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When you hang around him one thing is certain; you will
surely catch an inspiration from his passion for lost souls.
He looks simple and he can mingle around with anyone,
but the man is tough and bold when it comes to pursuing
and fulfilling his purpose on earth. He pastors the Word
Alive church in Lilongwe, the first born of Word Alive
Ministries International. His life and the way God called
him into ministry are quite fascinating. On Sunday, June
12 2011 soon after he finished ministering I got into his
office, in honour of the appointment I booked with him.
You are privileged that the man, Rev James Chirwa is
right here in this column.

 As I always say, the purpose of this column is to give
you an opportunity to know more about your leaders
so that you can effectively work with them in the Lord’s
vineyard.

Read on and get to know Rev James Chirwa.

His background
He hails from Chintheche Village in Nkhatabay District. He was born on June 16th 1958 in Kitwe, Zambia where his father used to work. As a young man, he did his Cambridge School Certificate and later proceeded to do defense force training. He served Zambia Defense Force for almost three years where he was also a footballer.

“We came to Malawi in 1981 soon after the death of my mum. Whilst in Malawi, I picked a job at SUCOMA in Nchalo in Chikhwawa as a Wages and Statistics Officer. While I was working I committed my life to Christ and in 1992 I quit the job and came to Blantyre where I used to stay with my brother. This brother used to fellowship at Blantyre Christian Center (BCC), now Word Alive Ministries International (WAMI),” Rev Chirwa recounts the journey of his life and continues “I was accompanying this brother to BCC and later I found myself gaining ground. I was very involved in children’s and lunch hour ministries. When Rev Barbara Tippet (founder of WAMI) observed my commitment she recruited me as a volunteer and we were doing HIV/AIDS counseling at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), the work that has now grown to Word Alive Commission for Relief and Development (WACRAD).”

The Lilongwe church Shepherd says he once led Discipleship Ministry and he was travelling to the Shire Valley alongside Rev Tippet for evangelism. He also saved as an Assistant Manager for WACRAD before ordained as a minister of the gospel in 2000. When the former Senior Pastor of the church, Rev Jim Lapka left the country Rev James Chirwa became an assistant pastor to the General Overseer and Senior Pastor of WAMI, Rev Dr Zacc Kawalala.

“In 2004, I was posted to Lilongwe church where until now I am a Resident Pastor. I have just finished studying my Bachelors Degree in Theology.”

Conversion
Rev Chirwa got born again in 1986. But before this divine experience he says he was indeed in a dark world. He was a drug addict and bottle stores were his places to be. He says “I used to drink and smoke. I remember having a dream one day in which I was smoking, and someone told me to stop and throw away the cigarette. I thought it was just a mere dream and I continued smoking as usual. After a few days I was involved in a car accident while coming from beer drinking. I was not injured but I was severe bruised on my back. Two days after the accident I attended a crusade at Nchalo on an Easter Sunday where Apostle Mbewe of Calvary Family Church International was preaching. When the altar call was made, I surrendered my life to Jesus.”

When the life of the Lilongwe church shepherd turned to Jesus, the man of God became very hungry for the truth of the gospel. He remembers the time when he finished reading the whole bible within a short period of time, which was followed by another dream in which the job of a pastor was advertised in Malawi News.

“In the dream, I applied for the job and later I was called into a big hall by certain men who were putting on white garments. They turned off the lights in the hall and later I found myself in an ambulance where I was casting out demons from those that were possessed. When I managed to cast out those demons I was congratulated and told that I got the job,” says Rev Chirwa who looked very relaxed but composed.

Progress of the work of the ministry
“When God calls someone, he provides everything that one requires. God has been very faithful since I came here. We were few of us when we started the work of the ministry but now we have grown.  We have established leadership that comprises pastors, elders, deacons as well as shepherds of various ministries and home churches.  We have also given birth to other churches in Mitundu, Magomero and Ntchisi where people congregate for services” he says.

The Lilongwe Assembly Resident Pastor is boasting of 115 active members.

Challenges
Despite the success stories behind his leadership, Rev James Chirwa says one of the biggest challenges the church in Lilongwe is facing currently is lack of proper place of worship.

“You may know that the place we are meeting for services is not our own. The place is small and we are restricted in one way or the other. At times people think we are just a fellowship. So we just pray that the building project we have started will soon take shape. ”

The other challenge he says is that most members are very committed to their daily work, to an extent that when there are crucial church activities very few show up. He prayed that many will realize the goodness of committing one’s time to God’s service.

His Vision
“I see Lilongwe church as a big and vibrant congregation which is making a global impact. I see men and women from this church, who have realized their potential in God and they are serving him wholeheartedly.”

His Family
“I married my wife Joyce in 1992 in Nchalo. Our wedding was officiated by Rev Barbara Tippet, the time she used to come to minister at a fellowship which I was part of. My wife comes from Balaka district. We have three biological children and one adopted child.”

Dislikes
You cannot gossip around Rev Chirwa because this is the behavior he does not like. “I am always uncomfortable staying with people who find pleasure in gossip and slander, people who judge others.”

During his free time
“When I am not studying God’s word or involved in any ministry work, I like chatting with my family, besides watching football.”

What does he want to be remembered for?
“I want to be remembered as someone who is passionate for God’s work, someone who loves Jesus.”

Favorite Food
If Rev Chirwa visits your home, don’t get busy preparing very complicated food. The man is simple. He says “I eat anything, provided it is something palatable. But if you prepare me Nsima with dry fish, you will have my special blessing (laughs).”

Any last word?
“I appreciate WAMI leadership and members for their support. They always give me a drive that together we can achieve greater things. I like this family (WAMI).”