When God Calls Her, They Both Go
When God Calls Her, They Both Go
Share this

To the Woman Wondering If Ministry Can Be Family—It Already Is

By Kelvin Mulenga, Nazarene Contributor | Nazarene Journal – 2025

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

— Psalm 126:5

There’s a quiet courage in the heart of a woman who says yes to God’s call.

She doesn’t always stand in the spotlight.

But she stands faithfully, prayerfully, purposefully.

Rev. Lydia Barasa is one of those women.

She is not just the wife of a missionary. She is a missionary herself.

Not only a mother—she is a mentor, a teacher, a Bible study leader and a kingdom strategist.

Together with her husband, Rev. Nicholas Barasa, they are Global Missionaries currently serving in Zambia, sent from Kenya, their homeland—a land rich in culture, language and heritage.

They have left behind their families, their tribes, their comforts, and all that was familiar to them. They have laid it down at the feet of Christ, so that the mission of making Christlike disciples might continue in Zambia.

We do not take this lightly. We see you. We honor your sacrifice. We love you.

When I met Rev. Nicholas and Lydia Barasa at the Zambia South District Assembly, I encountered not just ministers but a couple that radiates unity, humility, joy and deep compassion. They were warm, loving, social and fully present. It was clear: this is what ministry as partnership looks like.

Rev. Lydia has served in the Literature department for over 10 years on the Africa East Field, but her deepest passion lies in children’s ministry and church development. From leading inter-denominational Bible studies to organizing community outreaches, she continues to serve with quiet power and strategic love.

And Rev. Nicholas his ministry spans youth coordination, pastoral leadership and education. From leading young people across Africa East to teaching in Bible colleges, his life is marked by vision and service. Yet what stands out is how his greatest leadership is expressed in how he stands beside his wife.

When men of God make space for the women beside them to lead,

the mission does not divide—it multiplies.

This is the beauty of ministry as family.

Not just his calling. Not just hers.

But theirs—together.

So to the woman wondering if ministry can fit around your motherhood, your background, your limitations—

Look to Rev. Lydia.

She didn’t wait for perfection. She started with what she had: a Bible study, a burden, a heart for service.

And to the husband reading this—wondering how best to lead your family in ministry:

Look to Rev. Nicholas.

Leadership is not always standing ahead; sometimes, it’s standing beside.

Ministry is not about who holds the microphone—

It’s about who holds space for God to move.

To every couple called together—may the Barasas remind you:

This mission is worth it.

Yes, it is hard to leave home.

Yes, it is a sacrifice.

But when done in unity, it becomes a living witness of the gospel itself.


“May the Lord bless you and keep you…

May His face shine upon you…” (Numbers 6:24–26)

And may the seeds you’ve planted in Zambia flourish in generations to come.

To Rev. Nicholas and Rev. Lydia Barasa—thank you.

To every woman in ministry press on.

To every man supporting her keep going.

You are shaping the Church.

Her Calling, His Support—Their Mission

A Ministry Shared, A Mission Lived: Rev Lydia and Rev Nicholas Barasa

Share this

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Scroll to Top
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x