The Triumphant 20th Episcopal District Flourishes with Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr.
The 20th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to be overwhelmingly blessed as the hands of God and the godly leadership of Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. reached out and touched the five nations heserves Malawi, Zimbabwe, the northern portion of Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda, at a time when COVID-19 was still impacting the world.
Bishop Frederick Alan Wright, Sr, is the 142nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in July 2021. Bishop Wright arrived in the Republic of Malawi, affectionately known as the Warm Heart of Africa, and was welcomely warmly by members from all regions of the country at the Lilongwe International Airport. The Presiding Elders, Pastors, Lay, Womens Missionary Society (WMS), Sons of Allen (SOA), and Young People’s Division members welcomed Bishop Wright with open arms.
Divinely Appointment Since 2017
Reverend Dr. Frederick A. Wright, Sr., has been on the path to becoming the Episcopal Father of the 20th Episcopal District since 2017 when he initiated the “Seed Time and Harvest Project” designed to impact food insecurity for pastors in the Malawi South Annual Conference in the Republic of Malawi. The project involved funds provided by then-pastor Wright of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Forest Park, Ohio. Funds Pastor Wright provided allowed 20 pastors to receive a bag of corn seed and one 50 kg bag of fertilizer to assist them in planting and harvesting food for their families. Four years later, Pastor Wright became the spiritual father of the 20th Episcopal District.
Presiding Elder Eustice B. Ginya, president of the 20th District Presiding Eider’s Council, explained that “The 20th Episcopal District has been blessed to have a servant leader like Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. Despite the fact that he was assigned during COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Wright has succeeded in executing his duties in all five countriesusing effective social media platforms and face-to-face meetings. Bishop Wright is vigorously continuing the work of equipping the youth of the 20th District, and our future is bright because the young people are attending University. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! To our God be the glory.”
Presiding Elder Jimson Kaponda of the Malawi North Annual Conference shared that he personally witnessed BishopFrederick A. Wright, Sr. aid the Episcopal District in the purchase of masks for members of the Malawi North Annual Conference members and provide funds to our WMS and YPD delegates for the application of Visa’s and transport to theUnited States Embassy. Bishop Wright ministers with the love of God not only in words but in deeds. We also have been blessed with Mother Supervisor, a caring and loving spirit. We are thankful for Bishop and Mother Supervisor Wright’s sacrifices they make to our episcopal district.
20th Episcopal Lay
Episcopal Lay President, Bro. Ronald Mkandawire shared that “Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr., “has advocated for a balanced leadership representation of the elected Episcopal District Lay officers by making sure that for the first time, all seven annual conferences forming the 20th Episcopal District in the countries of Uganda, Tanzanian, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are elected officers of the Episcopal Lay Executive. ” In an effort to close the gap with the great distances between the five countries of the district, “Bishop Wright initiated the development and launch of an Episcopal Lay Organization website to be used as an online training hub for the entire district. ”
He further noted that “A key goal of the Lay organization is to “ensure that the 20th District is plugged into all of theCLO programs by providing finances whenever they are needed to see to it that the district is not left behind.” The 2022 Episcopal Lay Convention was hosted in Blantyre, Malawi, by the Malawi South Annual Conference, South West Mulanje District. We were blessed to have a very successful convention, with leadership from our Connectional Lay President, Mr. Matikane Abednego Makiti. Under his leadership, new episcopal officers were elected and charged to perform their duties diligently.
Education and Academic Excellence
As an educator himself, education is near and dear to the heart of our lovely Bishop Wright, and “he has demonstrated that by providing financial support to some pastors who are continuing their education, providing school supplies and support for primary and secondary AME schools in the 20th District,” explains PE Rev. Fanny Mdzeka – Presiding Elder Lilongwe District).
