MISSION REPORT
Training of Church Leaders on the Book of Biblical Theology: Rutana: Rutana Center; Dates: December 2–6, 2025
1. Introduction
As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the theological knowledge and leadership capacity of church leaders, a training session based on the Book of Biblical Theology was conducted in Rutana Province from December 2 to 6, 2025.
The activity aimed to promote a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and enhance the ability of leaders to teach and interpret the Bible faithfully.
2. Training Objectives
Overall Objective
To equip church leaders with a solid understanding of Biblical Theology in order to improve biblical teaching, preaching, and pastoral leadership.
Specific Objectives
* Introduce the foundational concepts and structure of Biblical Theology.
* Enable participants to interpret the Bible within its unified redemptive storyline.
* Promote a Christ-centered reading of Scripture.
* Strengthen doctrinal unity and sound teaching in local churches.
* Create a platform for collaboration and exchange among church leaders in Rutana.
3. Participants
The training brought together 25 church leaders, including:
* Pastors
* Evangelists
* Department leaders
* Youth and women ministry leaders
Participants were drawn from various communes across the province.
4. Training Activities and Daily Breakdown
Day 1 – December 2, 2025
* Registration and welcoming of participants
* Presentation of training objectives
* Introduction to Biblical Theology: definition, purpose, and importance
* Sharing testimonies on what they learnt in the previous moths
Day 2 – December 3, 2025
* Progressive revelation throughout the Old and New Testaments
* Overview of the biblical storyline: creation, fall, redemption, restoration
* Group discussions on key biblical passages
Day 3 – December 4, 2025
* Study of biblical covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenant)
* Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament
* Pastoral implications of Biblical Theology
Day 4 – December 5, 2025
* Interpretation methods and contextual application
* Practical exercises for preaching and teaching
* Open discussion and Q&A session
Day 5 – December 6, 2025
* Summary of taught content
* Evaluation of the training by participants
* Distribution of certificates (if applicable)
* Official closing of the training
5. Expected and Achieved Outcomes
Expected Outcomes
* Improved understanding of the content and structure of Biblical Theology
* Greater ability to interpret Scripture in its redemptive context
* Strengthened pastoral leadership skills
* Increased cooperation among church leaders in the province
Achieved Outcomes
* Participants demonstrated significant improvement in understanding the unity of the Biblical narrative.
* Many leaders expressed that the training helped them connect Old and New Testament teachings more effectively.
* Commitments were made to apply Biblical Theology principles in preaching and teaching ministries.
6. Conclusion
The training held in Rutana Province from December 2 to 6, 2025, was successful.
It provided church leaders with essential theological tools to better understand and teach the Bible.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training and a strong commitment to applying what they learned in their respective ministries.
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Report on Church Leaders Training that took place at Nyanza lac 2025
1. Mission Identification
* Activity: Training of Church Leaders
* Theme: Study and Teaching of the Book of Habakkuk
* Location: Nyanza Commune, Burunga province
* Dates : From December, 15th to 19th /2025
* Facilitator: Rev Patrice NDUWIMANA
* Participants: 30 Church leaders
2. Background and Justification
In a context marked by various spiritual, social, and economic challenges, church leaders in Nyanza Commune expressed the need for deeper Biblical Teaching that strengthens faith and leadership.
The Book of Habakkuk was chosen because of its powerful message about questioning God in times of suffering, trusting in His justice, and living by faith.
3. Objectives of the Mission
General Objective
To strengthen the spiritual and theological capacity of church leaders through an in-depth study of the Book of Habakkuk.
Specific Objectives
* To understand the historical and spiritual context of the Book of Habakkuk
* To explore the central message: “The righteous shall live by faith”
* To encourage leaders to trust God despite injustice and difficulties
* To equip participants to teach and preach the message of Habakkuk in their churches
4. Implementation of the Activity
The training was conducted through Biblical Teachings, interactive discussions, and group work.
The main topics covered included:
* General overview of the Book of Habakkuk
* The dialogue between Habakkuk and God
* The problem of injustice and evil
* God’s response and the call to faith
* Application of Habakkuk’s message to Christian leadership today
Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared pastoral experiences, and asked relevant questions.
5. Results Achieved
* Improved understanding of the Book of Habakkuk among church leaders
* Strengthened faith and hope in the face of ministry challenges
* Increased awareness of the role of Christian leaders in difficult times
* Commitment by participants to teach the Book of Habakkuk in their respective churches
6. Challenges Encountered
* Limited time compared to the depth of the subject
* Minor logistical challenges (transport, materials)
7. Recommendations
* Organize similar trainings on other books of the Bible
* Allocate more time for discussions and practical applications
* Strengthen collaboration among church leaders in Nyanza Commune
8. Different testimonies
* 1. God answers those who wait on Him
* “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts.” (Habakkuk 2:1)
I learned that when life is confusing, God still speaks. As I waited patiently in prayer, He revealed His will clearly and at the right time.
* 2. God’s vision never fails, even if it delays
* “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
I discovered that delay is not denial. God fulfilled His promise exactly as He said, teaching me to trust His timing.
* 3. The righteous live by faith, not by circumstances
* “The just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
When everything around me seemed to collapse, faith kept me standing. I learned to rely on God rather than what I could see.
* 4. God remains sovereign even in times of judgment
* “In wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2)
Even in difficult seasons, I witnessed God’s mercy. He corrected but did not abandon me, showing that His discipline is always mixed with grace.
* 5. Joy in God is possible even when nothing seems to work
* “Though the fig tree does not blossom… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
I learned to praise God without conditions. Even when resources failed, my joy in the Lord became my strength.
