My name is Rev’d Naomi Sakala, and it is a joy and a privilege to introduce myself to you. I am married to my husband, Gideon, and together we are blessed with two sons, Nathan and Ethan. As a family, we have known God’s faithfulness in many seasons of life, and it is from that place of gratitude that I come to share in ministry with you. I was raised in a Christian home where faith was part of everyday life through prayer, worship, and the reading of Scripture. Over time, I began to sense that God was calling me not only to believe, but to serve. One of my earliest steps into that calling began in a simple but meaningful way, gathering a few children in our home to share Bible stories and songs when they were unable to get to church. What began as a small group soon grew, and in those moments I began to understand the joy of walking alongside others in faith.
Like many journeys of faith, mine has not always been straightforward. There were moments of uncertainty, yet God, in His grace, continued to guide me. In time, I responded fully to His call and went on to study theology. Over the past twelve years, I have had the privilege of serving in different communities, each one shaping me and deepening my understanding of God’s love and His people.
At the heart of my ministry is a desire to walk alongside others, to listen, to encourage, and to share in both the joys and challenges of life. I value deeply the wisdom of older generations, the energy of young people and children, and the everyday stories that make each community unique. I believe that each one of us has a place within the body of Christ, and that together we grow as we support and care for one another.
As we journey through the Lenten season towards Easter, I am reminded of the richness and diversity of how we experience this sacred time. In Zambia, where I have lived and ministered, the climax of Lent is the Easter weekend, a time that is vibrant, joyful, and deeply spiritual. It is often marked by what we call revival prayers, where congregations gather with great expectation. Churches invite guest preachers who bring fresh insight and new perspectives on a shared theme, and sometimes several preachers are scheduled across the weekend.
Choirs, whether for youth, women, or men, prepare songs that carry the message of the season, filling the gatherings with joyful and powerful worship. The services are unhurried and immersive. On Good Friday, we gather in the morning for several hours of worship, take a short break, and then return again in the afternoon for continued prayer, preaching, and song. It is a time of deep spiritual renewal and strong community connection.
On Saturday, many come dressed in their fellowship uniforms, a beautiful expression of identity, unity, and belonging. In Zambia, these uniforms are unique to each group and are greatly treasured. The youths often wear white and black, with a blue scarf/necktie bearing the church logo, and include groups such as the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade. The women’s fellowship typically wears white and black with a black headband, while the men’s fellowship is often dressed in black suits, white shirts, and a black necktie with a church logo. These colourful expressions add joy to the gathering and reflect the shared commitment of each group within the church family. The day continues with worship and important moments in the life of the church, including confirmations, welcoming those beginning their journey in Bible study, and preparation for Holy Communion.
Then comes Easter Sunday, the great celebration of the resurrection. It is a joyful and full service, often including Holy Communion, confirmations, and baptisms for both infants and adults. The celebration continues beyond the service as people gather in fellowship, sometimes sharing a traditional drink known as thobwa, celebrating not only Christ’s victory over death, but also life together as a community of faith.
Here in Seychelles, I have experienced Easter in a different, yet equally meaningful way. Good Friday is observed with a more reflective tone, with services that allow space for prayer and contemplation. On Saturday, there is often a quieter rhythm, sometimes including online prayers, creating a sense of connection even when gathered in different places. Then on Sunday, we come together in joyful celebration of the resurrection, sharing in worship and fellowship as a community.
Experiencing these different traditions has been a gift. They remind me that while our ways of worship may differ, we are united in the same hope and the same risen Christ. As I look ahead to this new chapter of ministry in the United Kingdom, I do so with hope and openness. I look forward to journeying together with the communities of Weoley Castle, Weoley Hill, Cotteridge, and Carrs Lane, getting to know one another, sharing in worship, and discovering how God is at work among us.
The message of Easter reminds us that God is always bringing new life, even in unexpected places. As Scripture reminds us, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6). This good news encourages us to live as people of hope, trusting in God’s power to renew, restore, and transform our lives and our communities.
My prayer is that we may walk together in faith, hope, and love, encouraging one another and shining the light of Christ in our communities.
May God bless us all as we journey together.
Amen.
