From Zimbabwe to Clyde: Pastor leads his community forward

By thealbertan.com

WESTLOCK – Judias Tibana believes he has a purpose to fulfill.

The pastor has called the Westlock area home for nearly two years having immigrated from Zimbabwe with his wife and son.

He initially came to the community on a work visa to serve as the lead pastor at Clyde Christian Bible Church that had been searching for a lead minister for nearly three years. The immigration process was difficult for Tibana who spent nearly a year on paperwork while still in Africa.

Despite the challenges he faced in initially making the move, Tibana believes it was all worth it.

“I’m open to making my gifts and talents available to the betterment of the community, especially our youth, the next generation, the seniors and families at large,” says Tibana.

“With being involved in the ministry, I am seeing the big picture where I’ve got so much to offer. I’m not here to just jump and go, but I’m here to stay. There’s a proverb where we say, ‘you bloom where you are planted,’ so I’m planted here now. I got to make it work here, be a positive influence and a blessing in every possible way.”

Upon hearing of the town’s relaunch of the Rural Renewal Stream (RRS), Tibana’s employer applied to the program as they wish to have him remain in the community long-term.

Tibana met the English requirement and had his college degree from South Africa evaluated by World Evaluation Services (WES) to further qualify. He was generously endorsed by the church in Clyde. The RRS program allows Tibana to potentially obtain Canadian permanent residency.

“It will give me some sense of security for myself and my family. Knowing that your job is secured and you can build a better future,” says Tibana.

“I’m just thankful that the programme is running and that I was given the privilege and was nominated. I would like to encourage most employers if they get a good person they should invite them as the people will bring value in the town.”

Since he began serving the church in Clyde, the church has seen tremendous growth since this past year with people consistently attending every Sunday. Tibana has put a great emphasis on not only helping people spiritually, but also in their physical lives which includes anything from home visitations to marriage counselling.

“If somebody is looking for a place where they want to be discipled, to walk with the Lord, worship and connect with others in the community, they are more than welcome!” said Tibana. “I’ve had people drive from all the way around the Pembina region coming down to Clyde and I’m thinking we’re going to have a new problem in the winter, knowing where to put the people as the numbers continue to increase.

“It’s all about passion for me because I love people and I like to just help individuals and families. I love empowering and training people, helping them in their spiritual journey and personal lives. We want to see healthy people from a biblical point of view of here.”

Tibana was born and raised in Zimbabwe and started preaching when he was 10 years old. He has been involved in missions work across Africa and also led a multi-cultural congregation in South Africa.

“It’s pretty much the same,” says Tibana when asked about the main differences between leading a congregation in South Africa compared to Clyde.

“The differences are in the culture where one must adapt and learn how things are done here. People are still people. People still have problems whether here or in Africa. A little bit more of people are dealing with depression and mental health issues because of the pressure of life. It’s just generated in a different way. So I’m really getting busier now because the more people we have, the more we have to help them navigate their challenges.”

Tibana appreciates the multi-culturalism he’s experienced since moving to the community and has felt nothing but welcomed since his move.

“There’s an openness to accommodate everybody. There isn’t that pushback, like people saying you don’t belong here. That’s one thing I’ve never experienced. Because it’s a smaller town, it’s more welcoming. Also, people are willing to spread their wings just to become who they are and achieve their dreams. There’s much potential that’s yet to be tapped to, not only the ministry but generally, there is much potential in the community.”