EMPOWERING FAITH: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE FREE CAPTIVE HOLY CROSS PENTECOSTAL CHURCH PROJECT IN MZIMBA SOUTH

As the sun casts long shadows over the red soil of Engalaweni the, a village nestled in Mzimba south, the atmosphere vibrates with the sound of both labor and devotion. The sounds of shovels against the ground, the thud of molded bricks, voices of church members in song fill the area where maize used to grow. On this sacred land, an incredible development is taking shape. The first permanent home for the Free Captive Holy Cross Pentecostal Church, originally established as a sub–branch of Mzimba main church well known as Beautiful Gate Holy Cross Pentecostal Church, its consistent development and growing membership have enabled it to become an independent branch, continuing to serve the spiritual needs of its community.

Some youth molding bricks 

For years, this church humbly began with just four dedicated members. Over time, the church has experienced steady growth and now has a congregation of about 50 people including children. The congregation met wherever they could; under trees, in borrowed schoolrooms and make shift shelters that barely withstood the rains. 

“We worshipped with joy,” recalls Mr. Gideon Nyirenda, a devoted church elder,

“But we always dreamed of a place we could truly call our own, a holy ground built with our own hands,’’ he added.

Now, that dream is becoming brick and mortal reality.

A CHURCH BORN OF FAITH AND NECESSITY 

Engalaweni village lies in Mzimba district (south), a place where development often flows slowly and essential services remain scarce.

Here, faith is more than belief, it is community infrastructure, a safety net, and a source of strength.

“The rainy season used to wash away our dreams and plans,” says Pastor Lingstone Nyirenda, the leader of the church since 2019.

  “We couldn’t hold services regularly. We needed shelter – not just for prayer, but for funerals, community meetings, even school lessons when classrooms were full.”

The vision for a church building project emerged during a night of player in 2024. With the church steadily growing and no permanent place to gather, members made a great decision to build the church themselves, with no outside funding; just faith, unity, and determination.

BARE HANDS, BIG FAITH

Construction began on June 14, 2025. With no assistance from NGOs or government bodies, the project is powered entirely by local community. Both men and women mold bricks from the red clay. Women also cook for the volunteers and fetch water. Some youths especially those who are on holidays are learning bricklaying on the job.

men, women and youths molding bricks 

“I wanted to do something that matters,” says a 21-year-old Lumbani Jere, wiping dust from his hands.

“Laying bricks for the church as a project is liking building a future for all of us, now I can mold twenty in an hour. It feels like I’m building something bigger than just walls.” Lumbani added. 

Lumbani wearing white vest and James 

So far, over 5,000 bricks have been molded and laid to dry in the sun every weekend, this project is done only on Saturdays because on weekdays people must do some works in their homes since some are doing business so they choose weekend for everyone to be available. People gather at the site, working from sunrise to sunset. Hymns rise with the dust. The site now is focused on completing the project, filled with more than the noise of tools.

“Faith is our budget,” pastor Nyirenda says a chuckle, “and labor is our offering.” 

MORE THA JUST A BUILDING

To the people of Engalaweni and members of free captive church, this church is more than four walls and a roof, it’s a symbol of resilience, unity and faith. Already, the project of construction site has become a gathering space where stories are shared, youth are mentored and meals are served with love.

 

“I want my children to grow up knowing they helped build this church and they should be saying that we built the church with our own hands,” says Mr. Benson Mphande, the vice chair, eyes glistening as she watches the dry molded bricks. “It will be our legacy not because someone gave it to us, but because we believed.” he added. 

 CHALLENGES FACED AND HOW THEY WERE ADDRESSED

Like any grassroots project, the path has not been easy. Food is also one of the challenges. While community members as well as some church members pledged to contribute food or funds for meal during workdays, some have not fulfilled their promises leaving cooking team to stretch limited supplies.

“Sometimes we miss breakfast and wait for lunch to have nsima because its all we can manage,” says Ruth Nyirongo, the committee member of women’s ministry.

“When people don’t honor their pledges, everyone feels it. We need to remind each other that even small contributions matters.” Miss Ruth added.

Attendance is another issue while many showed up with energy and passion, others arrive late or not all which delays the progress and also discourages those who tend to show up every work day. 

“We try to encourage each other during Sunday announcements,” Pastor Nyirenda explains. 

“We don’t want to shame anyone, but we do remind them that this is our church. It only moves forward when we move together.”

To address theses challenges, leaders are planning small group meetings to reinforce commitment and explores ways to those struggles to contribute consistently. They are considering rotating tasks and peer encouragement are being considered to enhance participation.

“Unity is our greatest tool; we won’t finish this with money. We will finish it with love, patience and showing up.” Pastor Nyirenda encouraged. 

Mr and Mrs pastor Nyirenda 

The Free Captive Holy Cross Pentecostal church's project stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of unity, faith and community driven initiatives through determination and collective effort, the church is achieving remarkable things including molding and laying thousands of bricks and creating a vibrant community space. As the project bears completion, it promises to become a lasting legacy, fostering community space. Let's come together to support this inspiring initiative, donate resources, volunter your time and share this story to inspire others.