8. Conclusion
The mission of training church leaders in Nyanza Commune, Burunga Province, on the Book of Habakkuk was successful. The activity contributed to spiritual growth and equipped leaders with Biblical Principles of faith, perseverance, and trust in God.
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Report on Capacity building of Church leaders Trainings 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
We praise the Lord that we ere able to to pursue the training in in our different trining centers. In this report I would like to combine two report as they have smilar outcomes as they were taught the same course,though different dates. This is for Mishiha from 17th to 21/11/2025; and Muzye from 23 to 28 /11/2025. We went through Biblical Theolgy course.
Biblical theology training has been a cornerstone of Christian education. Our aim of teaching this course was to equipping believers with a deeper understanding of the Bible and its application to everyday life. This report examines the success of biblical theology training, highlighting its impact on individuals, communities, and the church, through different testimonies shared by the trainees.
Participants:
39 participants attended the training at Mishiha and 15 particiapnts attended the training at Muzye. The trainings were fruitful. The trainiees understood well what Biblical Theology is all about.
2. SOME FINDINGS
- Increased Biblical Literacy: As we went through the course, we realized that participants in this training, demonstrate significant improvements in their understanding of biblical concepts, themes, and narratives.
- Spiritual Growth: Participants report increased spiritual maturity, with many experiencing a deeper relationship with God and a greater sense of purpose.
Community Building: This training fosters a sense of community among participants, leading to stronger relationships and more effective collaboration in ministry.
Note that we are not talking only about Biblical Theology but for all the courses we are offering
3. WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND DISCOVERED IN TEACHING THIS COURSE
Yes!!! Biblical theology training has proven to be a highly effective means of equipping believers for ministry and fostering spiritual growth.
By providing a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and its application, what we went through have a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and the church.
4. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESS
One of the factors that contributed to the success, is: -Interactive Learning method: as that incorporate discussion, group work, and practical application which tend to be more effective than lecture-based approaches.
Also the method we have preferred to is encourage them and to motivate them to read their textbooks and to write (two months of reading and writing), which is part of their training.
5. Testimony
By Rev. BARIHUTA Anasthase
"As a trainee, I found that biblical theology helped me stay grounded and focused. Studying the scriptures, I discovered the beauty of how the Old Testament points to Jesus, revealing glimpses of Him in the shadows. And when I got to the New Testament, I met Jesus in all His fullness! The teachings of the Bible equipped me with the knowledge and wisdom to navigate life's challenges with confidence, hope, and compassion. It deepened my understanding of God's love and character, transforming my relationships and approach to ministry.
6. Challenges
The major challenge the trainees have is to get money to by the materials. The prices of printing and binding the books keep increasing on a daily basis. Transport for many of them, because fuel problem is becoming very hard. We praise God that our students are making their efforts to get them, but to say the truth, it is not easy.
7. Conclusion
In all we praise God that we have seen his might.
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ACTIVITY REPORT ON THE CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING THAT TOOK PLACE AT BUHIGA FROM 08-12/12/2025
1. INTRODUCTION
A church leaders training took place at Buhiga from December, 08th to 12th/2025. We went through OT and NT Overview course. The training was successful. This Buhiga training was culminated by delivering a one year certificates of participation to the courses they had already done. They got Certificate in: Book of 1 Timothy, 1 Peter, Book of James, Book of Habakkuk, Biblical Eschatology, Biblical Stewardship, and Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
2. PARTICIPANTS
26 trainees attended the training and all of them got certificates
3. OBJECTIVES
The objectives for us to teach OT and NT Overview were:
a) To provide a general introduction and overview of the New Testament, including its major characters, authors, themes, and background.
b) To lay the foundation for more specialized courses on individual New Testament books and specific topics within Christian theology.
c) To show that despite differences in historical context and theological development, the OT and NT have an integral and complementary relationship, especially in terms of the fulfilment of prophecy, Messianic conception, and the unfolding of God's plan of salvation.
4. OUTCOMES
The trainees enjoyed so much the course they enjoyed leading different maps They were so much intersted on the map of the ERA OF BEGINNINGS (1st period),Beginning of time to 2000 B.C. Genesis 1-11 where Some scholars put the Garden of Eden. Another map was that of the 3rd period 1800 to 1400 especially the wilderness
While in discussion groups, the trainees learned that studying the 8 major periods of Old Testament history is crucial for understanding the Bible's overarching narrative, God's character, the foundation of Christian faith, and the roots of even Western civilization, revealing patterns of sin/redemption, providing context for Jesus's coming, and offering timeless lessons for life and faith, preventing spiritual deception and building identity. These periods cover the journey from creation through the formation, division, and eventual exile of Israel, followed by their return and rebuilding.
TESTIMONY
I praise God that I was able to attend this course of OT and NT overview, precisely to know well how each book reveals Jesus. This will help me to prepare well my preaching, or a message to my congregation. For example as I read the book of Romans I know now that it portrays Jesus as our righteousness. The book of 2 Timothee that it portrays Jesus Christ, our example. As I prepare a sermon, I will be having in my mind the major themes.
CONCLUSION
The course was interactive and successful because by understanding these periods (like the Patriarchs, Exodus, Judges, Kingdom, Exile, Restoration), you grasp the story of God's people and His interaction with them, making the entire Bible richer, more coherent, and applicable to life today.
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Rutana Church Leaders Training 2025
MISSION REPORT
1. Introduction
Training of Church Leaders in Rutana center, and we went through the The Book of Biblical Theology.
