OUR MINISTER

Rev. Hati Mvundura

The search committee in 2022, was so very excited to announce to the congregation the candidate recommended for Ministry here. We with excitement and enthusiasm introduced Rev. Hati Mvundura. (Rev. Hati likes to go by his first name, “Hati”. [pronounced ha-TEE])

Hati shared with us his new congregation these words:

“Peace unto you! First and foremost, I am a follower of our Holy Creator for more than twenty years to which the spirit called me.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18.

“I come from an oral culture rather than a written culture. I prefer communicating through the spoken word as the exchange of thoughts and ideas can build an intercultural relationship. I think of Moses before the burning bush, taking off his sandals and approaching the other, not with a know-it-all attitude but with an attitude of listening, and intentionally desiring to accept the other.”

Hati has a Doctor of Ministry in rural community development. He is a practical theologian who continues to encourage and challenge us to dream of the possibilities in our rural community ministry. He is not afraid of challenge, and we believe is a great asset to us as we continue to navigate what it means to be the church in our community and the North Okanagan. He wants to hear our stories and is very much interested in getting to know us and us know him. He is passionate and intentional in his pastoral care ministry.

Hati comments “God’s word is ever true, but ministry is evolving. It is not stagnant. It is like a river flowing. In my ministry I start with my creator leading me”. As we look to explore different ways of expanding the church especially within our communities the above words of his offer us encouragement.

He loves to garden and uses the image of planting the seeds and having the faith that something will grow. He looks to sharing and support through intentional conversations about where the church is going. He says, “we still follow a great leader who reminds us not to be afraid but to be faithful”.

Hati is a very faithful person, steeped profoundly in his faith. He is an enthusiastic leader and believes in sharing in conversations allowing these conversations to build on each other.