Praying for the Church in Africa

This Week in Mitaboni

Congolese Baptist Leaders Rev. Cavasiya and Rev. Jonas

with our CBM colleague Gato from Rwanda

Great to be back after a busy week in Mitaboni with fellow Christian leaders from from Eastern and Central Africa. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share and join in theological reflection with such a diverse group. The stories from each of their churches were both heart wrenching and hopeful as they shared about the church's struggle to to bring grace and reconciliation into areas of war, conflict and moral disorientation.

In the world's newest country, Southern Sudan, pastors are faced with communities and congregants that still carry automatic weapons to church unwilling to give up their arms after decades of tribal conflict, cattle rustling, and blood shed. Please pray for our friend Rev. Francis as he gives leadership both to the Baptist Churches of the Upper Nile and to his county where he serves as the local government official. May the Holy Spirit work through God's people to bring peace and reconciliation into communities scarred by division and distrust.

The beautiful hills of Ukambani, Kenya

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Baptist Church is active in ministering to victims of sexual violence, which has sadly become epedemic in the volatile East. Women are banding together in the churches as they share their trauma and seek healing and restoration. Please pray for Christ's protection and courage for the Church as they stand in solidarity with victims of rape and violence, and reach into their community to address the causes of such terrible acts.

Vibrant colours of a roadside market near Machakos

Please continue to pray for the Church in Rwanda and Kenya, as they seek to faithfully live out Integral Mission in bringing about spiritual and social transformation in communities that struggle with poverty and change. May the light of our Advent hope shine brightly in these communities, as we remember, anticipate and experience the coming of Christ!

Thank you for praying