Lupembe, Njombe
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Southern Diocese has written a new chapter in history following a special service for the ordination of four new pastors in Lupembe Diocese and Parish. This historic event marks only the third ordination service to take place in the parish, following previous ceremonies held in 1934 and 1984.
The historic service was led by the Bishop of the ELCT Southern Diocese, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, assisted by the Assistant to the Bishop, Rev. Dr. Johnson Lunanilo Gudaga, alongside Heads of Diocesan Provinces.
The new pastors ordained and officially commissioned to begin their ministry in the Lord’s vineyard are:
– Rev. Daudi Msuya
– Rev. Michael Kaduma
– Rev. Sharon Keneth Kaduma
– Rev. Zakayo Ngachenga
Preaching during the service, Assistant to Bishop Dr. Gudaga urged the new ministers to serve the Church with faithfulness, humility, and the fear of God. He emphasized putting the Word of God first in their ministry and being faithful servants to the congregation entrusted to them.
A Unique Historical Milestone
Speaking during the vote of thanks, Retired Pastor Jason Luhanjo expressed gratitude to the Bishop for granting approval for the ordination to take place in Lupembe.
Furthermore, the uniqueness of the occasion was highlighted by taking place inside the Lupembe Parish church building, which possesses a rich history spanning over 100 years. The event brought together the heritage of the historic church with the beginning of a new generation of gospel ministers.
In a special way, the four new pastors—Daudi Msuya, Michael Kaduma, Sharon Keneth Kaduma, and Zakayo Ngachenga—became part of this legacy, being ordained and sent forth from a site that has left a profound mark on the Church’s journey for over a century.
The Southern Diocese congratulates these new pastors on this significant milestone, praying for God’s grace, wisdom, and strength as they fulfill their pastoral calling, anchored in the scripture:
‘As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.’ — Joshua 24:15
