In a part of the world torn by conflict for decades, the Rev. Yav Mbay is an instrument of peace and eager to bring about change.
Mbay, 38, is an ordained elder in the South Congo and Zambia Area and currently enrolled as a student at Africa University. There, he is studying conflict transformation with plans to return to his community to help effect lasting peace.
Mbay is a recipient of a scholarship from the United Methodist Global Ministries, allowing him to further his studies.
Originally from Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mbay was sent for further studies on the recommendation of his bishop. The son of a retired pastor and the father of four children, Mbay has already seen and served among those most affected by conflict.
“I am deeply grateful for the scholarship,” he said via Zoom. “This support arrived at a crucial time, alleviating the financial pressure of tuition and fees. Thanks to your assistance, my burden has been significantly eased during this challenging period.”
The scholarship Mbay received is made possible by United Methodists around the world who give generously on World Communion Sunday, observed this year on October 5. The World Communion Scholarship is designed to enable the educational preparation of church and community leaders around the world, so they may serve in the mission of their churches and communities upon completion of their studies related to alleviating human suffering, seeking justice, freedom and peace, and strengthening, developing and renewing Christian congregations and communities.
Mbay expects to graduate next spring, and his goal is to return to the DRC to serve as a pastor alongside those most in need. During his time at Africa University, he said, he discovered John Paul Lederach’s theory of conflict transformation, “which emphasizes the involvement of local populations in resolving conflict,” he said. “As a member of The United Methodist Church and a son of the DRC, I am dedicated to encouraging and counseling my peers to work toward lasting peace and liberation.”
Conflicts have plagued Pweto since 2000, Mbay said, beginning with Rwandan aggression in the early 2000s.
“From 2003 to 2014,” he said, “a local rebellion arose during which young people were recruited to fight against Rwandan-Ugandan aggression, forming the Mayi-Mayi militia. Peace has been precarious, often lasting no more than a year.”
In 2017, another conflict erupted, Mbay said, between the Zela tribe and the Pygmies.
“These armed conflicts,” the pastor added, “share a common thread of loss of life and destruction of property, including homes and schools.”
Before he graduates, Mbay is scheduled to return to the DRC to gather data for his dissertation, titled, “Exploration of the Role of The United Methodist Church, District of Genesareth, Towards Sustainable Peace in Pweto Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo, from 2002 to 2023.”
Pastors like himself, he said, play an important role in addressing peace and conflict resolution. In 2018, Mbay assisted conflicting parties with bibles. The NGO AIFEPAC helped him navigate some of the most turbulent areas, giving him first-hand experience.
Mbay has many favorite Bible verses, but he said that John 3:16 is what motivates him most right now.
“This verse motivates me to consider those in Pweto who are in difficult situations,” he said. “Even as God gave his only son, he did not come to condemn the world, but to bring love and peace.”
The Rev. Erik Alsgaard is a retired elder in The United Methodist Church.
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday will be celebrated by congregations on October 5, 2025. Offerings on that day will support scholarships for students worldwide. A gift can also be made at any other time by visiting the World Communion Special Sunday giving page.
Scholarship Inquiries
To learn more about scholarships offered by Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry, contact the Scholarship Office at +1-615-340-7344 or umcscholar@gbhem.org.
