Africa Great Lakes

In a region of Africa with grinding poverty and a history of horrific violence, an exciting new movement is emerging!  This includes the countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.  Our relationship with these sisters and brothers has been developing over the past several years, as we have begun walking together for mutual support and encouragement.  In DR Congo, there are over 20 congregations and about 2000 members.  In Rwanda there are four congregations with 400 members. Uganda has six congregations with around 200 members and operates an orphanage.

Global Mission and Global Food Initiative (GFI) are involved in various ways, including church development, leadership training, trauma counseling, and agriculture/conservation. (See GFI page for more information on projects in Burundi and Rwanda.)  One significant area of outreach is to the Batwa tribe, a “least of these” marginalized people group present in all four countries.  Many have come to faith in Christ and joined the church as a result of evangelism and community development efforts.

The Church of the Brethren has supported various outreach ministries in the region including agricultural projects, disaster relief efforts for displaced persons, theological education, scholarships, trauma healing workshops, and church construction in the region. The Brethren have also sponsored a tri-nation Batwa Pygmy conference.

Report from the delegation visiting the Church of the Brethren in Uganda, March 2022

Updates from Rwanda

Chris Elliott, a farmer and pastor from Pennsylvania, and his daughter Grace are serving in Rwanda from January to May 2022. Chris is helping with farming and also visiting other churches and projects in Rwanda and nearby countries. Grace is teaching in the church’s nursery school.  Read updates below.

Church in Rwanda. Photo courtesy of Chris Elliott