Eglise Anglicane du Burundi - The Anglican Church of Burundi

Diocese of Gitega

Gitega News Letter No. 9 - June - July 2007


VISIT OF A TEAM FROM CMS 

 

A CMS PRAXIS team of 8 people from various dioceses of England visited our diocese from the 291 June to the 11th July 07. Their main objective was to see and get inspired by how we are living and serving the Lord. They had a good opportunity to meet and discuss with people acting or benefiting from the programmes run by the diocese, and members of associations of deprived people whom the diocese is supporting in their initiatives. We invited them to get involved in our ministry through prayers and mission action. They promised to be our ambassadors in their country to strengthen the partnership which already exist


A NEW ARCHDEACONRY IN GITEGA 

 

Before the creation of Ruyigi Archdeaconry, Gitega diocese was having 3 archdeaconries, namely Buhiga, Karusi and Gitega. The later one gave birth to the 4th archdeaconry of Ruyigi to make much more easy the work of church planting which is our major concern especially in the Provinces of Gitega and Ruyigi. The new Archdeacon, Rev RUDOGOGA Gabriel was presented to the congregation of Ruyigi on the 22nd July 07, the date which also marked the beginning of the Bishop's Confirmation programme this year. On the same day 16 people were confirmed.


CELEBRATIONS 

On the 24th June 07, the diocese of Gitega celebrated the dedication and inauguration of Saint John the Baptist Parish of Karusi, the Administrative Headquarters which was formerly under the Belgian Administration. During that period the Church's attempt to evangelise that place lasted only for two years, from 1940 to 1942 as the colonialists expelled the local communities. The retired Canon Mariko RURATETEREZA who was the Evangelist Pioneer during that time expressed his joy and gratitude that he was the forerunner like John the Baptist in evangelising the area. The Bishops who attended that occasion included whom former Archbishop Samuel NDAYISENGA who posed the first stone of this church in 1999. The sermon by Archbishop Bernard NTAHOTURI was based on the same message of St John the Baptist, calling people to obey the Word of God and to be changed by it. Among other guests were friends from Nottingham , Political leaders from Karusi and the Provincial staff.


CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGES 

The changing climate is affecting community livelihood in such away that people need to be supported to face periods of famine and to be taught new ways of doing substantial agriculture. It is in that perspective that the diocese of Gitega is distributing to all pastors and catechists vegetable seeds and hoes to enable them to make an exemplary agriculture of growing vegetables for self consummation and for sale. 


MOTHERS' UNION ENROLLEMENT SERVICES 

The M.U. diocesan leaders are holding their annual enrolment services in the various parishes. So far seven parishes were visited and 147 new members enrolled. We praise the Lord for their enthusiasm to get involved in the work of building the body of Christ.

 

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