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Today, I want to take you on a journey to a small but beautiful church that is making a great impact in its community.
Itezhi- tezhi Church of the Nazarene is located in the Africa Region under the Africa Southeast Field particularly in Zambia South District.
It’s approximately 330 km from the capital, Lusaka. The church was started in 2014 Later Organised and is pastored by Pastor Godfrey Shachobe.
hidden in the corners of our maps but glowing in the heart of God’s mission. I see in them not only where I came from but where God is still moving today.
I was introduced to this church by an old friend br David. Since then Itezhi-Tezhi Church of the Nazarene has remained on my prayer list.
You might ask: Why is this church so special to me? You may not understand the first reason without reading the second.1. To understand this Let’s visite the Africa Region website to read the mission statement of the Africa Southeast Field. It says:”Our mission is to make Christ-like disciples on Africa Southeast Field and beyond.
We have fully embraced the missional approach of taking the Church of the Nazarene where it is not yet.
The message of holiness has now reached areas like the Northern and Muchinga Provinces of Zambia which were predominantly Roman Catholic domains and there are several Nazarene churches growing steadily.
That statement hit home for me—literally.
I am especially moved by the dedication of the leaders who serve in rural areas.These are men and women who have devoted themselves entirely to the work of God often with limited resources but with unshakable faith.
They are building the Kingdom in the background away from the spotlight yet their impact is eternal.
I grew up in a humble village setup in Nchelenge 802.1 km from Lusaka right behind Nchelenge High School in the teachers’ compound.
My life stretched through the villages of Kafulwe, Kanyembo, Mbereshi, Yenga, Mwaka, Kazembe, Chiengi, Kampemba, Kwa Chibesakunda in Chinsali and Mansa hosted the 2024 Women’s conference
For some of us, living in such rural meant walking even longer not just to attend church but to seek out a pastor.
But that is no longer the story. Today when I go back to my village towns nearby I see Nazarene churches a stone throw distances.
Churches like Yasakwa, Tazara, Shikamushile, Puta Central, Revelation, Salvation, Sashi, Saviour, Sepe, Ninge, Njipi, Nkulunga Busokololo, Nkungu, Nkungu North, Nsama, Nsengailaall these are part of the growing Luapula Northern District. This is the movement the Africa Southeast Field spoke of taking the church where it is not yet.
While the southern hemisphere of Zambia was once predominantly covered by other Seventh day Adventist , salvation army today I’ve seen the rise and movement of the holiness Message beautiful churches like Choma Central, itezhi tezhi and many other’s the Message of holiness is reaching souls and fulfilling the Mission of the global Church Making Christlike Disciples.
- But Itezhi-Itezhi Church of the Nazarene holds a special place in my heart. This church also gives me a picture of where I’m coming from. I see myself in its simplicity it’s people and it’s spirit.
Through dedicated ministers like Pastor shachobe and many Others serving around the world It’s churches like this rooted among God’s people that carry the Word where it’s most needed. In places like this, the Word of God no longer has to be searched for in distant places it lives here, close to the people.
Isn’t that the mission of the global Church?10 years of it’s Presence this church continues to believe for a better worship space.
And as fellow believers, we too can walk alongside them in prayer Deeply thankful not only to the ministers on the ground but also to the field leadership who continue to support and guide these churches with vision and love.
