This year’s Zambia camp meeting was held March 30 to April 13 at the John Howard campground in Lusaka with the theme “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:24-26).

Camp preparations

In anticipation of the annual event, special preparations were made. From the first day of March, morning and evening prayer meetings were held to ask for God’s blessing and help. He answered by providing the materials, finances, and labor needed to host the camp meeting. Some notable provisions were tents (offered freely for various purposes) and help to lay the pavilion floor and raise the sidewalls.

Other preparations included a four-week Bible study on Revival, seven days of music rehearsals, and a workers’ meeting led by Onias Gumbo, the Southern and Eastern Africa District Superintendent.

Opening day

During the first devotional service, Sunday school children marched into the tabernacle singing “Happy Welcome” and presented a skit on “The Mighty One of Jacob.” In their presentation, they demonstrated how God’s might was revealed in the lives of several patriarchs. Among other examples, they showed that God used Moses to deliver His people from Egypt, Joshua led them to victory at Jericho, and David fought the giant, Goliath.

Following the presentation, the orchestra played “Crown Him” and the choir sang “The Kingdom Is Coming.”  Then, before the message, a group of brothers sang, “How sweet are the tidings that greet the pilgrim’s ear.” Brother Onias preached on “The Everlasting Kingdom of God.” Reading his text from Matthew 6:33, he explained how one can qualify to be a citizen of the everlasting Kingdom through seeking Jesus and His righteousness. He also spoke of the beauty that will be found in that Kingdom as described in chapter 21 and 22 of Revelation. The service concluded with an altar call and a blessed time of prayer.

During the week

In the mornings, Bible teachings were held Tuesday through Friday. The doctrinal topics presented included “Salvation,” “Holiness,” and “The Baptism of the Holy Ghost.” Christian living topics were “Prevailing Prayer,” “Unity,” “Tithes and Offerings,” and “Trials and Temptations.” In the afternoons, youth services were held on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while children’s church was conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the evenings, revival services were held.

A Spirit of prayer was evident throughout the two weeks. One example was seen after services when the altar benches were not sufficient to accommodate all who wanted to pray. Another example was when the morning prayer meetings, which were scheduled for 5:00, would begin at 3:00 and last until the Gospel workers left to evangelize at 6:00. One result was that many victories were won. Forty-eight were saved, eighteen were sanctified, and twenty-two received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In addition, eighty-one experienced God’s healing touch.

Testimonies

During the meetings, there were many inspiring testimonies telling of God’s mighty power to save, heal, and protect. Among them, one retired pastor thanked God for divine healing, saying he has experienced it many times since 1982 when he received salvation. Most recently, an illness almost took his life a month before the camp meeting, but God raised him up and he was able to give a Bible teaching. A sister testified about how God healed her at last year’s camp meeting. When she arrived at camp, she had a problem with her spine and the doctors had given her no hope to recover. She was asked to teach Sunday school during camp and decided to do it with God’s help. During the class, the students asked her to stand so they could hear her better. By faith, she stood up and taught the class, and that was her healing!

A man from Zimbabwe praised God for raising him up after he underwent brain surgery and was in a coma for one month. The doctors were amazed at how he pulled through, and others began calling him “miracle” for the great work God did in his life. Another brother expressed gratitude for God’s financial provision concerning the funeral of his eldest son who died suddenly. He also said that a few days after the burial, his younger son became very sick to the point of death, but after much prayer, God healed him.

A former inmate testified that the Gospel was preached to him in prison through the visitation program begun by our Mumbwa branch in 2024. After his release, he came to the camp meeting, and God saved him, sanctified him, and baptized him with the Holy Spirit!

Concerts

A music concert was presented on the first Saturday evening of the camp meeting. It began with the orchestra playing “God of Our Fathers.” The choir followed, singing songs in English as well as various local languages. Among these were “Mighty Jehovah” and “The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation.” A ladies’ choir sang “Happiness Is the Lord” and a men’s choir sang “Jesus Is Ever the Same.” Instrumental presentations during the evening included a violin solo and brass ensemble. To conclude the concert, the choir sang “Mesiya, Twalukomba Mesiya,” which is a prayer to the Messiah to remember those who are not saved. This was followed by an altar call.

On the last Saturday, the young people also presented a concert, which was titled “Picture Heaven.” They presented songs such as “Looking for a City,” “When He Cometh,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” They closed with “Zupa Pati Lizosika,” which means “A Great Day Is Coming,” and the altar was open for prayer.

Ordinance services

On Friday morning, the congregation gathered in the tabernacle to observe a water baptismal service for fifty-one candidates. In the evening, the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing were observed. It was a wonderful time of sweet fellowship for all who participated.

Concluding services

Over two thousand gathered for the final devotional service, which began with another presentation by the Sunday school children of what the “Mighty One of Jacob” can do. This time they depicted New Testament people like the boy who offered his lunch of five loaves and two fish, the man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda, and the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

Following the children’s presentation, there were several music renditions and then a soloist sang “More Like the Master.” The message was delivered by Boniface Banda, the Zambia District Superintendent. He preached on “Having the Mind of Christ.” Reading from Philippians 2:5-10, he exhorted the listeners to walk in humility and obedience as they return to their homes. He said God will honor all who do that. In closing, he read Numbers 6:24-26 and invoked the Lord’s blessing on everyone before they went to prayer.

During the final service on Sunday evening, the message was delivered by Abinet Mwiinga, the Mungule pastor, on “Whom Wilt Thou Go With?” He read from Exodus 33:12 that Moses was not willing to go to Canaan without God. He encouraged everyone present to examine their hearts and obtain assurance that they will leave the camp meeting with God going before them. A good time of prayer followed, bringing the camp meeting to a great close.