By Matt Frizzell, Council of Twelve Apostles
Agree with God, and be at peace; in this way good will come to you.
Catherine Mambwe and I were in Chingola, Zambia, to train mission center leaders in financial management and IHQ–Field processes. With Wim van Klinken and Christie Skoorsmith, the training supported our strategy to strengthen self-sufficiency and sustainability in Africa. Chizaso Chunga and Baka Ble, our full-time field bishops, led several workshops.
On the second day we discussed the Presiding Bishopric paper “Creative Abundance,” offering feedback on what abundance and sharing mean in African contexts so Wim and Christie could refine the document.
Near day’s end, Patrice, mission center president of Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, shared how the paper sparked a dream: a pastoral and theological school on the very land where we met. The church owns the conference center and surrounding property, including a brick church, lodging, and open areas still unused.
Emmanuel Tshifunga Lubuka then stood. A seasoned seventy from the Lualaba mission center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he had returned after a painful separation linked to staff reductions. Part of that reconciliation came through his son, Lawrence, who attended the training—recently ordained a high priest and a skilled translator.
He asked everyone with a university degree to raise a hand. After a hesitant start, about a third did—many of them young women and other first-generation leaders, some trained in banking, finance, microbiology, or education, and now serving as high priests, bishops, and assistant MCFOs. “Look around,” he said. “This is a new time. The church began with dedicated, uneducated people, but now we have educated leaders who can understand our theology—our beliefs, doctrines, identity, and ministry.” He added that while Africans were long grateful for Western teachers, the moment had come to grow African theologians and pastors who could teach other Africans and train ministers on their own land.
Since October my assignment has shifted, and in my January return to Africa as Catherine’s partner, I heard this same hope again: Africans teaching Africans. I believe the vision is achievable with committed partners, clear priorities, and a sound plan. It is possible because a new generation is eager to learn our theological worldview, practices of community, and mission—so they can lead and grow the church with confidence in who we are.
Prayer Phrase
“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).
Spiritual Community
Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.