By Florence Gulure Nyalaya
20th Episcopal District Lay Organization
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in 1816 by Rev. Richard Allen in the United States of America. The church later made its way to Malawi in 1924, when Rev. Hanock Msokera Phiri established the first congregation at M’dabwi AME Church in Kasungu. Over the past century, the AME Church has played a vital role in Malawi’s socio-economic development, particularly in education and emergency aid.
As part of its centenary celebrations in 2024, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the President of Malawi, commended the AME Church for its significant contributions to national development. He acknowledged its efforts in education, humanitarian aid, and community support, which have positively impacted many Malawians.
From its humble beginnings in Kasungu, the AME Church has steadily grown, spreading into the Central, Northern, and parts of the Southern Region of Malawi. However, for many years, the church had limited presence in the Southern Region, leaving a spiritual gap in those communities.
After the creation of the 20th Episcopal District in 2004, which comprises Malawi, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and parts of Mozambique and Tanzania, the faithful in the newly established district were presented with a challenge: to prove that its formation was not only necessary but also a valuable step in the growth of the AME Church.
In 2016, a devoted AME member, Safira Kambanizithe, stepped forward with a bold vision—to expand the church’s reach into the Southern and Eastern regions of Malawi. As the granddaughter of one of Malawi’s pioneering AME pastors and church planters, Presiding Elder (PE) J.A. Kambanizithe, Safira carried a deep conviction for evangelism and church planting.
Her journey began in Chikwawa, where she founded Chikwawa AME Church, a congregation that quickly flourished and became the foundation for 19 additional churches under the leadership of Presiding Elder Rosetta Swinton. Inspired by this success, she later expanded her mission to Zomba, where she established Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, now led by Presiding Elder Mwanyongo.
In a recent interview, Safira Kambanizithe reaffirmed her commitment to planting more churches, saying:
“As long as I live, I will continue planting churches. Evangelism is our calling, and through unity, we can bring more souls to the Lord.”
She emphasized the power of collaboration, acknowledging the support of PE Rosetta Swinton, PE Mwanyongo, Bishop Elijah Brailsford, Mother Caroline Brailsford, Mr. & Mrs. J. Mayani, and all members of the newly established churches.
The AME Church in Malawi stands on the foundation of faith, service, and community impact. With visionary leaders and dedicated members, the church continues to expand, fulfilling its mission of spiritual growth and social transformation. As more churches are planted and new leaders emerge, the AME Church is poised for an even greater impact in Malawi’s future.
The legacy of Rev. Hanock Msokera Phiri, Presiding Elder J.A. Kambanizithe, and now Safira Kambanizithe reminds us that faith and determination can transform nations—one church at a time.
Great work woman of God. We need more Safiras in the church.