“In my new role, my goal is to unite the congregation members”, says the new bishop of the East of Lake Victoria Diocese, Oscar Lema. “My great hope is that people will work together. I want to ensure that God’s word is preached by every member of the congregation”.
Oscar Lema and Stephano Ling’hwa are both former scholars of Felm. Bishop Lema studied education and administrative planning at the Open University of Tanzania with the support of Felm, while Assistant Bishop Ling’hwa completed his master’s degree in theology at Makumira University.
Over the years, Bishop Lema has become well-known to many Felm employees. He served as a part-time teacher at the Nyakato Lutheran Bible College, which has been supported by Felm since its establishment.
In his previous role as assistant bishop, Lema worked with the Sinema Leo project, supported by Felm, which spreads the message of Christianity through films in the lakeside regions of Tanzania. The new assistant bishop, Ling’hwa, will continue this mission coordination work.
Mikko Pyhtilä, Community Specialist from Felm, worked with Lema in the East of Lake Victoria Diocese in Mwanza from 2007 to 2018. According to Pyhtilä, Lema proved to be a bold and innovative leader who focused on the essentials, even when resources were limited.
“Lema made significant efforts to develop the mission work in the lake region. This required a great deal of work—trips to the islands, training sessions, and updating old methods”, Pyhtilä explains.
“The congregations in that area have grown and developed significantly over the past ten years”, he continues.
Lema has also received praise for his visits to Finland, where his expertise and ability to connect with people have garnered widespread appreciation.
“I value Lema as a colleague, a leader, and now as the newly appointed bishop of Lake Victoria East”, Pyhtilä notes. “As the leader of a growing diocese, he has much to offer the churches of Europe as well”.
Felm wishes Bishop Lema and Assistant Bishop Ling’hwa success and blessings in their important new roles.
Text: Linda Juntunen, Regional Communications Specialist for Eastern and Southern Africa