As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the theological and spiritual capacity of church leaders, a training session was conducted in Rutana Province focusing on the Book of Biblical Theology. This training aimed to equip pastors and church leaders with a deeper understanding of the biblical message and to enhance their ability to teach and preach the Word of God faithfully.
2. Objectives of the Mission
* To train church leaders on the foundational concepts of biblical theology.
* To help participants understand the unified plan of God revealed throughout the Bible.
* To strengthen their capacity to interpret and teach Scripture accurately.
* To promote doctrinal unity and spiritual maturity among local churches.
3. Venue and Period
The training took place in Rutana, from 6th to 10th, October, 2025.
4. Participants
A total of 25 church leaders from different denominations and local churches across the province of Cankuzo attended the training. All participants showed great interest and commitment throughout the sessions.
5. Training Content
The teaching was based on the Book of Biblical Theology, covering key themes such as:
* Introduction to Biblical Theology and its distinction from Systematic Theology;
* The unity of God s redemptive plan throughout Scripture;
* The covenants and their role in the progressive revelation of salvation;
* Jesus Christ as the central figure of the entire Bible;
* Practical application of Biblical Theology in preaching and teaching.
6. Outcomes
* Participants gained a clearer understanding of the unity of the biblical message.
* Church leaders were motivated to apply sound theological principles in their ministries.
* A stronger sense of unity and cooperation among church leaders in Cankuzo was observed.
* Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity and requested more sessions in the future.
7. Testimonies on the book of Biblical Theology
7.1 Testimony of Spiritual Growth
Before reading the book on Biblical Theology, I used to read the Bible as separate stories. But now I see how everything connects from Genesis to Revelation around God s plan to redeem humanity through Christ. It has deepened my love for Scripture and strengthened my faith.
7.2 Testimony of Ministry Transformation
As a pastor, this book helped me preach with a clearer understanding of the big picture of the Bible. My sermons are now more Christ-centered, and my congregation is growing in their understanding of how every passage points to Jesus.
7.3 Testimony of Personal Renewal
Biblical Theology opened my eyes to the beauty of God s consistency through history. Seeing how God s promises unfold through different covenants renewed my trust in His faithfulness in my own life.
8. Conclusion
The training of church leaders in Rutana Province on the Book of Biblical Theology was a great success. The participants showed eagerness to learn and a strong commitment to applying biblical truth in their ministries. We give thanks to God for His guidance and presence throughout the mission, trusting that the fruit of this training will contribute to the spiritual growth and maturity of churches in Cankuzo and beyond. Note that, this time we did the first part of the book. Next time, at early December, we continue with the second part and finish the book.
Report on the Church leaders training that took place at Muzye, On the Book of Biblical Theology, October 2025.
1. Introduction
A church leaders training on biblical theology was held at Muzye training center from 6th to 10th, October 2025
Biblical Theology is an important topic to teach. As we went through it, both the trainers and the trainees discovered that biblical theology highlights the covenants found throughout the Scripture. In discipleship, it helps people grasp the “big picture” of the Bible. One can trace the promise made in the Abrahamic covenant all the way through the OT, see how it is fulfilled in Christ and then finds its ultimate consummation in the book of Revelation. Many Christians remain ignorant about the covenantal promises of God found throughout Scripture. Incorporating biblical theology into our discipleship can help address this deficiency.
2. The trainees are faring on well with Biblical Theology. As we continued to go deep in this book, we found that, teaching biblical theology is crucial because it helps Christians understand the Bible as one cohesive story leading to Jesus Christ, enabling better application of scripture, safeguarding against misinterpretations, and grounding faith in the whole of God's word. It also provides a Christ-centered, gospel-focused framework for understanding scripture, connecting the Old and New Testaments through promise and fulfilment, and clarifying the overall narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation.
3. Testimony
One of our trainees Rev. MINANI Salvator said:
“Studying this book of Biblical theology is helping me read, understand, and teach the Bible the way Jesus said we should. Because, Jesus himself says in Luke 24 that he is Scripture’s interpretive key. So if, all of us, we fail to read and understand Scripture in a way that leads us to Jesus, then we will miss the point of the Bible, and as a result we will teach others to commit the same error”.
4. TOT's request in the Epistle of James: “We want to teach our Christians the content of James”.
The trainees at Muzye asked us to train them in the book of James so that they, in turn, could train properly their members. The request was formulated as follows: “Please give us a TOT on how to take through our congregants in the Epistle of James. We see that we should teach the Epistle of James because it provides practical, actionable guidance for living out one's faith, particularly on topics like perseverance through trials, controlling one's speech, and demonstrating faith through good works. It serves as a "Proverbs of the New Testament," offering direct, wisdom-filled advice on a wide range of everyday ethical and moral issues, helping believers to apply Christian teachings to their daily lives and live more fully and authentically. Help us, we need to teach well the content of this epistle because we hope that Christians in our different churches will be transformed. This is our today’s need in our country, among believers and none believers”. They insisted that they must teach this epistle because it is a mirror for those veiled by the law, as it shows them who they are under the law without a Savior and who they can become in Christ by receiving salvation. “The book of James It is a transitional book, transitioning from the covenant of the law to the covenant of grace”. They said.
Participants in their discussion groups
5. Conclusion
Note that, this time we did the first part of the book (Biblical Theology). Next time, at early December, we will continue with the second part and finish the book. In all we are thankfull to God.
