The Mbambo family moved to Dunedin last October for him to fill the role of minister at the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church.
He believed many thought the Church was dying in the West, but in his parish it was far from it, he said.
Taking a more practical approach to the role of the Church helped.
His church had been adapting to the diverse community it served by holding a Sunday meal, working with rest-homes and providing transport to and from services.
Mr Mbambo's home country of Zambia had also proved a talking point for many in the area. However, he had realised many people did not know much about Africa.
"All they know is what they see on TV."
However, the global nature of the Church had proved itself through him. Prayers could now be heard in his church for people in Zimbabwe as well as Fiji. The community had widened it's view of the world, he said.
People had asked Mr Mbambo to educate them about Zambia. He planned to hold a talk at the church hall next month for anyone interested in learning about his home country.
The family had been settling in well to life in Dunedin, with the children making many new friends, Mr Mbambo said.
The Christmas period had been a busy time, which meant a holiday would not be on the cards until later in the year.
However, there was a lot to see around Dunedin and the city's many beaches proved popular with his son, Taonga (7), and daughter, Lusungu (4). Tunnel beach was "refreshing" to visit as a family, he said.
"It's amazing to see the beauty that is around here."
People were "quite friendly" and the church members had welcomed the family "with warm hearts", Mr Mbambo said.
