Originally from Kenya, The Rev. Samuel Nsengiyumva was called to be the new rector at Holy Trinity, Fruitland Park. He previously served congregations in Maryland, Wisconsin and Indiana after arriving in the United States in 1998. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies with minors in Christian ministries and community development from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, and a master’s degree from the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.
Churches typically select leaders who look very similar to the majority of the congregation. Given this tendency, Nsengiyumva’s calling is notable in that he is a Black priest and Holy Trinity is comprised predominantly of white parishioners. Holy Trinity called their new rector believing Nsengiyumva is the person God has brought them to lead and serve alongside them.
During Bishop Gregory O. Brewer’s episcopacy in the Diocese of Central Florida, this kind of sensitivity to God’s leading is becoming more and more common. As Brewer and his team have worked to ensure diversity in leadership, there has not only been an increase in women and clergy of color being ordained to the priesthood, but also a number of churches with leaders who are not merely a reflection of their congregations.
The effective work of Brewer helped bring Nsengiyumva to the area. “The Diocese of Central Florida is one of the best in the nation, and I was attracted to the leadership of Bishop Brewer,” Nsengiyumva said. “I’ve been wanting to come since 2011.”
Nsengiyumva says he feels the diocese does a great job of approaching “contemporary issues from a Christian perspective. It is a rich and broad expression of the Christian faith.”
Holy Trinity currently allows up to 30 congregants to gather in person, observing local COVID guidelines and encouraging others to join via its online ministry. The church is comprised mostly of older members, which Nsengiyumva sees as vital to the church’s key outreach.
“The greatest opportunities we have are with the school,” he said. “We have a school that ministers to students who learn differently, and our congregation is comprised of mostly retired people who have moved here to retire in The Villages with wonderful gifts and skills. Connecting the needs of these students with the resources and gifts these people bring is a great opportunity.”
Nsengiyumva hopes to continue to grow the school, which serves students in grades 6-12 who have learning differences such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning disabilities and “make it even more transformative.” Additionally, the church sponsors the local Salvation Army, supports ministry in Honduras and has a number of members who volunteer time in local hospitals.
Having served for years in northern states, Nsengiyumva, along with his wife, Rose, grew used to cold winters. Now in Central Florida, he admits he’ll have a few more climate adjustments to make.
“I love the winters here, definitely,” he said. “I’m not quite sure about the summers. We’ll see.”
Holy Trinity will hold a celebration of new ministry, in which Nsengiyumva will officially be confirmed, on Feb. 21. For more information or to view online, visit www.holytrinityfp.com.