Ever hear of “pivotal events”?  The day I married my wife, Jane was a pivotal event.  It changed my life.  Receiving the awesome call as a missionary to Africa was a pivotal event.  A fellow pastor knew it was pivotal and advised me, “Take your time in making a decision.”

Sunday September 14th, we had a pivotal event at Beautiful Saviour.  Beautiful Saviour called Pastor Bright Pembeleka.  He is 32 years old with a wife and four children.  He and his wife are known for their intelligence. “Bright” would fit them both.  He graduated from the Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia in 2005 and served part of his vicar year as an emergency teacher at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Calling a new pastor adds a dimension to the congregation and we pray will improve it.

I could tell you that Beautiful Saviour has been developed into a well greased machine with all the parts working well.  And it is true that God has blessed us with some faithful laymen and women who are working in committees, organizations, and plans.  We do have a lot going for us.

But the truth of the matter is that certain aspects of the ministry at Beautiful Saviour will work better with a Malawian pastor.  For instance, a Malawian pastor can make visits more easily than a white American missionary.  I find it difficult to find houses in the many obscure areas of town.  Most residential roads have no names; houses have no numbers; streets are not straight.  When someone gives me directions, I might not know where the landmarks are.  Although I am trying to learn Chichewa, there are obstacles in communicating Gospel truths clearly.  For years the congregation has wanted to organize Bible studies in houses (milaga) to strengthen members in God’s Word and invite unchurched people to hear the pure Word of God.  This is a very African approach to ministry.  Our youths are active and serve well.  Yet a Malawian (and especially a younger one) knows the problems and challenges that face Malawian youth.  He can pastor them with understanding and sympathy.

Since the beginning of Beautiful Saviour our eyes have been looking forward to this pivotal ministry of a national pastor.  Our prayer is that the congregation will follow his leadership and eventually become independent of mission (WELS) leadership and money, preaching the pure Word so many will know Jesus as their Savior.

All this comes down to this: please pray for us at Beautiful Saviour. Pray that God would bless the man we have called as he decides on this pivotal decision in his life.