History and Future
Our History
Missionaries from Sweden established mission work in Mpongwe in 1931. The first services and Sunday school were held under a large tree where the founding missionary had prayed for God’s guidance and blessing on the work being started.
From the 40s to the 70s health care services where developed, initially a dispensary, then a maternity ward in 1950, and a rural health center in the early 50s. In 1978 the current hospital was officially opened.
Mpongwe Baptist Association (the denomination) was established in 1974 to run the work of the churches that had been planted by the mission. MBA’s focal areas are evangelism, discipleship training, leadership training, mission work and planting new churches.
Interact, a Swedish denomination, through the Scandinavian Independent Baptist Union of Zambia were owners of the Mission compound and the hospital until August 2007 when ownership was formally transferred to MBA. The handover, which was the culmination of a long process, was a historic celebration. We are thankful for Interacts continued support which is invaluable to us.
Our appreciation is great for the huge number of missionaries, doctors, nurses and volunteers who served at the mission station from 1931 to 2007, and thankful that so many of them continue to support us year after year. Read more about the pioneers and history of MBA.
A New Beginning – A New Mindset
The handover of the hospital and mission compound and the farm to local ownership is a new beginning. There are practical implications but also mindset implications. MBA and Interact have begun a journey together to discover what these implications are, and to see how this new beginning can lead to a positive future. Other partners are also invited to learn together with us as we go through this exciting period of change. Learn more about our journey working toward sustainability.