Report of Church Leaders Training at Nyanza-Lac
1. Introduction
From 27 up to 31 October, a training session was conducted in the commune of Nyanza-Lac for church leaders and pastors. The main focus of the training was the study of the book of 1 Timothy, with the aim of strengthening the participants’ understanding of biblical leadership, faithful ministry, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
2. Objectives of the Training
The training sought to:
* Equip church leaders with a deeper understanding of Paul’s message to Timothy.
* Encourage faithfulness in ministry and sound teaching based on Scripture.
* Strengthen the moral and spiritual character of leaders.
* Promote mentorship and the transmission of biblical truth to future generations.
3. Participants
A total of 35 church leaders participated in the training. The participants came from various denominations within the Nyanza-Lac area. Their engagement and openness to learning created a fruitful and interactive environment.
In addition to biblical exposition, practical sessions were held to apply these lessons to the realities of pastoral ministry in Nyanza-Lac.
4. Outcomes
Participants expressed great satisfaction with the training. They committed to:
* Deepen their personal study of the Word of God.
* Mentor younger leaders in their churches.
* Remain faithful to their calling despite difficulties.
Many testified that the message of perseverance and faithfulness in 1 Timothy deeply encouraged them.
5. Challenges
Though the training was successful, we had a small number of participants comparing to the trainees we were expecting in that center, because of the visit of the President of the republic who was visiting the region during that week. Many pastors were among those who were involved to welcome him. But in all we saw the grace of God.
6. Conclusion
The training on the book of 1 Timothy in Nyanza-Lac was successful and impactful. It strengthened church leaders in their understanding of Scripture and renewed their commitment to faithful service. Gratitude is extended to all partners and facilitators who contributed to the success of this mission.
Training of Church Leaders on the Book Biblical Theology, Organized by Rema Burundi in Cankuzo Province
Introduction
From 22-26 September, Rema Burundi organized a training session for church leaders in Cankuzo Province on the book Biblical Theology. The training aimed to equip local church leaders with a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and its theological foundations, in order to strengthen their ministry and promote sound teaching within their congregations.
The training brought together 25 church leaders, pastors, and elders from 3various denominations across Cankuzo Province. Their active participation demonstrated a strong desire for theological growth and unity in service.
Outcome
* Participants gained a clearer understanding of the Bible’s grand narrative.
* Leaders expressed renewed commitment to teaching the Word of God faithfully.
* Stronger bonds of fellowship and cooperation were established among different churches in Cankuzo Province.
* The training raised awareness of the need for ongoing theological education
The training on Biblical Theology in Cankuzo Province was a great success. The commitment of the participants and the support of Rema Burundi contributed to achieving the mission’s objectives. We believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on the spiritual growth of the churches in the region and beyond.
Testimonies on the book of James
1. Faith and Works (James 2:14–17)
"I used to think that being a Christian was only about believing in Jesus. But through the book of James, I realized that faith without works is dead. Now, I don’t just say I believe—I show my faith by helping my neighbors, feeding the hungry, and visiting the sick. My life has changed from being passive to active in love.
2. Trials and Perseverance (James 1:2–4)
"When I lost my job, I thought God had abandoned me. But the words of James encouraged me to count it all joy when I face trials, because they produce perseverance. Instead of giving up, I prayed more and trusted God. Today, I see how that season of testing strengthened my faith and made me more mature in Christ."
3. Controlling the Tongue (James 3:5–10)
"I struggled with anger and often hurt people with my words. After studying James, I realized how powerful the tongue is—it can build up or destroy. With God’s help, I now pause before speaking, pray for wisdom, and use my words to encourage rather than tear down. My relationships are being restored.
4. Humility and Dependence on God (James 4:6–10)
"I used to live proudly, thinking I could control my own future. But James reminded me that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Now, I seek God’s will before making decisions. I’ve learned to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ I live with more peace, knowing my life is in His hands."
5. Prayer and Healing (James 5:13–16)
"I once faced a serious sickness, and instead of praying, I worried. But James taught me the importance of prayer in every situation—whether in trouble, joy, or sickness. I called the elders of my church, they prayed for me, and I experienced healing and deep peace. Now I testify that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
We praise God that this training is transforming many lives among the trainees, as we see that they are bringing changes in their local churches, and their communities as well.
Report of church leaders training held in Mishiha, September 2025
I. Introduction
From September 22nd to 26th,2025 a five day pastors training took place in Mishiha. We took the trainees through the book of Biblical Theology. We did the first part of it and the training was successful. We praise God for that and we thank you for your prayers and your support.
II. Trainees
The training was attended by 39 trainees from 11 different church denominations.
III. Objectives
The primary objectives of a biblical theology course being to teach trainees to analyse and interpret the Bible within its historical and literary context, to identify and understand the major themes and progressive unfolding of God's story from Genesis to Revelation, and to apply these theological understandings to contemporary issues and the Christian life.
Trainees learn to discern the unique theological perspectives of different biblical authors and to grasp the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith as they develop throughout Scripture.
The trainees have followed the lessons with lots of enthusiasts as they are eager to see how Jesus Christ and the church are the fulfilment of the covenants , promises prophecies , and instritutions begun in the Old Testament
IV. The training was successful
While the trainees reported what they found in their discussion groups we were so much encouraged to hear what two groups shared, as they went deeply to find out what biblical theology is all about, and what they are expecting after this course on BT. What they came out can be summarized in Promise and fulfilment.
