The Call of Pastor Mwindula Mbewe
The elders of Hillview Baptist Church laid ordination hands on Mwindula
Mbewe to be their pastor on June 18, 2023. Mwindula grew up with the desire
to serve in pastoral ministry from childhood. When he shared this desire with
the elders at Kabwata Baptist Church (KBC), he was advised to first undergo
tertiary education and proceed to gain secular employment exposure before
turning to ministry as his vocation. Ten years would pass from the time he first
spoke to the elders at KBC, before he finally got admitted to the KBC pastoral
internship programme in 2018.
Pastor Mwindula Mbewe with his wife Namundi and their daughter Ntasuwila
Upon completion of his internship programme, Mwindula Mbewe was
ordained together with Thomson Musukwa and Joe Shoko as missionary pastors
on March 17, 2019, at KBC. He started the work of church planting in the
Hillview Park area in Chalala on April 7. The first meeting took place at
Kamusaki Hall at the cross junction of Greg Lungu Road and Lilayi Road.
Deriving its name from the residential area where it was situated, the church
plant soon became known as Hillview Baptist Church. Kamusaki Hall remained
the meeting place until September 2021 when the church moved to a portion of
land acquired from Mr and Mrs Muyinda, barely a kilometre south-east of
Kamusaki Hall.
Two principal reasons could readily account for this relocation. Firstly,
the owner was selling the property where Kamusaki Hall was situated.
Secondly, parking space for cars had become insufficient because of the rising
number of worshipers at the Sunday services. Shifting became inevitable.
The elders laying hands on Pastor Mwindula Mbewe during the ordination
At the new place, the Lord opened doors of financial provision leading
to the construction of a reinforced concrete slab floor with granolithic finishes
upon which a tent of meeting was mounted. Following a September 2021 inhouse church conference at which the preacher was Pastor Joe Shoko, pastor
from Berean Reformed Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, membership
comprising 42 individuals was constituted for Hillview Baptist Church. Elder
George Sitali, as KBC elder-in-charge of the church plant, presided over the
ceremony. Membership continued to grow steadily and attendance during
Sunday morning services would get to an average number of between 150 and
160 regular worshippers. Every morning service would record at least two firsttime visitors. It gradually became apparent that the Lord was doing something
unprecedented at Hillview Baptist Church.
Sounding out for elders was done at the beginning of the year 2023. On
February 12, the church nominated Solomon Ching’ambu, Golden Makayi and
Kevin Kaunda to be set apart for the office of elder. These men were further
subjected to a confidence vote on Sunday, May 26, with a threshold of 66.67
percent which they met quite comfortably. After a period of prayer and fasting
they were set apart and ordained on Sunday, May 7. The ordination service was
presided over by elders from KBC, namely John Chundu, Emmanuel Matafwali,
John Kumwenda, and George Sitali. The latter administered the charge to the
new elders. The sermon based on 1 Peter 5:1–4 was delivered by Joe Shoko.
The ordination of elders at Hillview meant the local church was weaned
off and could call its own pastor after the pattern of the early church. Mwindula
Mbewe remained a KBC missionary. But it did not take long for the newly
ordained elders to call Mwindula Mbewe to serve among them as pastor. The
members were informed about this proposed engagement on Sunday, May 14.
When his name was presented to the members for a confidence vote, he was
given 100 percent confidence where the threshold was 75 percent.
After a period of prayer and fasting Mwindula Mbewe was set apart and
ordained as pastor on Sunday, June 18. The elders at Hillview Baptist Church
presided over the ordination service. Solomon Ching’ambu led in worship and
the singing of hymns, Kevin Kaunda administered the charge to the ordinand,
and Golden Makayi prayed for the ordinand during the laying on of hands. The
sermon, based on the words of Isaiah 62:1–5, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep
silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,” was delivered by Pastor
Conrad Mbewe from KBC.
Hillview Baptist Church will clock 5 years of existence in April 2024.
To God alone be the praise, honour and glory!
Kevin Kaunda
Elder, Hillview Baptist Church, Lusaka
Brief History of Silverest Central Baptist Church
During the global pandemic that tested the strength of communities and the
Christian faith, Kabwata Baptist Church (KBC) sent Million Kambuli Jr as a
missionary pastor to Silverest, on March 1, 2020. Silverest is in the eastern
border of Lusaka. Due to stringent measures by the Zambian government on the
gathering of churches, Silverest Central Baptist Church (SCBC) was only able
to have the first worship service on July 5, 2020. Dr Conrad Mbewe, the pastor
from the sending church, preached on, “We are not ashamed of the gospel”
(Romans 1:16), which is the moto of the church. Today, we celebrate the
incredible journey of SCBC.
