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Written by: [Paul S. Dayhoff, DACB.org]
Early Life and Conversion
Reverend George Kaputula was born in Kitwe, Zambia, into a Muslim family. His life took a transformative turn when he converted to Christianity on September 30, 1969, through the influence of missionary Rodger Gastineau. That same year, he joined the Church of the Nazarene.
Call to Ministry and Theological Training
In 1970, George and his wife, Eunice Kunda, responded to God’s call to ministry. They enrolled at Limbe Bible College in Malawi in 1973, accompanied by their six-month-old son, Roy. After three years of training, they graduated in May 1976 and began their pastoral journey.
In the Picture:
From left is Eunice Kaputula and Rev George Kaputula. Next to them Rev Yambayamba, Dr Richard Zannar and Rev Steve Doer.
Ministry in Chililabombwe (1976–1984)
The Kaputulas were assigned to Chililabombwe, a mining town on the Copperbelt. The local Church of the Nazarene had been abandoned for nine years due to political conflict. The church building was vandalized, and the congregation had scattered.For the first six months, only children attended services. Despite ridicule and threats from the community, the couple persevered in prayer and outreach. Eventually, the first adults—Chakopo and his wife—joined the church. This marked the beginning of renewed growth.Soon, the church expanded into neighboring areas including:
- Chimfunshi
- Konkola
- Kawama
- Fitobaula
- Kakoso
Rev. Kaputula was later ordained by Dr. Coulter.
Raising Leaders and Church Planting
Many church members were miners, which provided a base of strong lay leaders. Among them were:
- Moses Livanda, who moved back to Chavuma to plant churches—leading to 10 churches by 2004.
- Ngosa Maleseli, who returned to Luapula and helped establish 5 churches and 15 preaching points.
The Chililabombwe church also reached migrant miners from Tanzania and the DRC, helping to spark cross-border ministry and lay groundwork for Nazarene outreach in those countries.
Further Expansion and Leadership Roles
After eight years in Chililabombwe, the Kaputulas moved to pastor the Chamboli Church in Kitwe, where the congregation saw remarkable growth. The church further expanded under leaders like:
- Rev. Musongwa at Nchanga North (Chingola)
- Pastor John Chiluba at Chiwepala (1985)
In 1987, Kaputula was appointed District Superintendent (DS) of Zambia North, serving for five years. Under his leadership:
- 10 new churches and preaching points were started in places like Kitwe (Bread of Life Church), Ndola, Mufulira, Masaiti, and Ibenga.
- 18 individuals were trained for ministry.
Pioneering the Work in Tanzania
Kaputula had a strong burden for reaching Tanzania. At the time, entry was only possible by linking with registered local churches.Key milestones included:
- Distributing church magazines through a Tanzanian church member’s sister.
- An initial visit to a group (not fruitful).
- A second connection in October 1989 with Rev. Andambike Mwakasungula led to a fruitful partnership.
- In May 1990, a delegation including Dr. Richard Zanner visited and finalized the merger, formally launching Nazarene work in Tanzania.
- Support came from Shadrack Simbeye, who funded three trips as gratitude for medical help the church provided for his son.
Growth of the Nazarene Church in Zambia
When the Kaputulas began ministry in northern Zambia, only two churches existed. By 2000, the region had:
- 27 organized churches
- 20 preaching points
- Approximately 3,000 members
Eunice Kaputula’s Role and Innovation
Born in Serenje in 1957, Eunice Kunda Kaputula played a crucial role both locally and at district level. As President of the Nazarene Women’s Ministries (NWMS), she introduced the “Coca-Cola can Alabaster offering”—a creative and symbolic giving method still used in Central Africa.Together, the Kaputulas raised four sons and one daughter.
Later Ministry and Health Challenges
In 1996, Rev. Kaputula became Zambia Literature Coordinator while pastoring the Kafue Church.By 2000, he and Eunice were serving at the Matero Church in Lusaka, Zambia South District.In early 2002, Rev. Kaputula suffered paralysis due to high blood pressure and a brain hemorrhage. He returned home for therapy but continued to work as the Word Evangelism Broadcast (WEB) Coordinator.
Final Days and Legacy
On July 20, 2004, he was admitted to University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka due to memory loss and lack of appetite. His health declined, and he passed away on August 20, 2004.
Timeline Summary
References
- Emmanuel Mwase, “How the Church Began in Zambia”, Africa Nazarene University, 2001.
- Rev. George Kaputula, biographical sketch and report (2000).
- NCN News, October 29, 2004.
- Joanie Doerr, Out of Africa, March 6, 2002.
- Kyle Lauf, Out of Africa, August 24, 2004.
- Africa Nazarene Mosaic (2001), Paul S. Dayhoff – Used with permission.
