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Chiumia, Sydney Lote

1944-2024
Church of Central Africa Presbyterian
Malawi

Sydney Lote Chiumia was a church minister and mission leader in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Nkhoma Synod who inspired many with his approach to ministry among the less privileged. He was born on November 28, 1944, last-born in a family of four children, where he was the only boy. His father was Lote Chiumia, a Tonga from Chikwina Village in Nkhatabay, who was a teacher in the mission schools of the Nkhoma Synod, while his mother Liema, from Chimpikizo in Dedza District, ran a pottery business. [1]

Chiumia completed his primary education at Kalumbu Primary School and was selected to attend Robert Blake Secondary School, owned by Nkhoma Synod. After completing his Malawi School Certificate of Education, he worked as a clerk in several government departments including Mzimba and Ntchisi District Councils. He also worked as a veterinary clerk in Namitete, Chiphanzi, Dedza, and Bwemba in Lilongwe. In 1967, he married Alice Namasina Jekete, and the couple were blessed with eight children: five sons and three daughters. [2] He ensured that all his surviving children – Lonely, Charity, Alex, Emily, Madalitso, Chikondi, and Daniel – received a solid foundation with degree-level education. Several of them went on to pursue advanced studies, earning Master’s and PhD degrees, reflecting his strong commitment to their academic success and personal growth.

After sensing a call to the ministry, Chiumia enrolled at Zomba Theological College in 1979, graduating in 1983. After ordination he embarked on a 26-year journey of serving seven different congregations within the CCAP Nkhoma Synod. [3]

Chiumia had a profound impact on Mthandiza CCAP, where he fostered strong relationships and initiated the construction of a larger church. However, he endured a traumatic attack when armed robbers, allegedly conspiring with church elders who disliked him, broke into his home at night. The attackers demanded money from a harvest thanksgiving income, which Chiumia did not have. During the incident, Chiumia and his wife fled in different directions. He sought help at a nearby house, mistaking a man outside for a watchman. To his horror, the man revealed a panga knife and attacked, severing three of Chiumia’s fingers. He screamed, ran, and collapsed nearby. After being hospitalized and recovering, he was transferred to Monkeybay CCAP in Malembo Presbytery. [4]

At Monkeybay CCAP, Chiumia had a good start with the congregation. He initiated the construction of a wall around the grounds of the church and manse. He also started inter-church organizations, demonstrating his commitment to fostering unity and cooperation among different congregations. [5] Despite his dedication at Monkeybay CCAP, Chiumia faced relentless opposition from a faction of five influential church elders, known as “the Big Five,” who questioned his competence and spiritual authority. Alongside this criticism, the traumatic incident at Mthandiza and growing pressure from family to consider retirement weighed heavily on him. After 26 years of faithful service under the Nkhoma Synod, he retired in 2009, closing a chapter marked by both steadfast commitment and profound challenges.

After retiring, Chiumia settled in Mitundu Trading Centre, Lilongwe, where he founded Chisomo Support for the Widows and the Elderly (CHISWE), a registered Faith-Based Organization. Through CHISWE, he launched Community-Based Child Care Centres (CBCCs), funded secondary school education for 100 students, and provided essential support to widows, children, and the elderly, including clothing, groceries, and porridge flour. He also coordinated volunteer training, initiated youth programs, and established home-based care services for people living with HIV/AIDS, significantly impacting the community. [6]

His retirement also provided the opportunity for him to exploit his musical talents. As a devoted member of the New Jerusalem Choir in Lilongwe, his passion for singing touched countless lives, lifting hearts and inspiring all who were fortunate enough to witness his joyful dedication. He instilled this passion in his children, forming a family choir that performed during evening prayers and family gatherings. Chiumia also founded Madala Choir groups in every congregation he served. At Msambe CCAP in Mitundu his retirement home, he played a pivotal role in leading the choir and helped record its first and only album, where he was the lead vocalist. His favourite song from the album, “Chisomo,” celebrates God’s grace in seeing us through life’s different stages and affirms that we are who we are because of God’s favour. This song reflects the grateful heart of a Christian who believes in the indispensability of divine guidance. The words of the song “Chisomo” align perfectly with the mission of the organization he founded. Whenever the song was sung, he reflected on the work God was doing in the community through his efforts.

Chiumia died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 80, following a brave fight against diabetes and stroke. His legacy is marked by unwavering dedication, selfless community service, and profound commitment to his faith and family. He was particularly passionate about youth work, organizing music and drama activities for young people, especially at Mang’a and Livinza. Until his passing Chiumia was actively working on acquiring land for CHISWE and planning the construction of a new spacious building. [7] He is remembered for his indomitable spirit and profound love of music.

James Khoffie Kuntembwe Kalunga

Notes:

  1. Emily Chiumia, daughter of Sydney Chiumia, Whatsapp interview by author, July16, 2024.
  2. Emily Chiumia, daughter of Sydney Chiumia, Whatsapp interview by author, July 17, 2024.
  3. The congregations in which he served included: Mang’a CCAP in Mang’a Presbytery (1983-1987); Livinza CCAP in Mphunzi Prebytery (1987-1991); Nkhotakota CCAP, now in Kolowiro Presbytery (1991-1994); Mawiri CCAP in Ntchisi in Kongwe Presbytery (1994-2000); Chimimbe CCAP in Mphunzi Presbytery (2000-2005); Mthandiza CCAP (2005-2007); Monkeybay CCAP (2008-2009). 4.Rev Steven Josoloni, interview by author, October 2, 2024, Chongoni.
  4. Funeral program, Nkhoma Synod Secretariat, February 27, 2024.
  5. Emily Chiumia, daughter of Sydney Chiumia, Whatsapp interview by author, July 16 2024.
  6. Emily Chiumia, daughter of Sydney Chiumia, Whatsapp interview by author, September 24, 2024.

Bibliography

Chiumia, Emily. Whatsapp interview by author, July 16, 2024. Chiumia, Emily. Whatsapp interview by author, July 17, 2024. Chiumia, Emily. Whatsapp interview by author, September 24, 2024. Funeral program. Nkhoma Synod Secretariat, February 27, 2024. Josoloni, Steven. Interview by author, October 2, 2024, Chongoni.

This article, submitted in December 2024, was researched and written by James Khoffie Kuntembwe Kalunga, parish minister at Mtuntha CCAP Congregation in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Nkhoma Synod, under the supervision of Professor Kenneth R. Ross as one of the requirements of the Church History course on the MTh in Contextual Theology at Zomba Theological University.