By International Office Communications
Zambian-born and based in Lusaka, Mutinta Silenga has been serving full-time with The Navigators since 2000 in various roles. As the current Africa Missions Director, Mutinta shares with Worldwide about her passion for preparing and supporting cross-cultural leaders and laborers throughout their missionary journeys.
WW: Can you give us a brief history of how you came to know Jesus and got involved with The Navigators?
MS: I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 1992 during high school, influenced by my Catholic upbringing. Though I explored other churches, I still felt spiritually distant until I encountered Scripture Union, where I first understood the Gospel and a personal relationship with Jesus. In college, Sue Swett, a mid-term American missionary with The Navigators, discipled me, along with missionaries like the Kalus and Merediths, deeply impacting my faith.
WW: Please share with us how you came to be in your position and what you enjoy about it.
MS: After graduating in 2000, I trained with The Navigators and began discipling students at the University of Zambia. My first full-time assignment was with the Japan Navigators, serving in student ministry at Shizuoka University from 2003-2005, where I developed a passion for cross-cultural missions. I’ve since served in various roles, including on the Africa Mission Working Group under Bulus Bossan, now one of The Navigators' international vice presidents. These experiences have led to my current role as Africa Missions Director, where I support and prepare cross-cultural leaders advancing the Gospel in Africa and beyond.
WW: What are some things the Lord is teaching you as you serve in this role?
MS: This role challenges me beyond my capacity, teaching me to depend on God and value the contributions of those I work with. I am learning the importance of relational networks and leading others to experience God's love and embrace their purpose. I'm also growing in understanding the value of partnership, collaboration, and clear communication, especially when working across cultures.
WW: What are you most excited about for the upcoming year?
MS: The Navigators in Africa will host the Into Africa 2025 conference in April, uniting staff and laborers from across the continent. This event reflects our regional faith direction: 'Together Advancing the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into all of Africa and beyond.'
I'm excited to celebrate what God has accomplished over the past five years and believe this conference will refocus and inspire us to mobilize missionaries and resources for advancing His Kingdom across Africa and beyond.
WW: Is there a Scripture passage that has motivated and supported you throughout your life?
MS: Ephesians 2:10 deeply inspires me, reminding me of the unique purpose God has for my life: “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” I’m also profoundly impacted by John 15:4-5, which emphasizes the necessity of staying connected to Jesus: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you... For apart from me you can do nothing.” This scripture underscores my dependence on His grace and guidance to love and serve others effectively.
