This post Remembering Wilbroad Chanda originally appeared on the Covenant Mercies blog on January 19, 2021. Covenant Mercies exists to serve orphans in collaboration with indigenous local churches in the developing world. Wilbroad was the first Sovereign Grace Pastor officially ordained in Africa.
Dear friends of Covenant Mercies,
I have the difficult task of informing you today of some very sad news in the Covenant Mercies family. Our dear friend and brother, Wilbroad Chanda, has gone home to be with the Lord. He became ill last week, was hospitalized over the weekend, and by early Monday morning his eternal soul had flown from this world into the presence of his Savior.
Wilbroad is survived by his dear wife Zicky and their four sons, two of whom are home in Zambia and two of whom are presently in the United States. I called and spoke to Zicky this morning. She is obviously quite shocked and grieving deeply, but already surrounded by family and close friends. Our African brethren excel at supporting one another in times of sorrow, so we take comfort in the fact that she is well cared for. Wilbroad was the founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Ndola, Zambia, and co-founder (with Zicky) of Lighthouse Christian School. Just yesterday I was updating a partner church on the ministry of Covenant Mercies, and talking about what an integral part of our ministry this dear couple is. Wilbroad will be sorely missed.
Personally, I still can’t quite believe that my friend is gone. Please join us in lifting Zicky and the entire Chanda family up in your prayers. We will have more to say in the near future about the beautiful, lasting legacy left behind by our dear friend and brother.
Grieving with hope,
Doug
Following the sad news, Doug Hayes traveled to visit the family and friends of Wilbroad Chanda.
Enjoyed a deeply meaningful time with my dear brothers and sisters at Christ Community Church in Ndola, Zambia. Remembrances were shared. Praises were sung in a “sorrowful but always rejoicing” kind of way. But most of all, the word of God was at the center. Just as their dearly departed pastor would have insisted.
Doug Hayes is an elder at Covenant Fellowship Church and travels frequently to Africa as the Executive Director of Covenant Mercies. He and his wife, Rachel, have three daughters and reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.