African Methodist Episcopal 20th District International Scholarship
The 20th Episcopal District under Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr, is poised to enroll its 32nd AME International Scholar class attending Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe, on a full 4-year scholarship representing each country of the Episcopal District. These scholars are pursuing undergraduate degrees in accounting, international relations, socialwork, computer science technology and information systems, agriculture, law, health service management, and public and business administration. “The birth of this initiative came under the leadership of Bishop Ronnie ElijahBrailsford, Sr. in 2020 in partnership with the United Methodist Church with a goal to provide scholarships for 32 20thDistrict scholars. Bishop Brailsford passed the mantle in 2021 to Bishop Wright, who picked up the mantle and kept running by providing spiritual, financial, emotional, and social support needs to the scholars. Students require financial support every year for laptops, wifi devices, transportation to and from the university from their various countries, COVID-19 certificates, immigration, police background checks, chest x-ray, and passports. The district is poised to celebrate its first 20th District AME graduating class in June 2024. The oversight of the project is undergirded by the 20thEpiscopal District Christian Education Department, Presiding Elder Rev. Rosetta Swinton, Episcopal Christian Education Director, Blantyre, Malawi – South West Mulanje District.
Second-year scholar Brian Chavundikira of Kasungu, Malawi (Social Work) explained that Bishop Wright’s “tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our spiritual growth and development have left a profound impact on all of us. His leadership and guidance have helped us navigate through some of the toughest challenges and uncertainties, and we have emerged stronger and more united than ever before. His teachings and sermonshave inspired and motivated us to lead a life of compassion, humility, and service to others. His words of wisdomand encouragement have given us the strength to face the trials and tribulations of life with unwavering faith and hope. ” Additionally, Bishop Wright has “made a lasting impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful for the love and guidance you have shown us. ”
Mcfield Moyo of Lilongwe, Malawi (3rd year International Relations) shares that Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. shares “is a man of God who always shares with us the word of God which brings salvation. Bishop is one of our advisors when it comes to school issues. He is always there with guidance and some words of encouragement. We love him. May the good Lord continue Blessing him with his family.”
Bishop Wright “has been so kind and passionate to AME scholars by providing us with encouragement, words ofGod, prayers, and advice. He has assisted the youth to attend Africa University by providing financial support forlaptops, supplies, transportation, and the 2022 Episcopal Young People’s Division retreat, says Vitumbiko Gumbo. (Business Administration).
Benjamin Mwangulukulu (3rd year Agriculture) pointed out that “in one way or the other, Bishop and Mother Supervisor have been sent to rescue our families more especially to some duties our parents can’t afford to assist with their children’s education. Bishop Fredrick Wright is a wonderful Bishop who can work and manage his duties under pressure.”
Clergy – Ministerial
Bishop Wright has been able to effectively provide godly leadership, communications, and guidance through Zoom and WhatsApp platforms to conduct meetings and provide important updates to the leadership of the district. Face-to-face annual conference series are spirit filled, educative, and informative. Bishop Wright provides spiritual, educational, and social support and stipends to all presiding elders and pastors of the district each year. Bishop Wright has a heart for improving theological studies for the ministers of the district and addressing illiteracy in general.
Under Bishop Wright’s leadership, for the first time, Presiding Elders could attend online Presiding Elder training through Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio, in collaborative partnership with the Rev. Dr. Betty W. Holley, Academic Dean. Additionally, for the first time, ministerial and leadership members will be able to engage in online training for a Certificate in Theology through Turner Theological Seminary’s ELEV8 Program, Atlanta, Georgia, in collaborative partnership with the Rev. Dr. Ammie L. Davis, President. The 20th District ispoised to have a minimum of 35 scholars in the program representing the five countries of the 20th District Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda.
20th District Women in Ministry (WIM) President, Presiding Elder, the Rev. Fanny Mdzeka, reports that under theleadership of Bishop Frederick A. Wright, 20th Episcopal District, WIM has 14 itinerant elders and three itinerant Deacons, licentiates, evangelists, and exhorters. She disclosed that Bishop Wright met many challenges, buthe was able to empower the WIM
members to participate during annual conferences through WIM Hour of Power, which is an opportunity for the WIM members to show their gifts and talents. Bishop Wright encourages WIM members to participate in global WIM despite internet challenges, issues of resources, and visa restrictions. As the Commission Chair forConnectional WIM, Bishop Wright is always there for us. He supports the president financially with travelling expenses to attend the annual conferences around the districts. Bishop Wright plans to continue empowering women, giving them the right position, and supporting them in their educational pursuits.
