As was reported in July, Bishop Mwita visited New Zealand as guest of the Anglican Board of Missions and attended the Common Life Mission Conference, July 19-23 at Wakanae. At the conference, Bishop Mwita presented two seminars to two groups, and shared the mission of God in his new Diocese of Tarime.
After the conference, Bishop Mwita visited the Diocese of Wellington until August 2. He first visited St Andrew's Plimmerton where he preached on Sunday 24 July and spoke to a women's fellowship on July 28. Bishop Mwita also had a chance to visit the Anglican Centre in Wellington where he had a wonderful reception from Bishop Tom Brown and staff of the Diocese on July 25.
Thereafter, Bishop Mwita toured parts of Wellington city while staying with Archdeacon Ian and Margaret Bourne in Papakowhai, Porirua. Bishop Mwita left Papakowhai for Wanganui where he spoke to a group of Christians at All Saints, East Wanganui on July 28, and later visited St Stephen's, Marton. There he spoke to a group too. Before leaving Wanganui, Bishop Mwita was able to preach at Christ Church, Wanganui on Sunday 31 August.
A highlight of the visit was the encouraging response to the need for protecting children and pregnant women from malaria by providing treated bed nets which cost a minimum of $2-3 each. The initial phase of fundraising will go to purchasing and providing bed nets for the clergy families in the Diocese.
Bishop Mwita is indebted to the Anglican Mission Board who funded the visit, and many people and couples who looked after him before and after the conference. These include Simon and Jane Smelt of Wellington city, Archdeacon Ian and Margaret Bourne of Papakowhai, Alan and Rev Rosemary Anderson of Wanganui, and Mary and John Rowan (QC), also of Wanganui, among others. Bishop Mwita is also grateful to all the Vicars/Rectors of the parishes where he either preached or spoke.
Bishop Mwita left New Zealand on August 2. When he returned to Tarime, he gave the donated bed nets to pastors.