New rector for St. David’s arrives from Zimbabwe

The long-awaited arrival of the Rev. Simbarashe Emmanuel Basvi from Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare signals the beginning of a new chapter in the life of St. David’s, Tsawwassen.

Delayed by almost a year by protocol and travel restrictions due to COVID pandemic, Rev. Basvi, his wife Mebbo, daughter Nicole, and son Ivan, arrived at Vancouver International Airport December 29 to begin a new life in Canada.

They were welcomed by a minute group of parish council members who soon had the Basvi family, and luggage, on its way to temporary accommodation in Tsawwassen, and quarantine.   

When flight dates were firm, a troop of council members and other volunteers swept into action to prepare for the anticipated arrival, and to ensure that the parish rector-elect and family were comfortable in a temporary home equipped to meet their immediate needs during isolation. Work continues to make the family transition to this country as smooth as possible, not the least of which is the pending move to a permanent residence in Tsawwassen.

The Rev. Basvi was ordained in the Anglican Communion in 2003 and brings a wide-range of leadership roles to his new parish. Prior to his appointment in the Diocese of New Westminster, Rev. Basvi’s positions within the Anglican Diocese of Central Zimbabwe in Province of Central Africa included nine years as director and tutor at Zimbabwe Theological Education by Extension in Gweru (an Ecumenical Training Institute), school chaplain at nearby St Patrick’s, Mission, Gweru, two years teaching English as a foreign language under the St Peter’s Mozambique Project in Beira-Mozambique, and another two years as Sub Dean and eventually Dean of St Cuthbert’s Cathedral, Gweru.  He also served as assistant priest at St Paul’s, Malborough (Harare) and was rector of urban parishes in Mission (Zimbabwe) and Luanshya (Zambia).

In appreciation of his passionate dedication to the work of the church, Rev. Basvi was appointed a Capitular Canon of St Cuthbert’s Cathedral. 

On coming to St David’s, Rev. Basvi spoke of the importance of family, the church working together as a team to achieve a shared vision, being part of the community, and ministering to all people regardless of age, nationality, gender or sexuality.

Mrs Mebbo Basvi has teaching experience and may share her husband’s interest in music, eco theology, reading, watching movies, and touring – but probably opts out of his soccer-playing pastime!

IMAGES

• St. David’s Mary Horton used her camera telephoto lens to record Basvi family ‘at home’ on fourth day in Canada. Parents Mebbo and Simbarashe share photo op with Nokutenda (Nicole) and Kupakwashe (Ivan).
• Parish council members Nick Robinson and Anthony Hanna welcome Rev. Simbarashe Basvi and family at YVR Dec 29. Photo by Mary Horton.