The journey of SCBC has not been without trials. Born when the world
came to a standstill due to the Corona virus pandemic, the church was guided
by faith to preach the gospel in these dark times. Despite the restrictions and
uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, SCBC met physically, observing
Covid rules. When the public health environment deteriorated, virtual services
were conducted. In God’s providence, these cyber services helped build an
online community. They reached out to those in need, delivering not just
spiritual solace, but more importantly, declaring the glorious gospel of salvation
in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Isaac Makashinyi preaching during the service to set apart Pastor Kambuli
Elders Davis Sinyangwe and Vernon Kapoma laying hands on Pastor Million Kambuli
The future of SCBC shines bright, with an established congregation that
has weathered the storm together. Now church members are eager to gather in
person for both our Sunday worship services and Wednesday night Bible
studies. We are filled with gratitude to God for his unwavering presence
throughout this journey and we look forward to a future filled with growth,
service, and spiritual enrichment.
Setting apart of the Pastor
As a seal of approval on the church, Vernon Kapoma and Davis Sinyangwe
were ordained into the eldership of the church on April 30, 2023. As if this was
not enough, God placed the icing of his blessings by the induction of Million
Kambuli Jr as pastor of SCBC on June 11. Pastor Isaac Makashinyi of
Emmasdale Baptist church passionately preached during the induction service
from 2 Corinthians 4:1–6. He stated that the gospel ministry is a high and noble
calling. No man should undertake to assume the pastoral office unless he is
assured that he is indeed a gift of Christ to the church. How does this assurance
and persuasion come about? Quoting Al Martin, he identified these
perspectives: First, the man’s aspirations are thoroughly examined. Second, his
qualifications with reference to graces and gifts are unmistakably established.
Third, the recognition of his local church is firmly secured.
He went on to admonish the church, saying, “It is because these three
perspectives have been secured, and you as a local church has acknowledged
Pastor Million Kambuli as a gift of Christ to you that we have been led to this
formal ordination and installation of our brother to this office.” This is a noble
calling. It is a glorious ministry, he said. Pastor Makashinyi went on to give five
marks of the gospel ministry. These being (1) an awareness of the ministry as a
stewardship received from God, (2) faithful perseverance and steadfastness
under pressure, (3) a constant striving towards ministering with integrity, (4) a
clear understanding of the spiritual realities of human lostness, and finally, (5)
a placing of confidence in God’s new creation power.
Indeed, we have seen God’s goodness among us and Pastor Kambuli
has been committed to the faithful exposition of God’s word and the care of the
church. The church has continued to know growth by the grace of God.
About the pastor
Pastor Million Kambuli is married to Theresa. They have a daughter, Leah, who
is 7 years old. He professed faith in Christ in 1999. Prior to taking up the
missionary work at KBC he worked as an associate pastor of Chilenje South
Baptist Church for five years. Due to his growing Reformed convictions, he felt
led to take up Christian ministry work in a Reformed Baptist church context. He
resigned at Chilenje South Baptist Church and went to KBC for a year’s
internship programme to learn how a Reformed Baptist church is managed.
Pastor Kambuli taught mathematics and economics before he became a pastor
and he is a trained theologian with a Diploma in Theology, Bachelor of Divinity
from the Reformed Baptist Seminary (USA), and a Master of Arts in Pastoral
Theology from the African Christian University (ACU). In light of this
background, the church has allowed him to contribute to the growth of ACU by
offering his lecturing services at the university. He is currently teaching
Mathematics and Christian Reasoning and Rhetoric on a parttime basis.
Prayer Items
- The launch of our campus outreach programme in light of the four
institutions of higher learning in our catchment area (namely, - University of Lusaka, Lusaka Institute School of Nursing, Palabana
- University, and the soon-to-be-launched Zambia Institute of Advanced
- Legal Education.
- Pray for the unity of the church.
- Pray for our leadership team to continue on the path of unity and zeal
for the gospel. - Pray for finances as we embark on a 500-seater church building project.
- Pray for us as we seek to employ a fulltime person for campus outreach.
