21/08/2026
3rd Quarter Week 8, August 22, 2026
CHURCH AT STUDY: 08:30hrs
SABBATH SCHOOL PROGRAMME
Theme: “Anchored in Hope”
Chorister: Br. Chileshe Chanda
Pianist: Br. Elvis Mfula
Opening Song: Local 39
Superintendent: To Be Advised (TBA)
Coordinator: Sr. Mildred Lusuko
Opening Prayer: TBA
Mission Story: Sr. Esther Banda
Feature/Testimony: Br Phillip Phiri
Health Talk: TBA
Songs: Invited Singing Group and Sabbath School Choir
Closing Prayer: Br. Andrew Chakaba
LESSON 8: The Power of Christ’s Resurrection
“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. . . . And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:14,17)
CHURCH AT WORSHIP: 10:20hrs
MAIN SERVICE PROGRAMME
Chorister: Br. Chileshe Chanda
Pianist: Br. Elvis Mfula
Opening Song: 39
Opening Prayer: Br. Joshua Ziela
Tithes and Offering- Deacons
Special songs: Songs: Invited Singing Group and Sabbath School Choir
Preacher: Pastor Evans Manjimela
Sermon Title: “Do not be afraid”
Scripture reading: Mathew 14:27
AFTERNOON PROGRAMME
14hrs -15hrs Departmental Activity
15hrs – 17hrs Camp Meeting Promotion
ELDERS ON DUTY THIS SABBATH:
Elder Msafiri Sinkala 0763540565
Elder Clever Ncube 0977977679
SUNSET TILL NEXT SABBATH:
Elder Kalunga Themba 0977 743254
Elder Matthews Mwanza 0979063050
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY QUOTATION FOR THIS WEEK
We see large churches gathered in different localities. Their members have gained a knowledge of the truth, and many are content to hear the word of life without seeking to impart light. They feel little responsibility for the progress of the work, little interest in the salvation of souls. They are full of zeal in worldly things, but they do not bring their religion into their business. They say: “Religion is religion, and business is business.” They believe that each has its proper sphere, but they say: “Let them be separated.” (Counsels for the Church 65.3)
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Today is Camp Meeting Promotion under the theme “Anchored in Hope”.
2. AUGUST 2026 CAMP MEETING: Libala Church’s first Camp Meeting will be from tomorrow, August 23, 2026 up to next Sabbath, at Sarai Gardens, off Mumbwa Road near Coca-Cola, under the theme “Anchored in Hope.” Main Speaker- Pastor Evans Manjimela; Associate Speakers- Pastors Morgan Chibala and Samuel Fumbata; and for Children- Sr. Delain Mayuka. Members should register with the Camp Meeting Committee and contribute: K500 for adults/employed youths; K200 for unemployed youths; K100 for ages 15–21; K50 for ages 6–14. Let us seriously pray for God’s presence, protection, revival, and for the speakers as well.
3. To those who like to travel to the Camp Meeting site on the Sabbath, August 29, 2026, contact the Communication Leader Brian Hatyoka on 0977660664 to register you on a separate WhatsApp group where logistical arrangements will be shared. Ensure to do it early as the bus to be used has limited spaces.
4. The Publishing Department still has the book of the year “Words of Hope”. These copies are going at K20 per copy. A reminder to those who got the books to pay through the treasury.
5. Church members must take care of their personal belongings.
6. All those who have sicknesses and funerals must contact the Church Pastor for Libala Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, Simon Shabukali, on +260 978287674 for them to be visited.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. September 26, 2026 - Holy Communion.
SICKNESSES
TBA
CONDOLENCES TO:
1. The Shabukali family on the death of the nephew to Libala SDA Pastor, Simon Shabukali in Shibuyunji.
2. The Hatyoka family on the death of Br. Brian Hatyoka's nephew, Br. Bweendo John Kapopwe and Br. Hatyoka's cousin, Mainza Mwaka. Burial for both took place on Tuesday in Lusaka West and Thursday in Livingstone respectively.
HEALTH CORNER (OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY - CARING FOR GOD'S TEMPLE)
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you... Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
INTRODUCTION
Across the world, overweight and obesity have become major public health challenges. While society often focuses on body appearance, the greater concern is health. Excess body weight increases the risk of many chronic diseases and can affect physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As Christians, we are called to care for our bodies as faithful stewards of God's gifts.
MAIN LESSON
Research shows that excessive screen time is associated with reduced Overweight and obesity occur when excess body fat accumulates to levels that may impair health. One common way of assessing weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared (kg/m²). A BMI of 25–29.9 kg/m² is classified as overweight, while a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above is classified as obesity.
MORE ON OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
Although BMI does not directly measure body fat, it is a useful screening tool for assessing health risks. Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnoea, certain cancers, joint disease, and depression. These conditions can reduce both quality of life and life expectancy. Weight gain usually results from consuming more calories than the body uses over time. Unhealthy eating habits, sugary drinks, oversized portions, physical inactivity, inadequate sleep, chronic stress, and certain medical conditions or medications can all contribute. Genetics may also influence how easily some people gain weight, but healthy lifestyle choices remain the foundation of prevention and treatment. The good news is that even modest weight loss can significantly improve health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess fats, together with regular physical activity, adequate rest, and effective stress management, can make a meaningful difference.\
CONCLUSION
The Bible does not teach that being overweight is a sin, but it does teach the principles of self-control, temperance, and faithful stewardship. Our health reflects the balance God desires for every aspect of our lives, physical, mental, social, and spiritual. When we place Christ at the centre of our lives, He gives us strength to develop healthy habits and to care wisely for the bodies He has entrusted to us.
APPEAL
Today, let us ask God to help us live balanced lives. If you are struggling with your weight, do not lose hope. Begin with one healthy change at a time, eat wisely, be physically active, rest adequately, manage stress through prayer, and trust God for strength. As Peter reminds us, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). May we honour God by caring for our bodies and encouraging others to do the same.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of health. Help us to exercise self-control in our eating, drinking, and daily habits. Give us strength to make healthy choices and to find our balance in You. May our bodies truly be temples that glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
OFFERTORY (GIVING WHILE YOU ARE LIVING)
Have you ever heard the wise saying, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going”? It’s good to leave money and investments to your family and God’s work when you die, but God also calls us to give generously while we’re alive. Perhaps you have heard about contested wills, where greedy beneficiaries disregard the deceased’s wishes. Or stories of mission-minded Christians who die and their estates are squandered by beneficiaries who just wanted another luxury holiday, another rental property, or some other self-focused acquisition. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must seriously consider what He would have us do with His assets that He has entrusted us to manage in both life and death. Should we leave them to our children, the church, or another entity? Is there a ‘right’ split for dividing God’s assets? And related to this, should we even hold tightly to our assets until we die when they’re completely useless to us anyway? What would Jesus do? In the book Counsels on Stewardship, Ellen G. White wrote, “Dying legacies are a miserable substitute for living benevolence. The servants of God should be making their wills every day, in good works and liberal offerings to God” (page 326). So, let’s hear that wise saying again, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going.”.
APPEAL: As we now return God’s tithe and give our Promise offerings, let’s remember that God is the Owner of everything and that, while we are living every day, He invites us to be faithful stewards of all His gifts. Let’s “Do our giving while we’re living, so we’re knowing where it’s going.” Thank you for your faithfulness.
