The Rev. Festus Uirab wrapping up visit

The Rev. Festus Uirab this week wraps up a month visiting congregations in the Southwestern Washington Synod. His visit comes as part of a companion relationship this synod has with counterparts in Namibia.

Uirab, 38, is a pastor at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Okahandja, and has held that position since 2004, according to his biography. Okahandja is near Namibia's capital city of Windhoek.

His synod is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia, which is more active in the south and central parts of the country.

Nicknamed "Lyden," he got his pastor training at Paulinium Seminary in Windhoek, and was ordained in 2003.

"I am hardworking, friendly and like to crack joke with people," he wrote.

Since 2002, he has been married to Sylvia.

Photo by Carol Fossum