St John‘s Theological Seminary

Thomas’ Story.

“Most of the women and youths in our community and church are disadvantaged and vulnerable in many areas of their lives…there are many cases of child abuse, early marriages, and lack of education in our church. Therefore, I plan to use my status to be a voice to such people.” (Thomas Mwiche, Bachelor of Theology student at St John’s)

Thomas came to St John’s from his parish of Christ the King in Mansa, in the Diocese of Luapula in Northern Zambia. His earlier attempts at joining the seminary had been unsuccessful. After finishing his studies as a pathologist he began teaching at a university hospital.

“But I never had peace. My heart always wanted to work for God. To attend the Anglican Seminary to become a priest. However, I wasn’t accepted to train there initially. I felt as if the church was not ready to accept me.

“I continued to work at my local church as the youth chairperson and as group chairperson for the praise team. I was later chosen to be the Organizing Secretary for the youth group at diocesan level.

“But in 2019, I received a call from my bishop, the Rt Rev’d Robert Mumbi, to prepare to go to the seminary because one student who had been selected had changed his mind…

“One thing I learnt from this experience was that God’s time is always the best time. All those years I thought that maybe the Lord did not want me to serve as a priest, I believe it was part of my preparation.”