THE QUESTION REMAINS UNANSWERED

 

Adeladius Makwega — Mbagala

 

Every year, on October 24, the world celebrates United Nations Day. This year, the organization marks 81 years since it officially began its work on October 24, 1945. Throughout its long history, the United Nations has been associated with various efforts to promote peace, defend human rights, protect freedom of worship, resolve conflicts, and strengthen international cooperation.

 

As I reflected on the role of religion in this journey, I wanted to hear the views of a woman who holds an important position in the spiritual world: Pastor Rose Sheboko of NEW DAY CHURCH, based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 

I wanted to understand her perspective on the contribution of religion throughout the United Nations’ history and how religious leaders, particularly women, can participate in building peace, defending rights, and strengthening human solidarity.

And so, I got to work.

Mwanakwetu visited Pastor Rose Sheboko’s social media page. That was where my quest to obtain the pastor’s views took an unexpected turn.

 

As I came across her photographs, I found myself reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation. I asked myself:

“Indeed, God knows how to shape a human being! If a human being can be created in such a way, what, then, must the angels look like? What kind of soil did God use to create this pastor—fine soil, sandy soil, or the kind used by a potter?”

Questions began to outnumber answers.

Mwanakwetu continued looking at one photograph after another. Each picture offered something to observe, and my curiosity kept drawing me further into the page. But I had to remind myself of the reason for my visit: I was looking for the pastor’s views on the United Nations and its history, not entering a competition to admire photographs!

 

After exploring the page, Mwanakwetu decided to examine Pastor Sheboko’s friends list as well.

 

That was when I discovered something else interesting.

Of the approximately 5,000 friends listed on her page, I noticed that 34 people who were also among my own friends appeared on Pastor Sheboko’s list. Among the names I came across was Pastor Ado Novemba Mwasongwe.

 

I wondered just how small the world of social media could be! You begin by seeking one person’s opinion, only to find yourself encountering other people you already know.

Mwanakwetu continued examining the pastor’s photographs. In one picture, I saw her wearing jeans and a black blouse. According to the information I observed on the page, the photograph had been shared seven times, attracted 305 comments, and received numerous likes.

 

I was also struck by the apparent level of engagement from female followers on her page.

 

That was when a question began to take shape in my mind.

 

What kind of content attracts her followers the most? Is it her sermons, spiritual teachings, social activities, or the way she presents herself on social media? And to what extent do men engage with the content she publishes?

These questions were part of my curiosity, but answering them would require more investigation than simply looking at photographs.

 

Nevertheless, Mwanakwetu had not forgotten the original mission.

I wanted to hear Pastor Rose Sheboko’s views on United Nations Day and the role of religion in promoting peace, human rights, and international solidarity.

I therefore sent her a message through social media, hoping to have an opportunity to listen to her and learn from her perspective.

However, by the time I was completing this article, I had not yet received a response.

The silence gave rise to another question in my mind:

“Mwanakwetu, could it be that Pastor Sheboko’s ministry is primarily directed at women? Or perhaps she has not yet seen my message? Could she simply be too busy with her responsibilities to find time to respond?”

Truthfully, I had no definite answer.

This is where a writer must exercise caution and avoid jumping to conclusions. Not receiving a response to one message does not mean that someone is unwilling to speak to a particular group of people, nor does it prove that their ministry serves only one group.

Perhaps she has not seen the message. Perhaps she has not had the time. There may also be other reasons I know nothing about.

What I can say with certainty is that I sent the message and, as I completed this article, I was still waiting for a response.

 

So, What Should Mwanakwetu Do Now?

October 24, 2026, was drawing closer, and I found myself wondering whether I should continue waiting or write my article based on the experience I had gathered.

I asked myself: Should a writer wait until everyone they contact has responded, or can they publish what they have observed while clearly acknowledging that the other party has not yet provided their perspective?

 

After reflecting for some time, I decided to publish this article as it stood, leaving the door open for Pastor Rose Sheboko to share her views whenever she finds the opportunity.

I would welcome her thoughts on the role of religious leaders in building peace, protecting human rights, and promoting dialogue among people of different cultures and faiths.

I would also like to learn more about her ministry, the people it serves, and how she reaches different groups within society.

After all, photographs may catch the eye, but conversations can provide a deeper understanding of a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and intentions.

The Question Remains

Mwanakwetu, are you still there?

Then allow me to remind you of today’s question:

“Is Pastor Sheboko’s Ministry Only for Women?”

Or did Mwanakwetu begin by looking at photographs, find himself exploring a friends list, and eventually forget that the original mission was to obtain an opinion about the United Nations?

This story is not yet complete.

Until then, the question remains open.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

makwadeladius@gmail.com 0717649257