Rev. João Sambo has been elected as a United Methodist bishop during the Africa Central Conference on March 15, succeeding Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala in Mozambique. His election is part of a broader restructuring of the conference into East Africa and Southern Africa regions. Sambo emphasizes leadership empowerment and contextual evangelism, bringing extensive experience and a strong commitment to his new role.
The Rev. João Sambo, an esteemed elder from Mozambique, has been elected as a United Methodist bishop during the Africa Central Conference on March 15. His election, which took place on the 14th ballot, marks him as the fourth bishop and third graduate of Africa University to be elected, amidst the anticipated division of the central conference into East Africa and Southern Africa.
As a correspondent for United Methodist News, Sambo has held various significant roles within Mozambique and is passionate about leadership development in his community. He expressed his gratitude and the weight of his new responsibility, stating, “I expected the election, but I was not sure. I am overwhelmed. I know the responsibility is huge.”
Sambo aims to empower training and unity among leadership in Mozambique, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing evangelism to resonate with African culture. Following his consecration on March 16, he will succeed Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala in the Mozambique Episcopal Area, which recently transitioned to the Southern Africa Central Conference.
The Africa Central Conference will operate with bishops elected for four-year terms, with the potential for lifetime service upon re-election. The conference has divided into two new entities: one governing the United Methodist presence in East Africa, and the other in Southern Africa. This includes outreach to countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, and more.
In addition to his new role, Sambo is well-versed in church communication, having served as an episcopal secretary and each of his assignments has led him to connect the Portuguese-speaking community with the global church. He holds a Bachelor of Divinity from Africa University and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, along with a certificate from the Methodist University of São Paulo in Brazil.
Having embraced Christianity since 1985, Sambo and his wife, Délia, are proud parents to four children. His election symbolizes the continuing evolution and contextualization of Mission in the United Methodist Church across Africa and underscores the importance of local leadership in guiding future endeavors.
In conclusion, the election of Rev. João Sambo as the United Methodist bishop represents a significant milestone for the church and its mission in Africa. His commitment to empowering leadership and contextualizing evangelism underscores a transformative vision for the Mozambique Episcopal Area and the newly formed Southern Africa Central Conference. With a wealth of experience and a robust educational background, Sambo is poised to make substantial contributions to the United Methodist Church’s growth and influence in the region.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