They Said:
For sure, every story has a beginning. The opening chapters of Genesis set the scene. They describe how the divine-human relationship established by God at creation becomes fractured. Adam and Eve s betrayal of God in the Garden of Eden has life-changing consequences for the whole world. Failing to exercise authority over the mysterious serpent, who stand in opposition to God, they heed the creature rather than the Creator. For disobeying God, they are punished, as is the one who instigated the rebellion. With appropriate irony, God pronounces that the serpent, elsewhere identified as the devil or Satan, will ultimately be defeated by an offspring of the woman Genesis 3:15. This solemn promise marks the start of a story that in Genesis traces a unique lineage of descendants that will eventually lead to the serpent-slayer. As the line of Eve s offspring is followed, further divine promises are introduced, creating future expectations about a unique king who will mediate God s blessing to the nations.
The ongoing narrative in the books of Genesis to Samuel links these promises to the Davidic dynasty. Ultimately, they find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Approached in this way, the Old and New Testament are linked together by the concept of promise-fulfilment.
V. Conclusion
We went through the first part of the book; I mean our book on biblical theology. Unanimously the trainers and the trainees, we understood that: The study of biblical theology is not an end in itself. It is rather a tool for understanding better the Bible as the inspired Word of God. We saw that Biblical theology helps us see the big picture, appreciate the themes that hold the Bible together, understand how the story develops, see how the promises of the Old Testament, sometimes expressed through covenants, are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as witnessed in the New Testament, and appreciate how the Old Testament provides patterns or types that explain later developments in the story. For sure the study of biblical theology is about understanding how each part of the Bible contributes in a distinctive way to the overarching story of the Bible and how an awareness of this story informs our understanding of each part of the Bible. When this is achieved, biblical theology is strongly Christ-centred.
We praise God for this. The next training will be held during the 1rst week of December 2025
Report of Church Leaders Training held at Rutana Center
1. Introduction
From June 23 to June 27, 2025, a training session was organized for church leaders from various denominations operating in Rutana Province. The main focus of this training was the study and application of the Book of Habakkuk. This initiative aimed to strengthen biblical understanding among church leaders and encourage them to apply the message of Habakkuk within their ministries and communities.
2. Objectives of the Training
* To deepen the participants’ knowledge of the Book of Habakkuk.
* To reflect on the relevance of Habakkuk’s message in today’s context.
* To equip church leaders with tools for teaching and preaching the prophetic message effectively.
* To foster unity and collaboration among leaders from different churches in Rutana.
3. Participants
The training brought together approximately 25 church leaders, including pastors, evangelists, and ministry leaders from different Christian denominations present in the province.
4. Outcomes and Impact
* Participants expressed a deeper understanding of the Book of Habakkuk.
* Many testified that the message of faith and perseverance was timely and encouraging.
* The leaders committed to sharing what they had learned with their congregations.
* Stronger bonds were formed among leaders from different denominations, promoting unity.
5. Challenges
* Some participants came from remote areas and faced transportation difficulties.
6. Conclusion
The training was a success and had a positive impact on the participants. The message of the Book of Habakkuk inspired and challenged the leaders to trust God even in difficult times.
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Report on Church Leaders Training that took place at Muzye Center
1. Introduction
A church leaders training was held at Muzye center from June 23 to 27/2025, The trainees are from different church denominations. Muzye is located in Rutana province. We trained them from the books of James and 1Peter. We Give thanks to the Lord because the training went on successfully.
2. What we learned from those two books
The books of 1 Peter and James offer practical guidance on living out one's faith amidst trials and challenges. To mean that they both provide valuable lessons for Christians seeking to live out their faith in a world that often opposes them. We found that 1 Peter focuses on endurance, hope and grace in the face of suffering. He is also reminding believers of their identity in Christ and the importance of holy living, while James emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action, demonstrating love through good works and seeking wisdom from God, including dealing with temptation, prejudice, and the use of one's tongue.
3. Practical Application
While going deep in lereading and studing the content in those books, we the trainers and the trainees saw many important things: We saw in the book of James a challenge to faithful followers of Jesus Christ to not just “talk the talk,” but to “walk the walk.” While our faith walk, to be certain, requires a growth of knowledge about the Word, James exhorts us to not stop there. It is a challenging epistle. Unanimouisly the students said: “ We now know that this epistle of James also puts to rest the idea that one can become a Christian and yet continue living in sin, exhibiting no fruit of righteousness. And for sure this is what we are going through in our daily lives. Please God forgive us”. We have also noticed that ,Jesus calls us to be holy, and both James and Peter address holiness.
4. Testimonies
Pastor NKUNDIMANA Alexis : Faith and Works
“I praise God that in this book of James I understood that James emphasizes that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through actions and good works. It has challenged me as a believer to live consistently with what I have learned in Christ. Thank you so much for teaching us the content of this book.”
Pastor NDAYIKENGURUKIYE Gervais: Wisdom and Guidance
"I have learned how James encourages us believers to seek wisdom from God, especially during trials and temptations. Foe sure we do face these things in our daily lives especially during this time the country is facing the economic challenges. As a leader as the book has taught us, I am going to avoid favoritism, and resisting worldly desires, as well as to encourage my church members to control their tongues. Because these things are affecting us so much and are destroying our churches."
5. Challenges
We were challenged by the fact that we had many sick people among our trainees. We don’t know what was going on. Many people among the local population were suffering from pandemic of flu as if it was Covid-19. We prayed for the situation and for the safety of our trainees
6. Conclusion
I praise God that the training was successful as many trainees vowed to go and to try to teach these two books in their local churches. The lessons learnt in those epistles are very important and challenging as 1 Peter focus on Suffering and Hope, Identity in Christ, as "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people", then Holiness and Submission as he emphasizes the importance of holy living, including submission to authorities and living a life that glorifies God. 1 Peter also highlights the role of submission in marriage and the importance of love and kindness within the Christian community.
