Rev. Peter Gusuta, a Kenyan pastor serving with the Synod’s New Jersey District, died Nov. 16 in a fire that struck his family’s Jersey City home.
Gusuta, 56, had worked nearly four years in the district as an urban missionary among the Kenyan community in Jersey City. What began as a house church grew to become Tumaini Kristo Lutheran Church, which was received into LCMS membership at last year’s New Jersey District convention.
Surviving are Gusuta’s wife, Rael, and four children, Vincent, Roseline, Damaris, and Samuel. They escaped the fire with minor injuries, according to news reports.
New Jersey District President William R. Klettke told Reporter that the district has been coordinating emergency aid for the family. The fire destroyed all their possessions.
“The outpouring of support from individuals, congregations and even anonymous sources has been at a level that will be of real encouragement and assistance to the family,” Klettke said.
Klettke added that the district is working with an immigration attorney to help clarify the family’s immigration status. They entered the country on Pastor Gusuta’s religious-worker visa.
Fire officials had not determined the cause of the fire as this Reporter went to press.
Posted Nov. 30, 2004
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