Church Growth and Development
Under Bishop Wright’s leadership, the Malawi North Conference added three churches; Malawi Central addedfour churches, Malawi South Conference added five new churches and North East Zimbabwe added six new churches for a total of 21 churches.
Bishop Wright has assisted with the church infrastructure of the Malawi Central Conference to build a new churchformerly known as Boma AME Church which had not been able to be built for more than 50 years. The new church will be named Frederick Wright Chapel AME Church, Kasungu, Malawi.
20th District Disaster Relief Efforts 2022-2023
The 20th Episcopal District has been hard hit for some time due to the challenges of climate change and is known for experiencing flooding due to heavy rains and cyclones. Within six months of Bishop Wright’s arrival to thedistrict, three devastating severe weather patterns in 2022 occurred consecutively in the Southern Region of Malawi, where three cyclones devastated the country in the South East and South West Mulanje Districts in January, February, and March. (Cyclone Ana, Gombe, and Demarko). Hundreds of our A.M.E. families were homeless, losing their homes, possessions, livestock, and crops due to heavy rains, flooding, and winds. In 2023 Malawi experienced a devastating disaster punch from Cyclone Freddy. It was reported as the worst cyclone tostrike Malawi.
We thank God for the quick action of Bishop Wright and the hundreds of well-wishers that have provided disaster relief funds and supplies. Through this effort, the district could distribute food and blankets to 967 families of over 2,318 people. The disaster districts serviced were Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Chiradzulu, and Phalombe, all in the Southern Region of Malawi. In Mozambique, disaster relief was also provided to assist victims. The Rev. Santos Bussane explained that Bishop Frederick A Wright, Sr., has been a true father and leader in constructingPar6quia Sao Paulo AMEC in Beira. In addition, Mozambique is well known for being a vulnerable country toclimate change, and it has suffered from several cyclones and floods. Bishop Frederick Wright was always ready to help regarding the availability of funds for the purchase and distribution of food to those affected. BishopFrederick Wright has many qualities that we can run out of days to argue about.
With profound gratitude, the 20th District extends our deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone that have prayed, donated money, and provided supplies for the disaster victims of the 20th Episcopal District, especially in Malawi and Mozambique. Many families are still homeless and living in camps; food insecurity is still a huge challenge. May God bless you all richly as you remember those still affected.
Health Matters
Each church in the 20th Episcopal District aims to provide health information and services through the episcopal, annual conference, presiding elder district, and local church health commission. The South West Mulanje District health director Veronica Kanjodo partnered with the District WMS President to provide important health education on blood pressure, dental hygiene, family planning, and cholera during the WMS Retreat. The 20thEpiscopal District is the beneficiary of a grant for a Church Garden Project in Blantyre, Malawi, through the AME Church International Health Commission, the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett -Medical Director. This initiative aims to grow crops to support families suffering from food insecurity.
Churches named in honor of Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr.
Frederick A. Wright A. M. E. Church, Nsanje Malawi- South West Mulanje Frederick A. Wright Temple, Chiradzulu, Malawi – South East Mulanje Frederick Wright Chapel, Kasungu, Malawi – Central Malawi
The work is all divine, and God has blessed the 20th Episcopal District by divinely appointing a loving, kind, and visionary leader to be the servant leader of the five countries that form the Triumphant Twentieth Episcopal District. We are blessed, and we give God all the glory. Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. has poured love, prayer, service, and resources into the 20th District to move T.E.A.M. 20th to the next level by the power and grace of God. We pray for the favor of God to continue to follow him and our Mother Supervisor, Jennifer Dixon Wright, as they continue to minister to the people.