In James the trainees said that they will base their training focussing on three things: Faith and Works encouraging their congregants to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. Wisdom and Guidance: to follow what James wrote as he encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, especially during trials and temptations and resisting worldly desires and Practical Living without to forget to emphasize on the importance of prayer and trusting God in all circumstances.
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REPORT ON CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING AT MUZYE FROM 28/04 TO 02/05/2025
I. INTRODUCTION
In the month of April, we were able to continue the training in Muzye after Cankuzo, and Mishiha. We focussed the training on Stewardship leadership and discipleship. We were also blessed to have Violet Scoular from Mission International who visited us during the training. She took time to encourage the trainees to study hard and not to give up though there are many challenges they are encountering in this life, such as: poverty, the rising of prices on the market places, fuel shortages and environmental issues. But she also urged them to remain faitfhul, to be prayer worriors, to aim to becoming good leaders as they focuss on discipleship in their preachings and teachings and to be good servants to their communities.
II. FINISHING THE COURSE ON BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP
During the training we continued to explore the subject of stewardship in leadership and from a biblical perspective focussing on how faith can even guide our political responsibilities. This is because we were approaching the period of elections in our country. We found that, the Bible provides profound insights into leadership, emphasizing servant leadership, humility, and justice. Stewards as outlined in the Scriptures, calls us to manage both material and moral resources with care, ensuring that our decisions honour God and serve the greater good. This was so important for our trainees to understand that. We asked them, that when they go back to their respective church denominations, to be good stewards, living a Christocentric lives and be the salts and light in their local communities. We urged them to go and teach stewardship lesson to their church members, encouraging them to be good citizen and to have a Christ like conduct during the periods of political campaign and elections.
III. OUTCOMES
We praise God that the trainees, from the beginning, followed attentively the course on Biblical Stewardship. They said that the course is leading them to spiritual, physical and social transformation. They testified that they are going to teach this course in their respective churches, and to fight against the false teachings precisely the propagation of prosperity gospel.
IV. TESTIMONIES
The following are some of the testimonies shared by the trainees:
1. One of our trainees, as we were looking how Jesus is the theme of the Bible, said: “I have understood that, the Jesus I preach is the only hope of this world. This world is in rebellion against God its creator. It is sophisticated and intelligent and proud, but totally lost. The people we meet every day live in spiritual darkness and die in despair. They are lonely and guilty, and they are going to die. But that is not their most serious problem. Their greatest peril is that they are rebels against a holy and just God. With Christ come forgiveness and justification and reconciliation, an assurance and hope and holiness and heaven. Therefore, I should continue to do evangelism and preach the risen Christ. I am looking at a time whereby you will teach us how to do good biblical exegesis while looking for a passage to preach. Thank you”.
2. This training on Biblical Stewardship has opened my eyes to the true meaning of managing God's resources. Including what I call my money. I used to think stewardship was only about money, but now I understand it's about everything God entrusts to us our time, talents, relationships, and the environment. I feel more equipped to teach this to my congregation, precisely to different groups women in the church.
3. One of the most impactful lessons for me was that stewardship is a spiritual discipline. It’s not just administrative work. This training reminded me that as a church leader, I must set the example by being faithful, accountable, and generous in every aspect of life.
4. Before attending this seminar, our church had no clear plan for managing offerings or resources. But now, I’ve learned practical ways to promote transparency and accountability. This has already begun to build more trust among our members.
5. I especially appreciated how the training emphasized stewardship in family life. We often focus on ministry outside real home, but I now understand that managing my household well is part of honoring God.
V. CONCLUSION
We thank the Lord for enabling us to attend that training. We have enjoyed His grace, protection and care. It was the period of many challenges, whereby we were continuing to experience, daily, the rise in prices of the basic needs. But we don’t lose hope. We have put our trust in the Living God. He will not let us down. We are looking for a bright future.
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From 24th to 28th of March 2025 a trining of Church Leaders was held at Nyanza-Lac on the book of James.This training was attended by 80 leaders from four different church denominations. Before proceeding with the scheduled book, the trainees took enough time to share what they have understood and what they have been able to practice during the two previous months of reading and writing.
The trainees shares what they learned from the book of Biblical Eschatology. They said: “ While reading and studying from this book, it has opened our mind and gave us a clear picture on eschatological langage and writings.We now know that this book was written in an apocalyptic way and used an apocalyptic langage. As there was persecution at that time, the author of the used such language and such writing that the people who were persecuting the Christians could not understand. We now understand that the numbers, tools and other things used in the book of Revelation, Daniel, do not mean exactly what is written. Moreover, we have also understood the difference between the two ages and the characteristics of each age.
As trainers we realized that, according to the different testimonies of the trainees, that they have understood well the dividing line between these two ages, which is the second coming of Jesus Christ. They also got a clear understanding of many things like two resutrrections, two deaths, and the misundertasnding about who is the antichrist … which unabled them to get the big picture of this book.They also said that they had got false teachings, but that ECLEA taught them the right things and brought them in the right way. Some even said: “ECLEA has come to our rescue. We will now be teaching other people the right things as eschatology is concerned”.
After hearing different testimonies from what trainees have been able to understand and accomplish,we embarked on the book of James. The book of James as the writer of this course has put it, talks about the sin of partiality, living/working in faith,the sin of the uncontrolled tongue,the wisdom from above versus the wisdom not from above, indwelling sin and its outward manifestations, how to seek God’s grace and obtain the wisdom from above and he sin of autonomy and its outward manifestation.
While doing the training, and reading the book, we also realized that, its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God's people to act like God's people. The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. He makes no excuses for those who do not measure up.
