Eswatini — May 2026 — Thousands of miles from Nashville, in the southern African nation of Eswatini, a young theology student from Zambia is preparing for a lifetime of ministry.

But Rodrick Maambo’s story is also becoming an example of how Christian fellowship, theological education, and technology are increasingly connecting believers across continents in unexpected ways.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Theology at African Christian College in Eswatini, Rodrick comes from Siavonga, a town near Lake Kariba in southern Zambia. Those who know Rodrick describe a young preacher marked by seriousness about Scripture, spiritual maturity, and a quiet commitment to service—qualities that have steadily drawn the attention and encouragement of Christians connected to the Nashville Church of Christ. 

His theological journey began at Daybreak Bible College in Zambia, where he completed a Diploma in Bible and Ministry in 2020. During those years, mentors encouraged him to continue his studies and further develop his gifts for teaching and preaching. That encouragement eventually led him to African Christian College, where he now balances theological study with ministry among nearby Churches of Christ congregations. 

“My desire in studying theology has always been to grow into a well-grounded and thoughtful spiritual leader,” Rodrick wrote in a reflection on his journey, “someone who handles Scripture carefully and teaches it faithfully.” 

He says theological education is not simply about gaining academic knowledge, but about “preparing both the heart and the mind to serve God’s people with wisdom, humility, and faithfulness.”

Yet some of the most meaningful relationships in his ministry life began online.

Through social media, where Rodrick regularly shared biblical reflections and encouragement, he connected with Spencer L. Davidson, who later introduced him to the Nashville Church of Christ and the Harbinger Institute. What began as occasional online conversations gradually grew into friendship, study, prayer, and mutual trust.

For many years, the preaching ministry of the Nashville Church of Christ has helped cultivate relationships with Christians in locations around the world. Through those efforts, Davidson has developed connections with elders, preachers, and church members across multiple countries who share a commitment to faithful Christian living and the proclamation of the gospel.

“One of the meaningful aspects of this fellowship has been seeing relationships develop across continents between people who otherwise never would have encountered one another,” Davidson said.

While continuing his studies in Eswatini, Rodrick completed certificate courses through the Harbinger Institute, including Seminar in Church Leadership, taught by Dr. Shawn D. Mathis, and New Testament Survey, taught by Dr. Larry D. Mathis—both elders at Nashville Church of Christ. He describes the experience as both academically enriching and spiritually formative. 

“From the very first time I met Rodrick, I sensed both an intelligent approach to Scripture and the goodness of the man himself,” said Dr. Shawn D. Mathis. "As I have come to know him better, my respect for him has only grown, particularly because of his sincere desire to understand Scripture deeply and to preach the gospel faithfully and effectively to others. He is an ambassador for Christ who possesses humility and conviction, and I believe those qualities will allow him to serve the church in meaningful ways for many years to come.”

Dr. Larry D. Mathis, who has preached for more than 50 years, said Rodrick’s ability to communicate Scripture has deeply encouraged him.

“Rodrick’s ability to preach with effectiveness and genuine feeling gives me great confidence in his generation of preachers,” Mathis said. “He communicates Scripture in a way that is thoughtful, moving, and grounded in truth. Young men like him give me hope for the future of the Lord’s church and for those who will continue teaching God’s people faithfully from the pulpit.”

That sense of shared encouragement has become especially visible through the Nashville Church of Christ’s international Zoom fellowship gatherings, where believers from different countries regularly meet for worship, study, and discussion. Rodrick worships weekly with the Nashville Church of Christ through its international fellowship gatherings, regularly participating in worship and study with Christians joining from around the world. In recent months, he has preached during those gatherings, encouraging members through his teaching of the gospel.

Rodrick Maambo preaching during a worship service in southern Africa. Members of the Nashville Church of Christ say his teaching and commitment to Scripture have encouraged believers throughout their international fellowship network.

For Rodrick, those meetings have reinforced a conviction that Christian fellowship is not confined by geography.

“It has reminded me in a powerful way that the worship of God is not limited by walls or distance,” he wrote. “Through these meetings, I often leave encouraged, strengthened, and spiritually refreshed.” 

Rodrick hopes to return to Zambia after completing his undergraduate studies to teach, preach, and help train future church leaders within Churches of Christ congregations. He hopes to continue his theological education through graduate study if given the opportunity. 

Rodrick Maambo in Eswatini, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Theology while serving with nearby Churches of Christ congregations.

For members of the Nashville Church of Christ, Rodrick’s journey reflects a broader vision of Christian fellowship — one in which relationships formed through teaching, mentorship, and shared faith continue to connect believers across cultures, nations, and generations.

“The church has always been global,” Larry D. Mathis said. “Technology has simply allowed us to see that reality more clearly.”

For Rodrick, those relationships have become a personal reminder of the unity shared among believers across the world.

“The fellowship of the Nashville Church of Christ has reminded me that the family of God truly extends beyond borders,” he reflected.

For church leaders involved in the fellowship, investing in young men like Rodrick is an investment in the future of the church itself.

“What encourages me most,” Dr. Eppechal T. Smalls, a member of Nashville Church of Christ and Professor at Harbinger Institute said, “is knowing that the future of the church is being shaped in places many people will never see by faithful young men quietly preparing to serve.”

And for those who know him personally, there is a growing belief that the quiet work taking place now may shape ministries, congregations, and lives for many years to come.

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