Over 37,000 Dorcas workers gathered for the historic Southern Zambia Union Conference Dorcas Rally in Monze District, located in the southern part of Zambia. This prestigious occasion was graced by the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, the First Lady, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema, the Division President, Dr. Harrington Simui Akombwa, as well as Dr. Passmore Mulambo, Personal Ministries Director for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), and Dr. Vanny Munyumbwe, President of the Southern Zambia Union Conference.

Held under the theme “Deepen and Deploy,” the week-long rally has been heralded as the largest Dorcas rally ever held in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It drew over 37,000 Dorcas women from across six church entities within the Southern Zambia Union Conference.

The rally was officially opened by His Excellency, President Hichilema, whose presence drew national attention and marked a significant moment of recognition for Adventist Dorcas Mothers, renowned for their commitment to community service and faith-based outreach. In his address, President Hichilema—affectionately known as HH—challenged the Dorcas women to remain steadfast in God’s mission despite challenges. “Be indeed the mothers of your community as you discharge your duties in the communities that you serve,” he urged.

Dr. Vanny Munyumbwe, President of the Southern Zambia Union Conference, described the gathering as the largest of Dorcas Mothers worldwide and encouraged the women to maintain their strong presence in the community. “The objective of this Dorcas Rally is to strengthen our mothers spiritually,” he stated. He further emphasized that church leadership is inspired by the event and challenged the women to go into their communities and emulate Jesus Christ’s ministry of love and compassion.

Dr. Passmore Mulambo, Personal Ministries Director for SID and one of the main speakers, delivered a series of inspirational messages throughout the week. He encouraged the Dorcas women to mobilize their resources in support of the church’s mission. “This is not just the biggest Dorcas rally,” he said. “The impact of these women will be felt across Zambia by the people they serve.”

Pastor Evans Manjimela, Personal Ministries Director of the Southern Zambia Union Conference and host of the Dorcas rally, expressed joy over the dedication of church members in Zambia. “The rally not only reaffirmed the vital role of Dorcas in community service, but also launched a renewed wave of mission deployment, with thousands pledging to engage in community outreach. Truly, it was a historic and spirit-filled moment for SZBU.”

The event, marked by vibrant worship, dynamic presentations, and heartfelt testimonies, served as a powerful catalyst for spiritual revitalization and unity. The unprecedented turnout demonstrated the Dorcas Mothers’ deep commitment to the mission of the world church and its strategic initiative, “I Will Go.”

Presidential

Dorcas Masses

First Lady Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema

Dorcas Rally Wave

Article by: Dr. Earlymay Chibende & Noel Sibanda
Photography: Ezra Mwanza