10/01/2026
*Go Together in Unity," Urges Lusaka Conference President as Chilanga Mission District Realigns*
The Chilanga Seventh Day Adventist church was alive with a warm and colourful atmosphere this morning, as the community gathered for a significant moment of change and celebration.
The ceremony, graced by the Lusaka Conference President, Pastor Francis Chibiya, officially marked the realignment of two districts, transitioning the Chilanga SDA church into an independent congregation, while also forming a new Chilanga West Mission District from what was once a single group of nine (9) churches, under Chilanga Mission District.
The day’s proceedings, rooted in the Sabbath School theme “Seed of Faith” with a memory text from Philippians 1:6, began with a sense of joyful anticipation.
The formal celebration, led by Assistant District Secretary Elder Graybill Munkombwe of Mt. Makulu, opened with Hymn 79, and was attended by hundreds of members from both church families.
Pastor Chibiya introduced the two pastors who will shepherd the newly formed districts. Pastor Perthias Musonda, who had previously ministered to all nine (9) churches including Chilanga SDA, will now lead the Chilanga West Mission District. The newly independent Chilanga SDA church will be under the care of Pastor Isaac Chiyokoma, who joins the congregation from his role as a chaplain at Rusangu University, bringing with him a wealth of pastoring experience.
In his prayer, the Lusaka Conference President asked for the Lord’s blessing upon both realigned churches and their appointed pastors.
The human touch of the day was felt in simple, kind gestures—the two pastors were honoured with gifts of cakes, and funds from their congregations as well as photo frames from the youth movement.
In his farewell message, Pastor Musonda thanked the elders and district leadership he had worked with over the past two plus years. He advised the church to support, visit, and pray for Pastor Chiyokoma. Shepherdess Musonda also expressed her gratitude, thanking God and the Chilanga Mission District members for their steadfast support during their time of service.
Pastor Chiyokoma, in turn, thanked Pastor Musonda for his foundational work and surrendered himself to God’s use in his new role. He spoke of looking forward to working with all members to realise the vision set for Chilanga SDA church. Shepherdess Chiyokoma shared her eagerness to collaborate with every department of the church community.
Adding to the sentiments, realigned Chilanga Mission District Secretary Elder Victor Chewe Maambah, on behalf of the (nine) districts, gave a vote of thanks. He commended Pastor Musonda and his family for their work since arriving in 2023, noting that under his leadership, thousands were baptised and hundreds of members were visited in their homes.
The Lusaka Conference President, Pastor Francis Chibiya, delivered the day’s sermon, calling on the church membership to remain united. Reading from Matthew 28:19—“Go and make disciples of all nations”—he explained that Jesus is looking for people to work, and the church must move as a united front. He emphasized that while the Seventh-day Adventist global theme is “I will go,” this mission must be undertaken together, not divided, but as one united team.
The morning closed with a renewed sense of purpose, as two church families, now distinct in path but shared in faith, looked ahead to their future chapters.
By CHARITY MOONGA
Communication Leader
