Zambia Boat Ministry
In the Lake Bangweulu region in the country of Zambia, there are 4 big islands with about 150,000 people who live on those islands. Rev Francis Mwansa, the District Superintendent of the Zambia Luapula North District, and the Church of the Nazarene, through the Jesus Film, was able to plant a few churches on 3 of the 4 islands in the early 2000’s. On the island of Lunga, there had been an attempt to plant a church, but the work died due to the difficulty of transportation. In fact, there is great potential to open more than 20 churches on the island!
Rev Mwansa recognised the need for a boat to reach these far-flung islands that are populated. He made a proposal for a boat and life jackets for the Jesus Film Team. Through God’s providence, a boat was provided for this Zambian Jesus Film Team. The team is now able to plan and travel to help disciple old and new churches, while key leaders are dispatched to follow up on discipleship programmes to help strengthen these churches. In fact, the district and its 12 zones have more than 200 organised churches and preaching points across the district.
The boat is not just used for the Jesus Film and church planting. The local district uses the boat to provide training opportunities for NDI, NMI as well as children’s and youth training. This boat also enables the people on the island to travel to and be a part of district events without the usual difficulties.
The Church of the Nazarene is spreading rapidly in this area, but the district is asking for prayers for people to answer the call of God to become pastors. Let us remember to lift up our Zambian brothers and sister in prayer as they are planting churches in hard-to-reach places.
