10/05/2026
THORNPARK SDA CHURCH BREAKS GROUND FOR CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
By Haggai Sichalwe
Lusaka-10 May,2026-There was joy, singing, and a sense of renewed purpose as Thornpark Main Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church officially broke ground for the construction of a 600 capacity double story children’s chapel in a colourful ceremony attended by church leaders, members, and invited guests.
The event marked a significant milestone for the congregation, symbolizing both growth and commitment to nurturing the spiritual development of children within the church. Attendees, dressed in appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), witnessed the ceremonial commencement of works, signalling that the long-anticipated project had finally begun.
Opening the ceremony, Pastor Nathan Mubila of Thornpark Main SDA Church provided a historical perspective of the project. He emphasized the biblical foundation for the initiative by quoting the words of Jesus Christ: “Suffer not the little children to come unto me.” Pastor Mubila highlighted the importance of creating a dedicated space where children can worship and grow spiritually.
“We have no beautiful structure for the children,” he said. “We are not just building a chapel; we are sharpening the future.”
He noted that contributions from church members had made it possible for the contractor to move on-site and called for continued support from the congregation. “May God bless you all,” he prayed, as he encouraged more members to contribute toward the completion of the project.
The ceremony was enriched by uplifting music performances from the church choir and the New Dawn Singers, creating an atmosphere of celebration and worship.
Guest of Honour Pastor Francis Chabi, Executive Secretary of the Midlands West Zambia Conference, described the construction of a house of worship as a noble and honourable undertaking. He commended church members for their commitment, noting that while some individuals had already built comfortable homes for themselves, there remained a greater responsibility to provide a suitable place of worship for children.
“We have a greater responsibility to build a chapel for our children,” Pastor Chabi said. “This is about creating a conducive environment where responsible children can be nurtured.”
He stressed that even after the chapel is completed, parents and guardians must remain actively involved in teaching and guiding children spiritually. Pastor Chabi cautioned against a system where children are left to teach themselves, urging the church to appoint mature and capable teachers to guide them.
“The children of today are the church of tomorrow,” he said. “There should be no disconnect—Jesus says let the children come to me.”
Pastor Chabi also underscored the importance of sacrifice in achieving such projects. He encouraged members to dedicate their resources, talents, and time toward the work of God.
“Building demands sacrifice—self-sacrifice and sacrifice of resources,” he said. “Tell God, if you bless me with a promotion or a great harvest, I will contribute. God keeps His promises.”
A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the construction contract between Thornpark Main SDA Church and Herolink Investments Limited, the company engaged to undertake the project. The first phase of construction is estimated at K2,450,000 and is expected to be completed within six months.
Project chairperson Br. Maxwell Jere expressed gratitude to the contractor and the project team for their commitment. He prayed for God’s blessings upon the children who will benefit from the new facility.
Administrative Elder Mudenda Siampeta also thanked the pastors and members who gathered to witness the occasion. He encouraged continued participation and support, stating that collective effort was key to the success of the project.
“It is for this reason that God has brought us to Thornpark,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with visible excitement among church members and children alike, marked by smiles and shouts of “Amen.” One child interviewed expressed optimism that the new chapel would greatly improve their worship experience, noting that the current space is overcrowded.
The groundbreaking ceremony not only marked the start of a construction project but also reaffirmed the church’s commitment to investing in the spiritual growth and future of its youngest members.