Vernon Kapoma
Elder, Silverest Central Baptist Church, Lusaka
The Southern Province Reformed Baptist Family Conference and
Youth Camp
Group photo taken at the Southern Province Reformed Baptist Conference
The Southern Province Reformed Family Conference is a joint project of the
Reformed Baptist churches in the Southern Province. It began with only three
churches: Central Baptist Church of Mazabuka, Choma Central Baptist Church,
and Trinity Baptist Church of Livingstone. 2023 has seen the addition of Monze
Ebenezer Reformed Baptist Church and Hope Reformed Baptist Church of
Kalomo. The conference has been held consistently since 2008, until the Corona
virus ravaged the world in 2019, leading to its suspension for three years.
As soon as it became favourable for public gatherings to be held, the
churches in the province came together again and planned for the 2023
conference. The lot fell on Trinity Baptist Church in Livingstone to host the first
post-Covid 19 conference in the province. So all roads led to Livingstone on
July 2, for a two-day conference which ended on July 4. The conference speaker
was Rev. Adamson Shamfuti, who is Principal at Fiwale Hill Bible College in
Ndola. He masterfully handled the subject of “The Church and Missions,” under
the headings: (1) The Great Commission, (2) The basis of Christian missions,
(3) Spying the mission field, (4) Challenges in the mission field, and (5) The
role of the church in supporting its mission station.
The subject of missions is very important considering that there are
many parts of the province that we are yet to conquer and it was timely for us
in the province to address it, with the goal of provoking ourselves to
aggressively spread Reformed Baptist churches across the entire province. We
will appreciate prayers in this regard.
Another joint project by the churches in the province is a youth camp.
A month after the conference, our youths (most of whom attended the
conference) were on the road again to Livingstone for the Southern Province
Reformed Baptist Youth Camp which run from August 9 to 12. This camp had
its inception last year in 2022 and was hosted by Choma Central Baptist Church,
with Pastor Kwenda Kwenda (the host pastor) as the main speaker. This year
Pastor Enock Sakala of Hope Reformed Baptist Church in Kalomo was the main
speaker, handling the theme, “God’s workmanship in Christ,” from Ephesians
2:1–10. Handling the seminars were Pastor Johnson Malipenga on LGBTQ+
issues, Pastor Kwenda Kwenda on “The nature of obedience,” and Mr. Fackson
Ntaimo on Entrepreneurship. About 70 youths from across the province
attended. Kindly pray for the salvation of our young people.
Enock Sakala
Pastor, Hope Reformed Baptist Church, Kalomo
ACU Christian Scholars Week and Business Seminar
Dr Benjamin Merkle speaking during the Christian Scholars Week at ACU
This year’s Scholars Week, held from 28th to 30th June, was no
exception. The theme was one close to the heart of the university: “A Biblical
Worldview of Education.” The conference was hosted by the ACU School of
Education. The ramifications of such a theme were obvious, making the very
case for the existence of an institution like ACU! Accordingly, the speaker had
to be well-equipped. Dr Benjamin Merkle, president of New Saint Andrews
College in Moscow, Idaho, USA was equal to the task. Overseeing a classical
Christian liberal arts university, Dr Merkle was just the right person to shed light
on the foundation and principles of Christian education, especially to the nearly
100 new students at ACU this year who were only getting to grips with such a
novel idea. Through each of the four sessions he spoke in (including a session
at Lusaka Baptist Church’s midweek meeting), Dr Merkle exposed the history,
goal and method of classical Christian education as it exists today, drawing
parallels from his context to apply it to Zambia. To aid him, the penultimate
session of the conference was taken by Dr Rose Allinder and Mr. Tom Maggio,
giving life to the ideas expounded by showing how they have taken shape at the
Rafiki Institute of Classical Education and their schools.
A group photo taken with Mr. Chad Epperson, Pastor Steve McAlister, and Dr Tommie
It was evident that the theme resonated not just with ACU students and
faculty, but also with the several guests who were educators in their own
spheres. Guests at the conference ranged from teaching and administrative staff
from Christian schools and organisations within Lusaka, and even a guest who
flew in from South Africa especially to attend the event. Representatives from
two primary schools founded by Reformed Baptist churches were particularly
enthusiastic about speaking to Dr Merkle afterwards and gaining more insight
into what he had shared. The fruit of this interaction is already beginning to
show. The students were also intrigued by the breakout session on academic
research led by Dr Benjamin Kilian and Dr Masauso Phiri. This could be seen
from the volume of questions that inundated them. All in all, it was a splendid
and meaningful time that has continued to leave a mark on ACU ever since, and
there has been a high bar set for the next edition in 2024.
