Opening worship and Holy Communion.

Preacher: Bispo João Sambo, Mozambique Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church

About Bishop João Filimone Sambo

Mozambique–South Africa–Eswatini–Madagascar Episcopal Area, Igreja Metodista

Bishop João Filimone Sambo serves the Mozambique–South Africa–Eswatini–Madagascar Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. He was elected to the episcopacy on March 15, 2025, by the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, and consecrated on March 16, 2025.

Born in Inhambane Province, Mozambique, Bishop Sambo was raised in a rural setting during a time of civil war and economic hardship. He holds a Master of Divinity with a specialization in Church and Community Leadership from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, a Bachelor of Divinity from Africa University in Zimbabwe and technical training in General Mechanics from the Maputo Industrial Institute. He is also a sworn Portuguese-English translator and interpreter.

Bishop Sambo has served the Church in a wide range of leadership roles, including pastor, lecturer and chaplain at Cambine Theological Seminary, Episcopal Secretary and Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. His ministry has included leadership in youth and young adult formation, Conference chaplaincy, communications across Lusophone Africa and representation of the Church at national and international gatherings. Through these roles, he developed deep experience in connectional leadership and the global mission of The United Methodist Church.

He is married to Délia Ester Matsinhe Sambo and together they are the parents of four children. Délia has been a steadfast partner in ministry and family life.