Zambia

A call and the vision

In 2023, we were invited by Bishop Peter Kalumba of GGM Ministry in Lusaka to be involved in their annual Bishops and Pastors ordination programme.
The invitation caught my attention because the Lord had put it on my heart to pray that the book would not just impact individuals but also whole towns and cities. And here was a man who could mobilise all the Pentecostal leaders in the capital city. As I prayed about the contact, I was excited by the potential of bringing together so many dedicated men and women of God and sharing the topics of Called+Empowered with them.

At the same time, I felt the growing desire to impart to them spiritual gifts as per Romans 1:11-12. 

11 2For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

The process begins

So we began the process of getting to know one another and investing in the work they are doing. In 2023, we got 100 copies of the book Called+Empowered printed in Lusaka. These were avidly read and shared by the ordinands that year.

In 2025, I felt the green light to go in person and will be doing a number of revival meetings in the area where Peter has planted a new church along with a 3-day Called+Empowered training for 200 pastors. Finally, we will do the Ordination Day event in a hall in the National Heroes Stadium, which typically draws around 1,000 Bishops and Pastors.

National Background

Demographics
Zambia is a nation marked by deep faith and persistent socio-economic challenges. While blessed with natural resources and a youthful population, the country still grapples with widespread poverty. Around 60% of Zambians live below the national poverty line, and in rural areas, this number climbs to nearly 80%. Severe drought in 2024, rising living costs, and unreliable electricity supply have placed additional pressure on struggling communities. Even where economic growth is reported, its benefits are unevenly distributed, and many families continue to face food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and poor infrastructure.

Religious practice
In the midst of these material challenges, Zambia stands as one of Africa’s most spiritually awake nations. Over 95% of the population identifies as Christian, and Protestant churches make up more than three-quarters of that number. In the early 1980s, less than 5% of Zambia’s Christian population embraced Pentecostalism, yet only a decade later this grew to about 23.6%. This expansion has been especially pronounced in urban areas, where Pentecostal churches have become prominent in both religious and public life.

Faith in the mainstream
The current President is an Adventist, while a popular Presidential Candidate, Nevers Mumba, stands as a prominent figure in Zambia’s intersection of Pentecostal faith and politics. Originally a Pentecostal pastor and televangelist, Mumba gained national recognition through his “Zambia Shall Be Saved” campaign. In 1997, he transitioned into politics and has been working to infuse Christian principles into governance.

The message of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment resonates deeply with a population eager for hope, breakthrough, and change.

Bishop Peter praying together with Nevers Mumba