On this date, July 15, 1938, Neil Whitwam was born. Neil’s life and ministry have touched many hearts, including ours. Today we honor the memory of Neil Whitwam and the impact he had on our lives.
Early Days in Kenya
Our journey with Neil began in Mombasa, Kenya, in March 1992. My wife Lori and I, along with our eight-month-old daughter Cherith, were warmly welcomed by Neil and his wife Jeanie at the airport. As a young couple, we were convinced of our calling to serve as missionaries in Africa but also acutely aware of our lack of preparation. So God sent Neil and Jeanie to invest in our lives. They mentored us, helped us settle, and introduced us to the theology of missionary work. Neil’s humor about his unease with small children when we left him to watch Cherith remains a cherished memory.
Our path then led us to Zambia, and Neil and Jeanie were pivotal in helping us transition. Together, we spent hours strategizing and shaping a ministry purpose and philosophy that continues to thrive in Zambia today. He generously shared his knowledge and experiences, guiding me through teaching and preaching opportunities in those early days, notably at Likoni Baptist Bible College.
Establishing Ministries
Arriving in Zambia in 1993, we shared a home with Neil and Jeanie due to the tight housing market at the time. Neil’s sense of humor, especially about his sense of direction, often lightened our days. One memorable night involved a mix-up where Neil accidentally entered our bedroom, thinking it was his! I chased the “intruder” down the hall, only to discover it was Neil, who had heard something in the night and gotten up to check, took a wrong turn coming out of his room, and walked into ours. I’ll always remember him throwing up his hands as I came barreling around the corner, with a startled look on his face saying with force: “It was me! It was me!”
Neil was instrumental in founding Faith Baptist Church of Riverside in Kitwe. This church blossomed and eventually started a primary school, which now enrolls 400 children. Under his leadership and guidance, Faith Riverside established three other self-sustaining local churches in the city of Kitwe. Neil’s vision also helped launch Faith Children’s Village Orphanage and was a driving force behind the creation of Central Africa Baptist University in Kitwe, a testament to his belief in the importance of gospel-focused education and leadership training.
Personal Reflections
Neil’s life was a beacon that pointed to God’s glory. He always deflected credit to God. Neil was driven by the desire to see people from all walks of life come to know Christ and join together in worship. His concern for the lost, love for the Scriptures, and emphasis on humility and discipleship deeply influenced me and many others. Neil’s approach was always gentle and open, welcoming questions and ideas yet firmly grounded in his faith.
One particularly hot afternoon our first year in Mombasa, I was standing in line at the bank for over an hour waiting to be served. People pushed and shoved and were constantly cutting the line in front of me. I finally let the offenders know I was annoyed and expressed my disgust at their behavior. Later, I explained to Neil what had happened, and he said, “I try to leave people closer to Jesus than they were when I arrived.” I have remembered that statement nearly every day for the past thirty years.
I try to leave people closer to Jesus than they were when I arrived.
Neil Whitwam
Neil’s commitment to Christ shaped not only those he directly ministered to but also the broader Christian community in Africa. The legacy of the discipleship he promoted continues to transform lives, as faithful men entrust what they receive to others.
Lasting Legacy
As we celebrate the legacy of Neil Whitwam, we celebrate a life devoted to spreading the Gospel, nurturing biblical faith, and building a foundation for a sustained and balanced ministry in Zambia and beyond. His life’s work bears abundant fruit – in the churches planted, the leaders trained, and the countless lives touched by his ministry. We are grateful for his life and his enduring impact. Praise the Lord for a life well-lived.
Happy Birthday, Neil!
Well done, good and faithful servant, well done!
Zambia Hunt 
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