 to 17 October 2020. Both rural and urban churches had a week of prayer in their respective areas which was divided into two phases. The first phase ran from 4 to 10 October while the second phase began from 10 to 17 October 2020. The district Pastor Ferdinand Shingalili accompanied by his wife, Shepherdess Shingalili and the district secretary Elder Chuma Himabilo had no time to rest as they had to monitor the progress in all the evangelism sites. We praise God that at the end of the week of prayer, the district recorded 294 newly baptized members. Among the baptized was Mr. Jackson Zulu from Airport Church. Aged 48, his story is unique as he had to be lifted into the baptismal pool by the deacons as he is physically disabled and has to make use of a wheelchair to move from point A to B. No stone was left unturned as pastors and lay preachers shared the good news using a theme which was derived from hymn number 202 in the local language hymnal, “Fear not I will pilot thee.” Pastor Desmond Mungalu advised the church members to hold on to their faith even in difficult circumstances. He reminded them that it is better to lose material things than to lose eternal life.
Kabanana church was blessed by the ministry of Elder Mukanka Lubinda. On the day the reporter visited the site, the Elder read from Job 1:21. Preaching from this chapter, he said, “Job was an upright man who never disappointed his Lord despite the hardship that he went through. We can learn from his experience.” At Adastra main church, Elder Clement Munsanje encouraged the church members to hold on to God’s promises when faced with uncertainties and fear. “We should always remember that God is always by our side”, he said.
On the other side of the district, Pastor Prince Ng’andu Swan shared hope with residents from the town center, Riverside, Macha Road township, and other surrounding communities. His presentation took a different spin as he tackled the theme from the point of fear of active evangelism. He encouraged the congregants never to fear to spread the gospel to the world because Jesus himself has commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” “When we feel inadequate, we should remember that when God calls us, He also equips us.”
Pastor Ng’andu appealed to the church members to ensure that they nurture the newly baptized members as they would need to support them in their new faith journey. He also took the opportunity to encourage the newly baptized members to participate in sharing the good news so that others may also have a chance to take a stand for Christ
Photos courtesy of: Ezra C. Muntanga
