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Nelson United Church welcomes new minister

Rev. Fredrick Thondhlana and his family have moved from Zimbabwe to Nelson
minister
Rev. Fredrick Thondhlana is seen here with his wife Juliet and daughter Blessing. The trio have moved from Zimbabwe to Nelson where Thondhlana will serve at Nelson United Church.

Nelson United Church is celebrating the New Year by welcoming a new minister.

“We were so excited to greet Rev. Fredrick Thondhlana and his family on Dec. 30,” says Jasmine Lysenko, chair of the Nelson United Church Board of Directors. “They arrived in Nelson after a very long journey from Zimbabwe.”

Nelson United spent six months seeking a new minister to replace Rev. David Boyd, who retired last summer.

“It was a long and thorough process, because we were clear on what and who we wanted, both the skills and the personality,” says Rona Park, a member of the ministry search team. “When we found Rev. Fredrick, we were elated and confident he was a perfect match.”

In June, at a special meeting, the congregation agreed.

Six months of preparations and immigration processes followed, culminating in the family’s arrival. Winter clothing was quickly purchased, and the transition from 40 Celsius to a mild Kootenay winter began.

Rev. Fredrick comes to Nelson with 14 years’ experience as an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, along with involvement in many community projects and ongoing academic studies and teaching.

“After learning about Nelson United and the community, I was very excited to apply for this ministry,” says Thondhlana. “This is a beautiful, warm and welcoming place, and I look forward to engaging fully in it.”

Rev. Fredrick is also an accomplished musician, with professional recordings. He sings, drums, dances and plays piano. Nelson United is full of music-lovers who look forward to sharing his energetic and joyful music. 

His wife, Juliet Thondhlana, also served as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe for 14 years. She is currently completing a master’s degree through an online program, focusing on social justice advocacy.

“I’m ready for a change, and I’ve always been interested in mental-health issues and counselling,” Juliet says. “I hope to get involved in the community and volunteer my knowledge and talents.” She also loves singing in choirs.

Their daughter, Blessing, is 10 years old and a student at Hume School. She loves drawing, cooking and biking (like her father). She’s looking forward to enjoying the outdoors and nature, and will get her first chance to try skiing with her classmates later in January.

“We feel very blessed by the arrival of the Thondhlanas,” says Lysenko. “They’ve already begun to offer their warmth and gifts to the Nelson community and Nelson United Church.”  

A formal covenanting service with Rev. Fredrick will take place in mid-March, and community members will be invited. In the meantime, the family will continue to learn, explore and enjoy their new home.