However, the end of the Christian Scholars Week did not spell the end
of the conference season. Only a couple of weeks later, from July 11 to 15,
ACU’s School of Business hosted the Zambia Business Seminar. This
undertaking was a first in the life of ACU, as this annual event was previously
hosted by Kabwata Baptist Church, who handed it over to the university
beginning this year. Also hailing from the USA, Mr Chad Epperson, Pastor
Steve McAlister and Dr Tommie Singleton brought a wealth of knowledge and
practical experience to bear upon several sessions relating to Christians in
business. The team (consisting of a business owner, a pastor and a finance
academic and practitioner) formed a healthy and rounded picture of the
Christian approach to business from several angles and was warmly received.
Although these sessions were accessible from Facebook and YouTube from
Tuesday to Friday evening, the two sessions on Saturday were also open to the
public at ACU’s Olive Doke Pavilion, with refreshments available to each guest.
The speakers ran through various topics relating to the Christian way of
conducting business, from managing people and finances to work ethic and
morality in business. Joining them on the final day were two Zambian business
professionals, Mr Charles Bota and Dr Patricia Zimba Mwila, who helped
illustrate the reality of Christian business principles and practices working in
Zambia just as well as in the USA. Each session was met with lively responses
through the questions asked both online and in person, and it was evident that
both students and professionals left the seminar encouraged and determined to
either try their hands or be more effective in business and entrepreneurship.
This middle of the year was certainly exciting for everyone interested
in and connected with the ACU, and with the Reformed Family Conference still
to look forward to, the expectation for showers of blessing remained high.
Tiisa Chiwele
African Christian University
The Installation of Pastor Jonathan Nthani
“The appointment given you by the members of this congregation is one that
should be entered into solemnly and in faith.” These were the words read out by
the elders as the charge was given and accepted by the newly appointed Pastor
of Kafue Reformed Baptist Church (KRBC) on the July 30, 2023.
An estimated 200 persons packed the KRBC hall and carefully followed
the solemn charge. Dr Conrad Mbewe preached a sermon entitled, “A Pastor’s
Remuneration,” from 1 Corinthians 9:1–18, out of which he called the
congregation to take care of the Lord’s servant in their midst. He urged the
congregation never to abuse God’s servant through poor remunerations and
other conditions of service.
During the evening service, Pastor Nthani preached from Colossians
3:13 on “Bearing with one another,” as part of the series he has embarked on
for the evening services at KRBC.
Pastor Sunkutu and the origin of the church
This ocassion refreshed memories of the late Pastor Kennedy Sunkutu who had
faithfully laboured at planting KRBC. He wore many hats: shepherd, counsellor,
bible school lecturer, student, father to spiritual children aside natural ones. He
loved God’s people at KRBC and his family deeply.
KRBC was founded as a church plant of Kabwata Baptist Church in
2000 and Pastor Sunkutu was the missionary pastor. He went to be with the Lord
in 2018 after having served at KRBC for over 18 years. Pastor Sunkutu’s demise
dealt a big blow to the church. The church at the same time also experienced the
passing on of another of its prominent members, Mr Edwin Kalio. Sister
churches especially from Lusaka helped immensely during this time, financially
and otherwise. The Sunkutu family was especially taken care of in a true spirit
of brotherly love.
Pastor Jonathan Nthani’s call
The Lord graciously answered his people’s prayers for another shepherd to
replace the late Pastor Sunkutu after four and a half years. Apart from seasonsed
men that had served in the pastorate before, young men with the call to the
ministry upon them were invited and evaluated for the pastoral office. One such
man was Jonathan Nthani. Jonathan has an Information Technology background,
having graduated from the Information and Communications University (ICU)
in Lusaka. He also worked with the Central Africa Baptist University (CABU)
in Kitwe in their IT department. Jonathan was born and raised by devout
Christian parents that had attended Kabwata Baptist Church (KBC) for many
years. He had professed faith in Christ at the age of 13 and, being mentored
under various men at KBC, he could fittingly be recognised as a “child of KBC.”
He became a keen student of the Scriptures ahead of his peers from an early
stage. After briefly working for his almer mater, the Information and
Communications University in Lusaka, he joined CABU. In Kitwe, he sought a
Bible believing church and settled at Ndeke Village Chapel.
The elders of Kafue Reformed Baptist Church praying for the new pastor and his wife
The elders at KRBC were introduced to Jonathan by one of its youth
members who had known about his desire for the ministry. The elders extended
an invitation for him to preach. This was followed by more preaching occasions.