People have really understood that this topic has come at the right time. That said: “It challenged us to understand how we should behave as Christians and body of Christ. It taught us how to be a good follower of Christ and how to behave in community and being the salt and light of the world”. People liked the content of this book and promised to put them into practice.
The trainees share how this training for transformation is transforming his life and that of his local church.
He shares his testimony:I learned how to seek God’s grace and obtain the wisdom from above. There are is two kind of wisdom I red in this book: This book made me realise how James contrasts heavenly wisdom with earthly wisdom. James shows us that wisdom is analogous to faith just as faith is applied belief, so wisdom is applied knowledge. I did understand as it is mentioned in this book that true wisdom, like real faith, is a vital, practical quality that has as much to do with the way we live as with what we think or say.
She shares her testimony: This lady has been touched by the teachings from the book James. As for her, she can testify that she really enjoyed the book. This book has taught me how to behave in front of others. I was deeply touched by the indwelling sin and its outward manifestations. However, My heart was always filled with sins that prevented me from pleasing God, and these sins often manifested themselves on the outside. This book has shown me who I am and I have had to repent again.
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REPORT OF CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING AT BUHIGA March 2025
From 10th up to 14th of March 2025, we have trained 26 church leaders on the book of Biblical Theology. As this book is a bit voluminous, we had already done the first part of it. Then we successfully closed it.
Testimonies from the book of Biblical Eschatology
Before continuing this course, trainees have to share what they have been able to accomplish in the book of Biblical Eschatology. All the people who have given their testimonies on the book of Biblical Eschatology came back to the fact that this book clarified certain teachings that they had already acquired in other different seminars and workshops they attended. They unanimously confirmed, as the writer of this course has put it, that Biblical Eschatology makes understanding eschatology easier by including chapters on how to interpret prophecy and apocalyptic literature, by showing the history of eschatological thought, and by placing eschatology in the context of the Bible's overall story line and structure. Therefore, Referring to the knowledge acquired in this book, it was easy for them to re-explain their beliefs about Biblical Eschatology and the book of Revelation. They are now able to understand the contents of this book and to explain its contents to others.
Testimonies from the book of Biblical Theology
1. From the book of Biblical Theology, I did understand that Biblical Theology is the basic story-line of the Bible. It made me understand how to read the history of the Bible chronologically and according to the way in which the events of the Bible followed one another. Before learning this course, I couldn't have known how the stories in the Bible followed one another, but this course has given me a good orientation and strategy for reading and understanding these stories which commenced from the creation of the world and humanity in Genesis, through the fall of humanity into sin and its aftermath, and the history of God’s progressive redemption of humanity.
2. I was surprised to see that the image of Christ is in the Old Testament. Before attending this course, I did not know that we can identify the image of Christ in the Old Testament. But through this book, I have indeed noticed that the image of Christ is found throughout the Holy Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible tells a coherent story, with Jesus Christ at its heart.
3. As the author of this book mentioned, I learned that Biblical Theology looks at major themes that run throughout the entire Bible, focusing on God’s relationship with humanity. It was then that I realized that God's love surpasses everything else, that I felt so loved that I could even think, and that I must seek to maintain an intimate relationship with God, because he loved me first and he wants this friendship to continue. This course shows also how Christ and the church are the fulfillment of the covenants, promises, prophecies, and institutions begun in the Old Testament. My thanks to the writer of this book and to Rema Burundi.
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REPORT ON CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING AT CANKUZO CENTER FEBRUARY 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
I praise the Lord that in our endeavour to continue to strengthen the capacities of church leaders, Rev. ZOYA Melchior, one of our volunteers joined me in the training. We were able to conducted a training of church leaders at Cankuzo center, from 10th to 14th/02/2025. The training went on well and was successful.
2. PARTICIPANTS: 25 trainees in Cankuzo attended the training.
3. BOOK USED: We used the "Church: its Nature, Purpose and Mission"."
4. CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES
As it is one of the method we use in our training centers, before we go deep into the course of the week, we took a full day to do a thoroughly evaluation. This evaluation helps us to see if they are practicing what they have learned so far. For us, an evaluation is very important as we want to make sure that the training we are offering is worthy. We were so much encouraged to hear from our trainees how the training is transforming them, and how this course has changed their word view. The evaluation was done from the previous book: the book of 1 Timothy. The testimonies shared did not limited on this book of 1 Timothy, but also shared how the book of Biblical stewardship is helping them towards the transformation of their lives, their churches and their local communities. Moreover, the trainees vowed to organize many teachings in their local churches, teaching their congregants the content of this course. Once again, this evaluation activity was so important, because it is also giving us a good opportunity to learn more from them, to see where we can improve and to get more experience in teaching.
4.1 Day to day activity.
At Cankuzo center, every day in the early morning the trainers had to gather around the Word of God using the Bible Reading Guide or practicing expository preaching, for about 40 minutes. The training began at 8 am and ended at 5:00 pm. This was so good because all the trainees were staying at the same place. Each evening from 7pm to 8 pm, all trainers had a time to come together to do the debriefing, pray and evaluate the day. This gave me an opportunity to better prepare the next day according to the schedule provided in advance. On Friday, before closing the training an evaluation test was given to them, where almost everyone did well. We were thankful because of the achievement during this training on 1 Timothy and Biblical Stewardship.
