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On 2-3 March , 2023 the executive committee of the United Methodist Church, Burundi Annual Conference was held at the premises of NYABUGOGO parish in GITEGA district presided by resident bishop Daniel WANDABULA.
In attendance were legal representive the Rt. Hon. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA, deputy legal representative Rev. Lazare BANKURUNAZE , all district Superintendents and their laity , conference secretary , conference lay-leader, chairpersons of conference Methodist Organizations, Head of departments, board chairpersons and a missionary Patrick Abro.
The host GITEGA district Superintendent Rev. Lazare BANKURUNAZE welcomed and wished the delegates all the best during a two – day stay in GITEGA district.
The legal representative the Rt. Hon. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA happily extended his warm welcome to the resident bishop and all delegates attended the executive meeting .In brief, he said that through the spirit of all church leaders at all levels he has been following closely, ” It is clear that the church in Burundi is steadily growing step by step physically and spirituality”. He said.
The resident bishop Daniel WANDABULA welcomed the delegates and officially opened the executive meeting after roll call by the conference secretary , Rev. Ladislas NIYIRAGIRA.
A two-day business of the executive meeting was mostly occupied with matters that will be discussed in detail during the next session of the Annual conference that will be held in July this year.
Therefore, to mention just a few ; the meeting discussed mainly about ; creation and adoption a church affiliated agency under the non-governmental organization owned by the church “United Methodist Development Agency – (U.M.D.A)”, lay out a church’s by-law to comply with the new law of religious organizations in the Republic of Burundi , the future of the UMTTC (Theological school) in Burundi Annual Conference, validation of rules of men and women Methodist Organizations, issues of administering baptism and confirmation ceremony, treasurer’s report and finally the delegates were informed by the resident bishop about the last meeting between Bishopric Area and members of the GBGM/GCFA held in the United States.
Also, the resident bishop informed the executive meeting , the theme of upcoming Annual Conference which will be held in Julai 19- 23 , 2023.
Theme: “ NEHEMIAH 2 : 18 : And I told them how God had been with me and helped me, and what the emperor had said to me. They responded, “Let’s start rebuilding!” And they got ready to start the work.”
The meeting ended with advice from resident bishop and legal representative where both reminded members to bundle together what they have achieved so far in their districts, local churches and the whole episcopal area in general.
The Legal representative the Rt. Hon. Reverend Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA encouraged the leaders present to work hard and unite together in good cooperation with the congregations they lead to strengthen the work of the ministries and development of the entire annual conference. He mentioned some of the achievements that were reached as; building schools, health centers, sancturies, renovation of buildings, ministries, etc , which is a vivid example of bright future of Burundi Annual Conference.
Resident bishop said, “despite of all crisis that were tearing regional countries, famine as a result of unpredictable weather, lack of funds in UMC- CHURCHES and so on , the church did not fail to contribute positively in our Espiscopal Area and especially Burundi Annual Conference”. And,
“SEE HOW CHRIST WORKS” The resident Bishop Daniel WANDABULA, insisted.
