By Patrick Musonda Chunda of Zambia, Zimbabwe
Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
I was just a young boy, about 4 or 5 years old, when I first began going to church at Kasompe Congregation, part of Community of Christ in Zambia. I would carry a few scones to Pastor Bunda Chibwe, the presiding minister at the time, as a sign of generosity to all that he was doing for the church. What started as small gestures soon became life-changing opportunities. Even at that early age, I was given the chance to sing, lead prayers, and slowly learn how to preach and lead Bible studies. The leaders believed in me. They nurtured the calling they saw, long before I understood it myself.
But my journey did not begin comfortably.
When my father passed away, I was raised by a young single mother, who also took care of her younger siblings. Life was far from easy, yet we never missed a meal. She made sure we had a good education. Many people in our community doubted her; some even waited for her to fail. But she stood firm in faith.
Then came one of our most difficult moments: we were evicted from the home we had known. I remember the fear and uncertainty. But my mother did not panic; she prayed. She called a church member, and with help, we found a new place to live. A bigger, better home: from a two-roomed house to a three-bedroom house. That experience taught me something I carry to this day. God answers prayers, even in the darkest moments. That moment also taught me the true meaning of church: a family that supports and uplifts, no matter what your background. Despite our struggles, our church never treated us differently. We were welcomed, loved, and included in everything. I grew up surrounded by people who believed in me and who modeled what it meant to live out Christ’s mission.
Fast forward to a recent Saturday at Kamwala South Congregation. We had gathered. Not everyone, but a small, faithful group, to clean, paint, and prepare the church for Sunday service. At first, it seemed like a normal service project. But what unfolded was deeply meaningful. One young man, quiet and humble, surprised us all by confidently fixing electrical wiring. Two boys took the lead in gardening. Two girls lovingly prepared meals for the workers. My sister and I discovered a knack for painting. The financial officer was joyfully sweeping, while our apostle took the lead in sourcing materials. Everyone had a part. Gifts were discovered. Community was built. Mission was lived.
The surrounding community noticed. People were surprised at what we were doing, and some even asked if they could start renting the church for their events. In that moment, I saw our church not just as a building, but as a beacon of hope and service.
Looking back, I see how God used every step—our struggles, our faith, our service—to prepare me for a life of mission. From the hands that fed and taught me, to the young person I now serve beside, the mission of Jesus Christ continues. It does not matter who you are or where you come from.
All are called. Some discover it early. Others later. But God has gifted each of us for God’s purpose. And just like I was supported, believed in, and raised up. I know that everyone who is called will receive the love and guidance from God and God’s people.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.