FiveKennys: Some Remarkable Days in Rwanda

The CBM Africa Leadership Exchange meets in Rwanda

The past few days have been an absolutely incredible time as we have met with leaders from across Canadian Baptist Ministries' African partners.

We are meeting this week along the shores of Lake Kivu in Kibuye, Rwanda, for the third gathering of the Africa Leadership Exchange (ALE). The exchange consists of leadership from churches of five countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Canada.

We are all too familiar with the bad news stories seen in the media -- From the enduring conflict in South Sudan to the struggle to contain the Ebola outbreak in the renegade areas of North Kivu, there is much to be concerned about in Africa. This is why we are so encouraged by the spirit of affection and cooperation that we are witnessing among church leaders in East and Central Africa.

Observing the bonds of love and fidelity across our partners, we were reminded of a popular Swahili proverb, which says "Unity is strength, division is weakness." Over the past five years, we have witnessed increased unity, mutual concern, and appreciation across our partners. It has been a wonderful gift to be a part of programs like the ALE that foster shared learning and reflection from across the diverse areas where we serve. There is a great strength found in unity!

On our way to Kibuye

On Saturday, the group converged in Kigali to join in worship and fellowship with the Association of Rwandan Baptist Churches (AEBR) that is hosting us during this time together in Rwanda. For many members of our delegation, this was their first experience of Rwanda.

Worship with the AEBR church in Kacyiru, Kigali

On Sunday, we participated in worship with two AEBR congregations from Kigali, before departing for Lake Kivu and the quiet fishing community of Kibuye.

It was a very special service for many reasons, but one of the highlights for the Kacyiru congregation was receiving Jonathan Mills who had been a beloved member of the choir and church family during his time serving in Kigali with his family.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mills preaching in Kacyiru

Wonderful reunions in Kigali

Laura Lee Bustin with Anne Marie

Along with past participants, this ALE welcomed CBM global field staff Darrell and Laura Lee Bustin as well as Ernestine Kamarora (the new director of development for the AEBR) and Rev. Jeremiah Deng of the Faith Evangelical Baptist Churches of South Sudan.

We are very grateful for Laura Lee who has been coordinating the logistics for this round of the ALE.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Wilson with Rev. Andre Sibomana

It has also been a blessing to have Professor Jonathan Wilson and Soohwan Park joining us once again for the ALE. Since our last gathering, Jonathan has officially joined CBM as our senior associate for theological integration. Both he and Soohwan are joining our faculty of lecturers this week and will be facilitating retreat days for Rwandan leaders next week in Kigali.

The third gathering of the ALE

This session of the ALE focused on issues of governance and leadership facing each of our partner organizations. Our discussions on strengthening the integrity of church leadership and what it means to participate in the mission of God in the world have been inspiring as these executive leaders work through how they can strengthen their denominations.

Along with our Canadian facilitators, we are glad to welcome Rev. Samuel Ruganbage who will be leading us in sessions on congregational governance from a Rwandan perspective. We are also investing time with the regional minister of Kibuye and visiting the genocide memorial site in Bisesero.

When we consider the challenges of ethnic conflict, the Ebola crisis, and insecurity that are facing our church partners in Africa, we are reminded how important it is that leaders from across ethnic and religious divides come together in unity for the good of all people.

Already this week, we have encountered stories of great loss being met by the transforming power of the Gospel. Even in times of great pain and fear, God is moving. Please join us in praying for this week's ALE and for each of our partner churches serving in Africa.