Prayer Update: "God's varied grace"

CBM/AEBR Rwanda team members in Kigali

This past week, we traveled to Kigali and Kampala to meet with Canadian Baptist Ministries' partners and potential partner organizations. The highlight was being with our friends and colleagues, who are engaged in the many important ministries that CBM is providing support for in East Africa. 

During our time together, we were struck by a phrase that is used a few times in scripture, "God's varied grace." It is such a beautiful way of describing the diversity of giftedness and personality that God has shaped each one of us. Across our partners and team, we have been blessed with such an array of talents and abilities. Each person demonstrating the varied grace of God.

Rev. Emmanuel Ndagijimana, legal representative of the AEBR

Many of our partner churches are taking intentional steps to embrace the giftings of the whole Church. Denominations that have been historically clergy-focused and clergy-led, are beginning to change their structures to encourage their laity to participate more fully in decision making and leadership. 

In Kenya and Rwanda, we are seeing major changes that are drawing professionals and volunteers within congregations to use their unique talents and expertise to help the Church to strengthen its governance and mission. In Kenya, the ACC&S is mobilizing its membership to take ownership and give direction to its properties, educational institutions, and various ministries. Meanwhile in Rwanda, it is exciting to see the newly elected leader of the AEBR, Rev. Emmanuel, creating three lay-run commissions.

We realize that good leadership is about recognizing and fanning the flame of giftedness in others. God has given his people an amazing mosaic of abilities, artistry, innovation, intellect, and sensitivity.     The apostle Peter wrote, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (I Peter 4:10).

Aaron with Ken Derksen and Darrell Bustin 

at the CBM Kigali office

We are very grateful for the ministry of the Derksens and Bustins, who have been working together with the AEBR in Rwanda. As Ken and Wendy Derksen complete their assignment in Rwanda, they will be missed by our entire team.

Laura Lee and Darrell Bustin

The Bustins will continue to live and serve in Kigali with the AEBR. We know that it is not easy being so far from children. We pray for their Bronwyn and Caleb who are both studying in university in Canada.

Gato Munyamasoko and Andre Sibomana

Along with Canadian field staff, the CBM Africa team is blessed to have some incredible national field staff like Gato and Andre. Please pray for them as they shift to new areas of responsibility.

In Prayer

* We give thanks for our colleagues, Wendy and Ken Derksen, who have completed their assignment in Rwanda and will be returning to Canada tomorrow, July 17th. We are praying for a smooth transition back for them. They have made such a deep impact upon the AEBR and our team -- they will be dearly missed.

* We pray for the Association of Rwandan Baptist Churches as they complete a round of reforms this month aimed at strengthening accountability and decision making within the denomination.

* Please join us in praying for the health and safety of our team. Several of our Kenyan friends and colleagues are battling illness right now. The temperature in Nairobi dipped to 9 degrees last night which is extremely cold for a population that does not live with heating in their homes.

* On July 30th, Zimbabwe will hold national elections. This will be their first time to the ballot box since the ousting of Robert Mugabe last November. We pray for open, fair, and peaceful elections. We also pray for friends that will be travelling to Harare to assist in the monitoring of the election.