“It Lifted the Veil from My Eyes”: Capitol Ministries Training Conference in Zambia
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Capitol Ministries held one of its largest Regional Training Conferences in Lusaka, Zambia, on September 9–12, 2025. Steve Flandorp, Global Director for Africa, together with his predecessor Jon Cassel, Assistant International Director, and Emmanuel Makolo, the Africa Director for Local Government Ministry, devoted much prayer, energy, and effort to recruiting and vetting men called to make disciples among political leaders across Africa.
With more than 40 men in attendance—including pastors, evangelists, and several public servants—the conference focused on equipping leaders for ministry within the halls of government at both local and national levels.
Pastor Flandorp shared his vision for Africa, rooted in Proverbs 29:2: When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.
“Africa is facing a paradox,” he said. “We have the largest Christian population and are rich in resources, yet our gross domestic product remains poor. I believe that as we raise biblically sound political leaders, this picture is bound to change.”
Brian Solomon, CapMin’s Director of Training, presented dynamic and captivating teaching. As one participant said, “The men were drinking from a fire hose!”
Brian and the rest of the CapMin team were deeply impressed with the caliber of the men in attendance. Steve dug into sharing on Discipleship and the Essentials of Communication segments of the training.
In his sessions, Brian highlighted the “missing mandate” in modern missions and explained how Capitol Ministries fulfills it by strategically focusing on reaching political leaders worldwide with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jude Fred shared his appreciation for the exceptional quality of the training materials: “One of the strongest takeaways for me was the recognition of the ‘missing mandate’—the absence of God’s Word in governance and decision-making structures. The conference helped me realize that political systems are not beyond God’s reach but are, in fact, a vital mission field where His truth must be firmly established. The training was both insightful and revelatory, giving me an eye-opening perspective on the importance of engaging political leaders with the Word of God.”
Jon Cassel, who moved to Africa from Pennsylvania many years ago, provided significant support to participants. His love for the continent and strong personal connections with Christian leaders who share a burden for serving public officials helped lay the foundation for CapMin’s expansion throughout Africa.
The training conference left a deep impact on Pastor Tagbino Saa Élie of Guinea: “The love, motivation, and quality of the trainers and their teaching are beyond description. The Bible-based teaching on serving political leaders lifted the veil from my eyes and stirred me to take seriously the ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena. It has become a burning fire in my heart.”
Ministry to political leaders is not always easy. In some African nations, hostility toward Christianity remains strong. Yet, Capitol Ministries is committed to placing men wherever God calls—not only in favorable circumstances, but also in difficult and challenging environments. This truth resonated deeply with Justice Marwisa, who reflected: “Ministry to politicians is dangerous, and we must be prepared to suffer—but always with the Gospel in mind.”
Meeting with the President of Malawi
As soon as the conference concluded, the CapMin team traveled to Lilongwe, Malawi, where ministry leader Pastor Andrew Mkwaila had arranged a private meeting with President Lazarus Chakwera.
Away from the cameras and the spotlight, the team shared how Capitol Ministries meets the spiritual needs of political leaders worldwide through in-depth Bible studies. Brian Solomon, who had traveled from Ohio, presented the President with Oaks in Office, a specially curated collection of Bible studies authored by Capitol Ministries Founder and President Ralph Drollinger, designed specifically for political leaders.
In heartfelt humility, the CapMin men gathered around the President, interceding for God’s wisdom, protection, and favor to rest upon him as he leads the nation of Malawi, a responsibility entrusted to him since 2020.
Looking Ahead: African Presidents’ Zoom Bible Study
Africa is home to the largest and fastest-growing Christian population in the world, and more nations are establishing Capitol Ministries outposts in their capitals. With this in mind, Ralph Drollinger—who leads the U.S. Governors’ Bible Study via Zoom—encouraged the African team to begin praying for the launch of an African Presidents’ Weekly Zoom Bible Study.
Steve Flandorp welcomed the idea and confirmed that the team is excited to move forward to establish the infrastructure needed to make this vision a reality.
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