Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $15,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all! 

Missionary Tshala Mwengo Died in Bus Accident

…neither death, nor life…will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) 

With deep sadness, the General Board of Global Ministries reports that Tshala Mwengo, a United Methodist missionary, died today from injuries sustained in a bus accident.

General Secretary Thomas Kemper gave thanks for the life and service of Mwengo, who was originally from Democratic Republic of the Congo.  “I am thankful for the faithful ministries of Tshala, who had a strong commitment to agriculture and evangelism,” he said. “This kind of unexpected loss is a tragedy and a reminder that even in the 21st century, mission can be a dangerous calling.”

A graduate of Africa University, Mwengo served as the director of the Mujila Falls Agricultural Project in Mwinilunga, Zambia. He was on the way to purchase poultry feed yesterday when, according to a news release from the Lusaka Times, the bus travelling from Mwinilunga to Solwezi plunged into Kabompo River. Mwengo was being treated for his injuries at Mwinilunga Hospital. His friend and colleague, missionary Paul Webster, was with him at the hospital when Mwengo died.

Kemper said, “We ask for prayers for Tshala’s wife Betty, their two children, and the communities that mourn this sad loss.”

Media contact: Melissa Hinnen, director of content and public information for the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries.

http://www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/News-and-Stories/2014/April/0409missionarytshalamwengodieddinbusaccident


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Theology and Education
The Rev. Young Seon Christina Kim, a United Methodist missionary with Global Ministries and founder of Global Mission Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, addresses parents and guests at the school’s second graduation ceremony in November. Kim emphasized that the school is a Christian community where mentoring and service shape students’ character, preparing them to become the next generation of leaders in Tanzania. Photo by Asaph Sungura Ally, UM News.

Secondary school transforms lives in Tanzania

Its goal is to develop disciples of Jesus who are academically strong, rooted in faith, socially responsible and ready to serve beyond Tanzania’s borders.
General Agencies
Christ is depicted in a stained-glass window at the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, Tenn. Discipleship Ministries, which includes The Upper Room, is working to unite into one organization with the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry, and United Methodist Communications. The agencies are working together to send legislation to form such a union to General Conference. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

4 church agencies propose unifying into one

Four general agencies — United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry — are making plans to become one. Legislation to unify the agencies will be going to General Conference.
Evangelism
A United Methodist team talks with community members in Ankilimidega, Madagascar, during an evangelism campaign led by the church. The evangelists met with the traditional chief and other leaders during the mission, which was supported by a grant from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Photo by Limbera Gilbert, UM News.

Evangelism efforts flourish in southern Madagascar

Thanks to a $12,000 grant from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, a United Methodist church team conducted open-air campaigns and house-to-house outreach in four communities, distributed Bibles and built a shelter for worship.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved