Njombe, Njombe – 12th Diecember 2025
In a special service held at the Idunda Parish, the ELCT Southern Diocese has officially installed Pastor NURU LUNYILIKO KAHWILI as the District Pastor of the Njombe District. This historic event was attended by senior church leaders, pastors of various parishes, as well as believers from various parts of the diocese.
The service was led by the Bishop of the ELCT Southern Diocese, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, assisted by the Assistant of Bishop, Rev. Dr. Johnson Lunanilo Gudaga, District pastor of Makambako Pastor Boazi Mbilinyi. Other leaders who joined the service were the Rector of the Kidugala Lutheran Seminary, Rev. Wallace Lupenza, other district pastors, as well as Parishes’ pastors in the Njombe Distict.
During the special service, Reverend Boazi Mbilinyi delivered a powerful sermon drawn from 2 Peter 1:1–14. Key Emphases were Serving without hesitation: He stressed that a servant of God must carry out their ministry with courage and conviction, even when not everyone will share or follow their vision. The firewood metaphor: To illustrate the challenges of leadership, he noted that among those you lead, some will help stoke the fire so the food can cook, while others will pull away the firewood, hindering progress. Call to faithfulness: He urged leaders and believers alike to remain faithful in their responsibilities, recognizing that ministry is a divine calling that requires perseverance and steadfastness.
Reverend Mbilinyi painted a vivid picture of spiritual leadership as a journey filled with trials and resistance. His message highlighted that: True ministry demands firm vision and unwavering commitment. Not everyone will be a partner in the vision, yet the servant must press forward undeterred. Opposition and challenges are part of the spiritual path, but the servant must continue to stand strong in faith and courage.
Bishop’s Reminder
In his address, the bishop emphasized the importance of valuing what belongs to us, warning that many people often fail to appreciate their own blessings and possessions. Christian marriages: He specifically pointed out that even within Christian marriages, some couples do not fully value their partners or the sacred bond they share. General life principle: The Bishop broadened the lesson to everyday life, urging believers to cherish what God has entrusted to them whether relationships, responsibilities, or resources. Call to gratitude: His reminder was a call to cultivate gratitude and respect, recognizing that neglecting what is ours can lead to brokenness and missed blessings.
The Bishop’s message tied spiritual leadership with personal life, showing that faithfulness is not only about ministry but also about honoring and valuing the gifts God has placed in our lives including marriage, family, and community.
