‘I will never marry’
Umodzi mwa Khristu Church recently held triple celebrations during which it celebrated 40 years since its founding, commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday and consecrated senior pastor Emily Nkhoma as deputy bishop of the church. JAMES CHIMPWEYA talked to Nkhoma Namitambo in Chiradzulu where the church has its headquarters.
The church has clocked 40 years. Give us the background to the celebrations.
Indeed, we are celebrating 40 years since the church was founded. The church was started by the late Bishop Bester Bisani who was called by God. At the time God called him, Bisani was a member of CCAP. He had a passion for assisting the needy. God said he was looking for a person who had a caring spirit. What happened was that one day there was a team of men of God in the UK who had been praying to find somebody in Africa they should work with. One day, when they converged in their room, they just found the address of the late Bisani but could not trace who wrote it until they started using the address and traced him. The church began in January 1973.
What would you highlight as some of milestones in the life of the church over the 40 years it has been in existence?
In spiritual terms, it is the salvation of mankind. When many people are saved, to us that is an achievement. Currently, we have five branches in Mozambique and many others across Malawi. As a church, we believe in sharing and get-together parties. That is, eating together after prayers. Every service, we have lunch together.
You have been ordained bishop. Can we know more about you.
I am Emily Herman Nkhoma, single, born-again Christian, senior pastor and today I have just been ordained deputy bishop of the church.
So you are single?
Yes, I am single. As somebody who knows how involving the ministry is, it is better I serve the Lord while single. The problem is that it will be difficult for me to meet family obligations while serving the Lord at the same time. I have made up my mind never to marry.
What are your last words?
I want to thank all people who came to witness my consecration and the numerous gifts they gave me. May God bless them. I promise to serve them with dignity.
