Driven by his keen devotion to help others and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, Charles Simoonga has set out on a mission to bring the word of the gospel to the people of Zambia. Charles’ vision came full-circle in 1990 as he withered away with a bed-ridden illness. After hearing the word of God, to rise forth and continue his work, Charles gained the strength to walk freely and fulfill his vision, which now stands as Mufutuli Vineyard Ministries.
At the center of the ministry is Charles Simoonga, the founder of Mufutuli Vineyard Ministries. Born to parents Damion Simoonga and Mialka Simoonga, whom migrated to South African where Charles would be born in a village in the Gwembe valley, where he forms part of the Tonga tribe located in the southern province of Zambia.
Educated at Gwembe valley from grades 1st-7th and then grades 8th-12th at a boarding school overseen by Anglicans. Soon after completing the 12th grade, Charles resumed his studies at a small college in Livingstone. When Charles graduated he began working as a foreman at the Masstok Farms International where he introduced paprika, and managed the people in the fields. During the years at the farm, his work would become an essential part of his spiritual and personal growth, providing him with the tools to work alongside the owner and director of the farm. After a four year run at Masstok Farms International, the director embarked in starting up another farm near the confluence of the Zambia and Kafue rivers. Assisting with the new farm development gave Charles the opportunity to spread the word of God to all the farm workers. At the age of 31, Charles would enter Lusaka Baptist Seminary with the financial support of an American businessman. By 1996, he was attending the ministry on a full-time status. Today Charles Simoonga continues to live his life in service as both a Pastor to four churches and as a farmer where he resides at Mufutuli Farms, a 23 acre farm within close proximity to the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Charles lives with his wife Mary, two daughters Namoonga age 18, Nomusa 15, and three boys Loifumbo age 14, Mweete-11, and Limpo 7 months old. In 2011, both parents would grieve the loss of their 4 year old, Yanda, who died from heart disease.