The church had considered other candidates prior to Jonathan Nthani but
Jonathan won the hearts of God’s people. His name was brought before the
church and months later, at a meeting constituted for the purpose, he was
unanimaously accepted as the next pastor of KRBC.
A group photo taken with the newly ordained Pastor Jonathan Nthani
Jonathan is married to Taonga, who has shown the same level of
excitement to support him in the ministry and be a part of their new family at
KRBC. Taonga and Jonathan wedded on December 17, 2022.
Jonathan’s taking up of the call was delayed by about six months so that
his then employer, CABU, would find a replacement for him. The ordination of
Jonathan on July 30 was the beginning of another exciting journey for KRBC.
The elders at KRBC wish to thank God for the addition of Pastor Nthani
to the eldership. They have already begun to see God’s blessings through his
ministry and are seeking the Spirit’s outpouring of blessings in salvation and in
spiritual and numerical growth of the church, as well as increased impact of the
various communities in Kafue.
Bruce C. Bvulani
Elder, Kafue Reformed Baptist Church
The Installation of Pastor Poniso Kuyumbana
Pastor Kuyumbana was sent to Senanga to plant a Reformed Baptist church in
2013 by Kabwata Baptist Church. The elders interviewed Poniso Kuyumbana
on September 3, 2012. From his original station in Shangombo he moved to
Senanga on December 20, 2012.
After 6 years of church planting, conducted evangelistic meetings, and
youth activities, the church was blessed with conversions, and later with 23
church members in 2018. Attendance rose from the initial eleven on the first
day to over a hundred on Sundays. Another target area was cell-groups, which
attracted the attention of neighbours of church members to the gospel.
Sunday meetings were held at the Senanga Hospital teaching unit for
four years, and later moved to Libo Academy for a year. In 2018, the church
started meeting in a tent and they remained there for over two years before
finally moving into a church building. Shifting from one place to another
harmed the congregation. Whenever, they moved, some congregants were left
behind, never to be among them again.
During this period, leadership training was conducted. Mr. Kashweka
Chinyemba, Anthony Lupula, Kanyanga Ndumba, and Chinunga Kabinjula all
underwent leadership training. After being interviewed by the KBC elders,
Anthony Lupula was set apart on April 29, 2023, at a joyful ceremony.
Going back a few years, 2016 laid on this young congregation an extra
load when Liseli Baptist Church in Sesheke was without a pastor. They
committed themselves to looking after the small flock that the former pastor
left. Turns were taken with Trinity Baptist Church, Livingstone, to supply
preachers such as Mr Enoch Munjoma. Evangelism and visitations were
conducted. On October 2, 2020, Mr Chinunga Kabinjula was ordained as the
church’s first missionary to Sesheke. That church plant has since been blessed
with numerical and spiritual growth.
Joy was mingled with sadness throughout the nine years of church
planting. The church has seen defections of several individuals who were not
happy with the so called “coldness” of the church’s worship style. They also
lost others through relocations, leaving the congregation with the momentary
feeling of divine abandonment. Opposition was from both unbelievers and religious people alike. These trials however helped the church to continuously
depend on God.
Elders laying hands on Ponisor Kuyumbana and Isaac Bipanda
During all these experiences, the church enjoyed support from saints
who stood by their side through prayers and financial support. All this led them
to be more outward looking ministry, resulting in the formation of Bible training
programmes which offered certificate through to masters’ degrees. By this
means they reached Kaoma, Sesheke, Mongu, Shangombo, was well as Rundu
and Ojiwarongo in Namibia and Angola.
The process for the call of the pastor began soon after the ordination of
the first elder. It became evident that Poniso Kuyumbana was to be the first
pastor of Senanga Baptist Church. He was set apart on Sunday July 2, 2023,
together with Isaac Bipanda who had relocated to Senanga.
As the church looks back at the ten years of their existence, the church
is grateful for all those who rendered them immeasurable material and financial
support. We say that they have learnt a lot from KBC on the work of elders, the
roles of members and deacons, and the zeal for church planting. Pastor
Kuyumbana particularly thanks God for the men whom God has called to the
eldership such as Kafunga Lupula and Isaac Bipanda. Since his ordination
another two have been added to the eldership, namely Kashweka Chinyemba
and Kanyanga Ndumba. The church in Senanga is already looking into new
areas of church planting beyond Sesheke. We are watching this space with
prayerful interest. The door is wide open in western Zambia.
Biblical Foundation for Missions block class in Senanga
Alfred Sakwiya
Elder, Kabwata Baptist Church
