07/08/2026
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The Midlands-East Zambia Conference (MEZC) yesterday, Wednesday 5 August 2026 honored Pastor Herbert Lumano during a heartfelt retirement send-off ceremony attended by church administrators, ministers of the gospel, family members, and guests drawn from across the Northern Zambia Union Conference territory and beyond.
The event, held at the MEZC Conference Hall, celebrated Pastor Lumano's decades of faithful pastoral service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church through pastoral ministry and various departmental responsibilities. The ceremony was masterfully moderated by Pastor Nathan Muyambango, Communication Director of the Northern Zambia Union Conference, who guided the proceedings with warmth, dignity, and professionalism.
Delivering the devotional message, Pastor Teddy Kaunda, President of the Northern Zambia Union Conference, reminded the congregation comprising most members of the clergy and publishing ministries that retirement marks the conclusion of formal employment but never the end of God's calling. He encouraged Pastor Lumano not to measure his worth by how people may treat him after retirement, but rather by how God sees and appreciates a lifetime of faithful service. Emphasizing that ministry continues beyond retirement, Pastor Kaunda urged all ministers to remain committed to serving Christ for as long as God grants them strength.
In his opening remarks, Pastor Darlington Muyabila, President of the Midlands-East Zambia Conference, challenged younger ministers to draw wisdom from senior pastors whose lives testify to endurance and faithfulness. Quoting the local proverb, "Bama hundisi bazimazima mbabasika ku mpela," he explained that "the pastors who may appear quiet or unassuming are often the ones who faithfully reach the finish line." He urged young ministers to value the experience, counsel, and example of seasoned pastors, noting that longevity in ministry is built on humility, consistency, and steadfast commitment to God's calling.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was a presentation chronicling Pastor Lumano's ministerial journey, followed by moving reflections and tributes from fellow ministers, colleagues, friends, and family members. Speakers shared memorable experiences of serving alongside Pastor Lumano, particularly highlighting his contributions to the Publishing Ministry and his exemplary pastoral leadership. Their testimonies portrayed a humble servant of God whose influence has positively impacted generations of pastors and church members alike.
The celebration attracted pastors and church leaders from various conferences. Among the guests was Pastor Chakwe, Ministerial Secretary of the Copperbelt Conference, who represented his conference in honoring Pastor Lumano's dedicated years of service.
Responding to the heartfelt tributes, Pastor Herbert Lumano expressed profound gratitude to God, church leadership, colleagues in ministry, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his ministerial journey. He encouraged younger pastors to remain faithful to their calling, reminding them that while ministry presents many challenges, God faithfully sustains those who remain committed to Him.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of Pastor Lumano's outstanding contribution to gospel ministry, followed by a closing prayer, a group photograph, and fellowship over lunch.
Communication Department
Northern Zambia Union Conference
