"He who tells the truth is never wrong."
A Swahili Proverb
Over this past week, we have been hosting our colleague Rev. Andre Sibomana in orientation meetings with our Kenyan and South Sudanese partners. We are very thankful for this time of accompanying Andre has he begins his new responsibilities giving direction and leadership to Canadian Baptist Ministries' work in Africa.
The conversations were very rich, covered a sweeping variety of topics, but a few clear trends emerged. First and foremost was the importance of CBM helping our partners increase their capacity through education, practical training, and technical assistance. Effective evangelism, discipleship, church management, community outreach and transformation all come back to investing in people.
A second important issue surfaced in our partner talks, namely the need to overcome ethnic and tribal divisions. From the division of South Sudan to the conflicts in Kenya, ethnic differences have been politicized and used to alienate communities.
Rev. Saphano Riak Chol discussing the ministry of FEBAC
with CBM deputy team leader, Rev. Andre Sibomana
Although the roots of the Faith Evangelical Baptist Churches are traced back to the traditional Dinka communities of South Sudan's Upper Nile, the church recognizes that the mission of God is inherently inclusive. They have been intentional to focus their efforts in bridging the divided ethnic groups of Dinka and Nuer. Although rural churches often reflect the segregated ethnic communities where they are found, in both urban centers and refugee camps FEBAC has been successful in modeling the love and acceptance of Christ across tribal boundaries. Today over 30% of their congregations in these ethnically mixed centres are Nuer.
"It requires pastors to be courageous and to be the first to go to other denominations, other groups, and other families." shared Rev. Saphano. "People warn me personally, 'Pastor, if you go there they will kill you.' But I must go, and if I die for going it will be for the purpose of peace."
Rev. Samuel Majok
An important aspect of reconciliation among ethnic groups in South Sudan has been the churches example of inclusion during its relief efforts. According to FEBAC, since the insecurity broke out in 2013, Canadian Baptists have enabled them to bring food and non-food items to about 200,000 people.
"Through relief, we do not show any favourtism. Many people can't understand this. In our culture, if you have something to give you take care of your own first. It was very shocking for people to see that we organize and call the Nuer people first, and we make sure that their vulnerable households are cared for before [the Dinka households]. Many people ask us why we do this. It is a witness. Jesus did not show favourtism.
In Narus, I remember how bad it was before we received relief. In 2017, there were thousands of people who were dying. A soldier had come to be with his wife who was staying in the camp. He returned because she was having their first baby. He told me that they had no food and that he was prepared to bury the baby and maybe even his wife. That night as the boy baby was being birthed the CBM food relief arrived. I brought the food rations to the soldier and his family. They said, "My God where did this come from!" I told them it was from CBM. So they praised God and they named their baby "Cee-Bee-Emm!"
The relief has been an important way to minister to people during the war. We pray that as the war ends and there is peace that we will be able to build farms and communities that show this love. That we will live in a united South Sudan."
Rev. Samuel Majok
Pastor Narus, South Sudan
ACC&S Deputy General Secretary Rev. David Kimemia
and Moderator Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Ngumo
As we sat down later this past week with leaders from the African Christian Church and Schools, Erica asked them what has the partnership meant for the ACC&S. The response was very encouraging to hear.
"We are nearing our golden jubilee! In 2020, CBM and the ACC&S will mark 50 years of partnership together and may I say that we have much to celebrate! These years of working in partnership with the CBM has allowed our two Christian communities to accomplish so much and it is our hope that as we mark this important milestone that 2020 will be the beginning of a new chapter for CBM and the ACC&S."
Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Ngumo
Moderator
"Looking back," added David, "it is not hard to see how this partnership has strengthened our churches. Today between 60% to 70% of our ministers were trained and equipped through this partnership. The certificate of ministry, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs facilitated by the CBM have built our capacity. The diploma and certificate programs in Integral Mission have expanded our mission. And through the support of our Bible school, CBM's scholarships open doors for future ministers."
Rev. David Kimemia
Deputy General Secretary
"As the principal of the Bible School and a beneficiary of the MA program and CBM's investment in training programs like the ALE, I would add that the Canadians have made a great impact. I see the fruits of our partnership not only through the scholarships but the computer lab, the library and the many lecturers who have come to serve with us. On behalf of the Bible School I wish to thank the many lecturers who have come, people like the Pattersons, Ken & Diane Morgan, Andrew Desroches, David (Wayne) Morgan, Aaron & Erica (Kenny), and Pauline Kariuki. I know many others have come as well, but these missionaries have made a great investment in our students and ministers."
Rev. Beth Kimathia
Principal ACC&S Bible School
"CBM has done a lot," agreed Henry Mwangi "We are moving out together to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God and to help people realize their God-given potential. Together we have grown and moved beyond charity work to making true and lasting change in peoples lives. This partnership has been a tremendous help to many!"
Henry Mwangi
Development Director
In response to our colleague Andre's question about emerging priorities, the ACC&S leaders had several exciting things to share as the denomination is expanding into more ethnically diverse areas and seeking ways to breakdown gender divisions, and to promote the ministry of all people.
"There is a great desire within the communities where we are working together to see the work continue to build people up. Our shared work with orphans and vulnerable children is transforming lives, but there is more and more need. I am so glad to see how the new direction in the Guardians of Hope under the leadership of John Njihia is building resiliency and sustainability. The self-help group approach that he received from Erica is empowering the group members and making them so devouted to the groups that I know that they will continue on beyond the end of this project.
It is evident that our projects with CBM have been designed for lasting change. It has been five years since we completed the Food security project with CBM and CFGB in Maia Maiu, and when I went back I admit I didn't know what we would find. I tell you I was amazed. The people we worked with then are still on the land, producing their own food. I met farmers who from their own profits had already replaced the irrigation dam liners because they were so valuable to their farms.
Although the current CFGB project in Embu will be concluding a year from now, we are already seeing a major change in the beneficiaries. This approach is truly integral mission as the hope of Christ is being witnessed in word and in deed."
Henry Mwangi
Development Director
"There is certainly a desire to see Kamp Tumaini continue as well -- Everyone needs hope! In the coming years, we will also look to our partners to help us in improving the infrastructure of the Bible School as we move from the chalkboard to the screen, and work together to build the capacity of our people... one other exciting development in capacity building has been the expansion of church planting into new areas. We have been blessed by the experience of Kenyan speakers with expertise in ministry among Muslims. Our ministers recognize the importance of growing in this area as we reach into urban areas and share the Gospel in effective ways."
Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Ngumo
Moderator
In Prayer
Please join us in praying for the leaders of the ACC&S and FEBAC as they seek to equip their congregations to breakdown walls of prejudice and ignorance in their communities.
We also pray for Andre Sibomana as he gives leadership and support to CBM's Africa partners. We pray for his wife Mary Terese and their five children as he travels and works with churches throughout Africa.
We give thanks for the transformation that is taking place in our partner churches and praise God for his grace and presence.
