This past week has been an extremely difficult week for the body of Christ, believers across this country and many Zambians. We’ve lost a general in the kingdom by the name of Bishop Sky Zibani Banda. As for me, my memories of this great servant of God are as fresh as they were 35 years ago when I served under his ministry as a Youth Director at Maranatha Assemblies of God. I served him as his youngest Elder at Maranatha. I was only 20 years old when I was an Elder.
We share a common heritage with the late Bishop Banda. We were confronted with a decision to choose a Pastor and I will never forget when I proposed his name to be the Pastor of Maranatha Church 35 years ago, he was not even in the country but studying in the West Indies. And I look back now that the proposal I made for him to be pastor of Maranatha has stood the test of time because he never left until just a few days ago when the Lord called him home.
He goes home as a mentor to many, including myself. Bishop Banda was my last pastor before I myself became a pastor. And as he goes, out hearts will continually cherish the moments that we had with him and his dear wife Sophie who also left us last year.
To the younger men and women that are being called into the ministry, Bishop Banda will always remain as an icon within the body of Christ demonstrating character, clarity and ministry of the word and diligence in the word. And therefore as we bid him farewell, I say to my elder brother as he sits by the side of the Lord, I say to him: “Farewell my elder brother. May the Lord keep you as you await that great day when all of us shall gather around that great throne. We shall miss you. Farewell, farewell.”
Sky Zibani Banda: 29th July 1956 – 20th December 2015
Comment:MHSRIP
If Nevers was still a clergyman all the past 35 years, he would be happier serving God than pursuing Zambian politics of insults and violence knowing too well that he can’t be president of Zambia with his dead MMD ever.
Amen
Farewell till we meet again at Jesus’ feet!
i have not been so touched so much for sometime. he was a blessing. indeed farewell ba bishop. may the God you served grant you rest in internal peace.
This wonderful servant of God has been a spiritual father to many and a counselor to myriads! He had one of the most caring and loving wife, the late Sophie Banda. May you find eternal comfort in each others arms as we remain praying that we also meet you one day in a better life, a better place and a better world. God comfort the two families. Amen
Mr. Mumba, you are supposed to be eulogising Pastor Sky Banda and not blowing your trumpet about you being 20 years and an elder. that is why Zambian churches don’t seem to mature. You should have just paid respect to the Pastor, i for one did not want to know that other detail.
Mr. Mumba, you are supposed to give a eulogy about Pastor Banda and not giving details about your being 20 years old and an elder. That detail is irrelevant here and goes to show your vanity and self centered character. RIP Pastor Sky.
SO, SUCH A GREAT FIGURE SUFFERED AND DIED QUIETLY, ALONE. WE WERE NOT TOLD THAT THE PASTOR WAS ILL.WE COULD HAVE BEEN PREPARED FOR THIS LOSS. DIDNT THE WIFE JUST DIE RECENTLY. THANK GOD THEY HAVE MET.MHSRIEP.
Farewell great Man of God. You ran your race well, so did mama Banda.
Your faithfulness will.always be remembered
Sad. So touching.
That is commitment to a church that he did not start himself. It show the man was very faithful. MHSRIP.
Indeed God picks the best.
He was a genuine man of God unlike Nevers who even when he is supposed to pay tribute to this great man he found it fit to put his own achievement within the tribute by saying he was an elder at 20years old!!! That why he is failing to make an impact on politics because everyone knows that he loves money too much!!!
Indeed farewell Bishop Sky Zibani Banda . Maranatha was a vibrant Church I remember how every one was so United Nevers Victor Kunda and many others we enjoyed fellowship whilst I served under Pastor Green Phiri at Gospel Tarbenacle in Luanshyaa the likes of Thope Chirwa on the gospel highway made Maranatha a stone throw away.John Ziba and the rest made the singing very interesting
May his soul rest in eternal peace!