By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, 19th Episcopal District TCR Field Representative

The sun sets in Evaton, the home of one of the 19^th Episcopal District’s Wilberforce Community College adjoining the RR Wright Theological Seminary where many of the clergy of the 15^th, 18^th and 19^th Episcopal Districts received their seminary training. Today’s sun set with a spirit so much longed for by the Bishop and clergy of the 19^th Episcopal District.

Bishop Paul JM Kawimbe, Prelate of the 19^th Episcopal District met with clergy of the district on Tuesday, June 18 at 12pm to an agenda of three items, namely 1) Update on the Sanlam Provident Fund, 2) Judicial Processes, 3) Upcoming Annual Conferences. I attendance was a total of 186 clergy out of an expected 246 many of whom had tendered their apologies for non-attendance.

Having opened the meeting with devotions, the Rev. MZ Manqele was called on to give an update of the scheme. An opportunity was given to all members to ask questions about their portfolio and answers were given to their satisfaction. Where answers were not available, a commitment was made to respond to the said individuals. The report given was that the fund continues to exist legally and is stable with a current balance of over R14m (US$ 977,000) as committed on his arrival in the district seven years ago, Bishop Kawimbe confirmed that he has not changed the scheme from what it was when he landed on the shores of the district. The fund has actually improved both financially and administratively. As this matter came to an end, Bishop Kawimbe was applauded for having done a sterling job with obvious need for improvement. Other suggestions included getting an assistant to the current administrator so that the improvements and gaps identified can be addressed sooner, but also to ensure transfer of skills.

Bishop Kawimbe requested that, following the spirit with which the meeting unfolded, the 19^th Episcopal District go into the next series of Annual Conferences ensuring that the quadrennium is closed on a high note of brothers and sisters coming together for the work of the Lord. Announcements on what the travelling and accommodation matters will be handles were made.

The Prelate ended with a reminder that he is a son-in-law of the 19^th District, thanking the 19^th for providing him with a beautiful wife, Supervisor Dr. LM Kawimbe. He is looking forward to coming back to the 19^th as a son and a brother to all. With all of this said and done, the 19^th Episcopal District clergy has agreed to move on with one spirit of brotherhood.  Praise be to God.