27/07/2025
BUILT ON LOVE: ADVENTIST MEN OF THORNPARK MAIN SDA CHURCH GIFT A HOME TO LONG-SERVING ELDER
(By Sichalwe Haggai)
In a moving testament to faith, love, and care, the Adventist Men of Thornpark Main Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Lusaka’s Midlands West Zambia Conference have turned their compassion into action by building a brand-new house for one of their own.
For 26 years, 71-year-old, Elder Tyson Mwenda, a devoted church caretaker, has lived quietly in a modest caretaker’s house within the boundaries of the church he has served faithfully. As his employment nears its conclusion and with no personal home to return to, his future had grown uncertain. But the Adventist Men of Thornpark Main saw more than just a man retiring, they saw a father, a brother, and a fellow servant of God.
In response, they united to build him a three-bedroom house worth K156,812.00, entirely funded through heartfelt contributions from the Adventist men. What began as a gesture of concern became a tangible embodiment of Christian love.
During the emotional handover ceremony, Pastor Nathan Mubila, District Pastor for Thornpark Mission District, reflected on the profound spiritual significance of the act. "Where there is a code of love binding the children of God, things happen without difficulties," he said. “This morning is a symbol that religion is real. At Thornpark Main, we don’t just sing together or eat together, we live together.”
Pastor Mubila likened the gesture to genuine Christianity in action, reminding the Adventist men and through them the church, that charity begins at home, or as he eloquently put it, “The cut is deeper when it is in Jerusalem than when it goes to Judea.” He called on the church to care deeply for one another, especially those within the household of faith.
With tears streaming down his cheeks, Elder Mwenda, received the keys to his new home, a moment filled with overwhelming gratitude. His voice trembling with emotion, he said:
“You have already buried me. This is the place you shall come to mourn me from when I die.”
His words captured the depth of his appreciation.
Meanwhile, Elder Mudenda Siampeta, Admin Elder at Thornpark Main, praised Elder Mwenda’s faithful service, likening him to the Levites of old, trustworthy custodians of the sanctuary. He recalled how Elder Mwenda had often kept members' money and valuables safe without fail.
“Let us learn to appreciate people while they are still alive,” Elder Siampeta urged. “Not only with speeches, but with action, as we have done today.”
The initiative was led by Elder Chrine Hapompwe, who chaired the project committee. Reflecting on the success of the project, he expressed immense pride in the men’s unity and generosity. “When we work together under God’s banner, we achieve more.”
As the sun sets over Lusaka’s Jamaica-Kahale area, Elder Mwenda now settles into a home built not just of bricks and mortar, but of kindness, faith, and a shared belief that true religion is lived, in service, in compassion, and in the quiet dignity of looking after one another.
Issued by Communications Department
Thornpark Main SDA church
