This report highlights some aspects of the visit by the LUCSA HIV&AIDS Coordinator Rev. Dr. O. Morekwa to monitor and evaluate programs of the ELCZa funded by the LUCSA Diakonia Department.
Monitoring and Mentoring
Rev. Dr. Morekwa arrived in Zambia on Thursday 20 October 2022. It was arranged for him to meet the leadership of the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Africa (LECA) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa) on consecutive days.
The LECA leadership delegation included Bishop Kaumba, the general secretary Mr Chirwa, the treasurer Mr. Tembo and the resource person Ms Kamanga. Bishop Kaumba thanked the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA) for the continuing support and accompaniment. LECA, as a member of LUCSA, has received considerable support including mentorship and funding to implement various projects.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, LUCSA assisted LECA to reach out to members and communities providing reusable face masks and food parcels. Bishop Kaumba observed that in LUCSA we encounter true partners and friends as we carry out the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Morekwa thanked the leadership on behalf of the LUCSA Executive Director Rev. L. Kasper and observed that it is always a blessing to accompany LECA in projects addressing diakonia, Christian Education, Gender Justice and climate change.
Rev. Morekwa informed the LECA leadership regarding the recent LUCSA assembly and newly elected leadership. Rev. Morekwa stressed the need for member churches to pay their membership fees and to work together as a Communion. It was explained that in 2023, activities by LECA and ELCZa will be implemented separately not as joint projects. However, LECA and ELCZa are encouraged to communicate and consult with each other whenever possible. Dr Morekwa emphasized the need for putting structures in place to manage human resources and finances and the importance of identifying clear project focus areas going forward.
Project Site visit
After meeting with LECA leadership, Rev Dr Morekwa, Ms Kamanga, Mr Chirwa and Mr Tembo went to visit one of the livelihood projects funded by LUCSA called Galilee Livelihood project site in Kafue – Chanyanya area. The team met with the local project committee. It was pointed out that due to climate change, there is less rainfall and fishing has become a challenge. The income generated from the project in the past was used to purchase food to help the aged, orphans, widows and other less privileged in society.
Sunday Worship Service
LECA officers and Dr Morekwa attended a Sunday church service at Linda Congregation in Lusaka on the 23rd of October 2022. Rev Morekwa was the Guest Preacher and assisted with Holy Communion. After the worship service, Rev Morekwa was escorted to the airport.
As LECA we are very grateful for the support and guidance from LUCSA and request continuing support and mentorship through capacity building and skill training workshops. As a church we believe that if all LECA congregations were to have livelihood projects, it would benefit congregants and the surrounding communities socially, economically and health wise. This would also help the church to be financially independent and able to sustain church programs.
