What a whirlwind of activity it has been! Over the past couple of months, St. Andrew has witnessed several transitions, one of which has warmly welcomed Pastor Wellington Chiomadzi and his family, Felicia and Kudzi, to our church community from their home in Zimbabwe. I hope you've had the chance to extend a warm greeting to the Chiomadzi family and heard some of their story. Personally, I have gained immense joy from my conversations with Wellington, Felicia, and Kudzi.

I have attended multiple Meet and Greets with Wellington and Felicia. What I have discovered in their story of faith is a family with a wealth of experience, a heart full of passion, and a spirit attuned to the essence of hospitality and community. Their story of faith and ministry has inspired me and gives me much hope.

What I am learning from Pastor Wellington is hospitality and community in Africa is more than a mere act of politeness or a formality; it is a sacred gift that binds communities together, fosters unity, and nurtures the spirit of generosity. In many African cultures, hospitality is not just a concept but a way of life, ingrained in every interaction, every gathering, and every shared moment. It is a testament to the profound belief that every person is a cherished member of the community, worthy of respect, care, and love. I believe we have much to learn from the Chiomadzi Family.

Wellington’s appointment at St. Andrew is not only a cause for celebration but also a reminder of the boundless potential that exists within our faith community when we come together with open minds and compassionate hearts. Together, we have the power to create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported—a space where the spirit of hospitality and community reigns supreme. I am celebrating the opportunity to serve with Pastor Wellington in this new season of ministry. Wellington brings with him a unique background and remarkable experiences.

I chuckled the first time I heard Wellington speak about our cultural differences and how he is challenged by our English accents. He stated he was committed to the effort to hear us and understand us. I am still smiling by those comments, and I am processing how I must commit to the same effort to hear and understand Wellington. As I welcome the Chiomadzi Family, I acknowledge the beauty and distinctiveness of their accent. I also understand that dialects of the English language can vary widely. I recognize that expressions and colloquialisms may not always resonate across different dialects or geographical backgrounds, or when translated. I am committed to fostering clear communication, and I pledge to work at ensuring that we are all heard and understood. I invite you to join me and commit to practicing patience and open-mindedness as we become accustomed to the beauty and uniqueness of each other’s accents.

I came across the following paragraph from material shared by the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church regarding cross-cultural appointments. I hope you find this helpful in your commitment to practicing patience and open-mindedness.

In many countries, English has become the standard language of education, business, and government. Regardless of English being your first or additional language, it’s likely that you will encounter people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds that speak English with a variety of accents. Understanding all the different English accents can be overwhelming. However, applying active listening strategies and deliberately listening to different English accents will improve your ability to decipher what is being said. Be patient with the speaker and yourself. Don’t expect to be able to listen to and understand every single spoken word. Avoid the trap of thinking that just because you didn’t understand a particular word you won’t understand the rest of what the speaker has to say, as this attitude will distract you from listening. Be content-oriented and focus on what you do understand. You can always ask the speaker to repeat what they said, write it down for you or seek clarification.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I am filled with excitement and hope for the journey ahead. Wellington’s arrival marks not only the addition of a gifted leader to our team but also a profound opportunity for us to deepen our understanding and practice of hospitality and community, a value deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of Africa. As we welcome Wellington, Felicia, and Kudzi into our midst, let us be inspired by the rich tradition of hospitality that he brings with him. Let us open our hearts and our doors wider, embracing one another with warmth and acceptance. Let us seek opportunities to connect, to listen, and to learn from one another, recognizing the beauty and strength that lies in our diversity. As we embark on this journey together, I am confident that Wellington will play a pivotal role in guiding us towards a deeper appreciation of the gift of hospitality and community while helping us foster a culture of unity and inclusion within our church family.

Let us extend our hands in friendship, our hearts in love, and our spirits in solidarity as we welcome Pastor Wellington with open arms and open hearts. May this be the beginning of a beautiful and transformative chapter in our shared journey of faith, ministry, and community.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Pastor Brian

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