This month HeartCry must remove one of our Zambian church-planters from missionary status. Of course, this is the sort of removal we rejoice in doing. He is not being removed as a missionary because of immorality or misconduct. He has not disqualified himself at all, but just the opposite, he has proven that he is gifted and qualified to plant a church.
In 2008, Curtis Chirwa completed his pastoral internship at Kabwata Baptist Church. He was posted by KBC to plant a church in Kabanana, a poor and densely populated area of Lusaka. Curtis was one of the first new missionaries added during my first ‘term’ as Africa Coordinator in 2008-09. I read his early reports of struggles and fervent evangelistic efforts. Last year (2014), I had the great pleasure of visiting Curtis and attending worship with Faith Baptist Church in their completed building.
After 7 years of faithful and fruitful labor, Faith Baptist Church had been established. This year Kabwata Baptist Church ended financial support and Faith Baptist became autonomous. With joy, we celebrate the Lord’s blessing on Curtis’ diligent effort and move him to the status of ‘former missionary.’
