Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo announced the appointment of Gabriel J. Benjiman as coordinator for Education and Clergy Development effective June 1. He replaces Greg Crofford, who accepted a teaching position at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya. Gabriel's wife, Mary, will replace Amy Crofford as the administrative assistant for education and clergy development.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Crofford for his leadership in the past 3+ years," Chambo said. "Greg's passion to develop writers and critical thinkers and also to create opportunities for upcoming African scholars to be exposed to and participate in international/global discourse is applauded. I am confident that he will continue to do this through ANU. I congratulate both Greg and Amy for their new assignments."

Benjiman is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene with a heart set on Christ and the believing community. For two decades, he has served two local churches in full-time ministry. He serves as a mentor to pastors both locally and abroad.

"Gabriel regards himself as a student for life," Chambo said. "He has done theological and leadership training for over 20 years through various institutions. He graduated with distinction from Nazarene Theological College–South Africa in 1995 with a bachelor's in theology. He has also served on the board of Nazarene Theological College–South Africa. In 2015, he earned an M.A. (with distinction) from Northwest Nazarene University and was given the Outstanding Student Award."

Benjiman has contributed three scholarly papers in books authored by Nazarene scholars. He is passionate about networking with church leaders, outreach, leadership and social development, and empowerment.

"He communicates with excellence and passion both on the radio and in person," Chambo said. "He has given many presentations on issues of social justice. Recently, he was the speaker for Holiness Week at Africa Nazarene University."

Benjiman took part in all three Africa regional conferences, co-leading the morning prayer times with Africa Central Field Strategy Coordinator Stéphane Tibi at the events in Nairobi and Abidjan.

"Gabriel is keen to equip laity and clergy in various ministries including evangelism, Christian education, leadership, preaching, and administration," Chambo said. "To this end, he has developed a Christian leadership training school on the campus of the Morningside Community Church. Gabriel loves leading volunteers and considers this to be effective and challenging. He has a strong desire to partner with pastors to effectively equip their church leadership.

"I am confident that Rev. Benjiman will provide excellent leadership to our education and clergy development system on the region."

Gabriel and Mary have two daughters, Karris Shalom and Eden Kelita.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region