Chilenje Nazarene church treasurer Doreen Phiri presents the church's GMC donation to General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter, and his wife, Toni.

Dr. Jerry D. Porter, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Africa Region, recently received a special gift on behalf of the General Church from the Chilenje Church of the Nazarene in Lusaka, Zambia. At the close of the Zambia District ordination service, the Chilenje congregation presented an offering to Dr. Porter for the denomination’s new Global Ministry Center (GMC).

Presenting the gift was Doreen Phiri, church treasurer, who stated, “We as Chilenje Church of the Nazarene are proud to be associated with the building of the new global center. Through our giving and with great joy, we contribute this amount of one million Zambian Kwacha (ZK)” (approximately $190 USD).

The church simply wanted to do what they could to be a part of the international church and support the new GMC. Pastor Raymond Chirwa explained that the church held special offerings every Sunday in January and February. They then made the presentation to Dr. Porter once they had reached the goal of one million ZK.

The Chilenje Church is one of the oldest Nazarene Churches in Zambia and has been a leader for Zambian Nazarenes. Chilenje is also the home of the Madalisto Choir that has represented Africa twice at the denomination’s general assemblies. This gift is another indication of how the Chilenje Church, along with the broader African church, engages in a missional mindset, supporting the work of the church around the world.

Dr. Porter said of their gift, “The sacrifice of Nazarenes globally and here at the Chilenje Church of the Nazarene specifically is an indication of their love for God and His Church and of the international bond that exists in the family of Nazarenes. Praise the Lord!”

The newly-constructed GMC, located in Lenexa, Kansas, serves as the administrative hub for the international Church of the Nazarene.