By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Lulamba United Church of Zambia Congregation Reverend Silvia Mukuka has retired from active Ministry after serving in the Church for over 20 years of unbroken service.
And Speaking as the Guest of Honor at the Retirement Service Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga commended the Reverend for her dedication and passion in her Ministry, which can be seen in her rising in one of the highest position as presbytery Bishop.
Mr Mulenga who is also Trade and Commerce Minster was speaking in a speech read of his Behalf by his wife Mrs Likonga Mulenga.
He said this was in line with the Government’s policy on gender equality as a signatory to SADC protocol on Gender.
Mr Mulenga said that Government tries as much as possible to promote Gender Equality and wants more women and youths in Governance and decision making positions.
The Minister said the church and the Government will always stand as equal partners in National Development as the government wants to support a holistic society.
He appreciated the policy that the UCZ through Synod has put up to empower the ministers who are due for retirement unlike in the past where they ended Ministry with a mare hand shake.
“I want to commend Lulamba congregation and the Chingola Consistory for the contributions towards the purchase of the house at a cost of K 435.000. I also want to encourage members to be persistent in doing good and working as a team,” he said.
The Minister encouraged Rev Mukuka to continue ministering and contributing in the growth of the church as a consultant of the church even after retiring
He also gave K10,000 to the reverend as she begins a new Journey.
And Rev Mukuka who has served in different portfolios in the UCZ church said that they is a more fulfilling and enriching life in the church through Ministry.
She said the church is like a school that one can learn great lessons because one is surrounded by different people with diverse views.
Rev Mukuka expressed gratitude to the people of Lulamba congregation for the good times she spend with them, for being there and the great things they have accomplished together as a church.
She thanked the entire UCZ Leadership for the great part the church has played in her life.
And Acting Presbytery Bishop Reverend Musonda Bowa in his Homily which he entitled Serving God From Matthew 6:24, encouraged believers to server God by doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Bishop Bowa said the ministry of serving God in the environment is a ministry of deny oneself from entertaining worldly things.