4.2 About the book of 1 Timothy.
All participants agreed that, 1 Timothy should be the foundational as the writer of this course Mr. Jonathan said, since it deals with the issues we as church leaders, we daily struggle with. Indeed, the trainees realized that not only the letter was addressed to the church leaders but also to all the Christians since it was meant to be read publically and addressed the issue of behaviour and attitude. At the end, our trainees thought to call it a Christian letter and not a pastoral one. They also told us that while reading and writing they realized that each word contained in this letter was heavily loaded. Three crucial issues were raised in this book. Those issues were concerning excommunication, drinking of beer as well as issues concerning women in the church. Thorough discussions took place, and were understandable and constructive. Meanwhile, they vowed to change their attitude and ways of doing things in their respective churches.
4.3 About the book of the Church, its Nature, Purpose and Mission
Many people have found themselves being church leaders yet they did not understand the mission, vision and nature of the church. We are grateful to the Lord that participants to the course did understand clearly that they have been called to evangelize and fish people from where they are lost, reach out to them and not expect them to come on their own to the church premises where they are pumped with the Word of God. As participants, we came to realize that we are not seeking for the lost rather followers are recycled from Church to Church. Unanimously they said: “The time has come whereby we need to make disciples instead of making only believers. If we continue to make believers the church will die and Muslims will take over. The church must exist to be the salt and the light in our local community. We have understood that the church is not the buildings we build but we are the church. This is something new we have learned and understood. We need to change our world view and know who we are”.
4.4 Testimony
Mrs Ngabirano Ines said: “I am grateful to the Lord who led Rema people to come to this end to teach us this course related to the church. I was a leader of a church yet I did not know the mission, vision and nature of the church, and why its existence in the community. I am grateful to the Lord that has made it possible for this school to come to this place. I have now understood why I have been called, I have understood my calling and what I ought to do as a pastor I have understood that the church exists to bring transformation and change spiritually and physically in the community where it is implanted. I vow to work accordingly. Thank you “!
5. Challenges
A common challenge most all Burundi people have not only our students, is that life is becoming expensive on a daily basis. The socio-economic problems that the country is facing discourage both the trainees and the trainers. The persisting fuel problem has become a nightmare. We really need prayers on these issues.
6. Conclusion
As we close by this report I would like to tell you that we keep on encouraging our trainees to not cease to put into practice what they are taught in the training. We invited them to widen their horizon to include in their sphere of intervention, their local communities and their surroundings, for the world is God’s parish and the perishing are God’s people which Jesus died for and came to rescue.
Before I end this report, as trainers, we would like to join our students/trainees to say that our experience during this ongoing church leader training, is not a training course like so many others. Rather it is a “Training for Transformation”. Because it is bringing changes in people’s lives and these changes are affecting their local communities. We have not yet finished the race; we are pressing on towards the goal.
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REPORT OF CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING AT KARUSI AND NYANZA LAC 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
From 12th up to 18th of January 2025, Rema Burundi in its department of capacity building has organized a church Leaders training on the book of Biblical Eschatology. This training was attended by 45 church leaders from seven churches at Karusi and 130 from four church leaders at Nyanza-lac.
We were blessed to receive Jonathan Menn the author of Ecclea materials was thereto spend two weeks, training church leaders on the scheduled book: Biblical Eschatology. This is a special book which seems somehow difficult to understand.
Before starting this book as it is usual in our schedule, trainees have to share what they have been able to accomplish during the two previous months in the book of Biblical stewardship. They took enough time to share what they have been able to practice during the two months.
As far as the book of Biblical stewardship is concerned, all the participants testified that it had a positive impact on their daily lives. They clearly understood what a steward is, the role of a steward, and the different ways and strategies of working not only in everyday life but also in the work of God to which they are called. Some have learned how to plan their daily, weekly, monthly and yearly activities. Before learning this module, they didn't know how to do any of the activities. They did everything in a mess, and the result was always negative. But after acquiring the relevant knowledge, they have now improved their working methods and the yield is getting better and better. They've planted fruit trees, they've saved money, they've raised livestock... their way of life has now changed and so has the way they organize their activities. They are really satisfied with the lessons they have learned and ask for regular follow-up from the organizers.
After hearing what the learners were able to put into practice, our special guest took the time to begin the book of Biblical Eschatology. This book, which talks about things concerning the end times and the end of the world, also uses apocalyptic language. It provides further clarification on this subject because, according to theologians, there is no agreement on the subject, which is why people have different theories about it in their heads and minds. This has a negative effect on the implementation of the teachings received in this book.
2. Questions raised
The trainees had many questions to ask as many of them either in Buhiga or Nyanza lac had been indoctrinated by false teachings due to the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the biblical passages concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ and the questions concerning the antichrist. There were also many question from the book of Revelation. We praise God that our guest Jonathan Menn was able to give clear answers to them.
3. The book of Jonah
Jonathan didn’t have enough time to rest because for instance at Nyanza lac, from morning at 8:30 am to 3 pm he was doing the training at the Beloved Church, thereafter from 4 pm to 6 pm, he was teaching the book of Jonah at the Swedish Pentecostal Church. The participants were amazed to discover the powerful message in that book. Many of them said that the life of Jonah the prophet portrays and shows exactly who we are, what we go through in our daily lives and that is how we also live and behave. God have mercy on us, they said. Participants were so blessed to have Jonathan and requested him to go back and spend a whole week with senior pastors, teaching them Biblical Eschatology.
4. Conclusion
We thank God who sent Jonathan to come and took us through that course on Biblical Eschatology. We praise God for his protection and giving him and all of us good health during his stay. It was not easy to get fuel but the Lord provided it to us, as we had to go to Tanzania to buy it. In all we can dare to say that: God is good all the time and all the time God is Good and that is his nature.
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