HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD n HA

victims. Although many precious lives were lost, our testimony is that if not for God, it could have been worse. We also express our deep appreciation

to several Baptist conventions, churches, individuals and nongovernmental organi- zations that identified with our brethren in Africa, especially in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. We say a big thank you to those wonderful caregivers, the doctors, nurses and many volunteers who also risked their lives.

I want to appreciate the Baptist World

AFRICAN CONCERNS and MISSION

by Duro Ayanrinola GOD’S MIRACULOUS HAND AGAINST EBOLA I

n 2014, we saw God performing His miracles. If no other group prayed, I know global Baptists did. I want to thank you all for praying from your hearts. The Lord answered our prayers and amazingly, He stopped the spread of Ebola and healed our land. God in His mercy did more; He sanctified the medication given to the

Alliance for organizing many Skype con- ferences and coordinating both financial and material aid to these countries in Africa.

numbers.

Ebola casualties were more than the They

included our fathers,

mothers, sons, daughters, friends and beloved relations. We earnestly pray that God will comfort those close relatives and associates.

ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISTS

The insurgence of Islamic fundamen- talists is a global phenomenon known by different names in different parts of the world. They are organized, well-financed and have their aims and objectives clearly spelled out.

Islamic Caliphates in regions of the world; ultimately

plan is to Islamize the

One of their purposes is to create the

world. In Africa, Christians are their target. They instil fear in the hearts of believers and intentionally destroy their means of livelihood, burn church buildings and kill people.

Consequently, many Christians

don’t have the confidence to go out for Sunday worship service for fear of being killed, captured or abducted. Unfortunately, these jihadists are spreading like wildfire. The Boko Haram that started in 2009 has extended its wicked operations to Cameroon. Terrorism is becoming a global phenomenon and a subtle international conspiracy against Christ and His church. This is not the time to fold our hands. It calls for action. What are the actions we can take? We must pray for courage to stand in Holy Ghost boldness to witness Christ in His power with a strong determination not to denounce Christ. We must intentionally disciple the next generation.

TRAINING IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION TRAINERS (TCTT)

The All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF) in partnership with International Ministries of American Baptist Churches (Continued on next page)

N RIGHTS AWARD n HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD n HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD n HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD n HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD n H

combined the disciplines of community development and biblical theology. While working in this position, he developed regional initiatives that assisted Hutu and Tutsi participants to understand the causes of the genocide, to seek and to extend forgiveness, and to build relationships based on the principles of justice, mercy and faith. With the assistance of a colleague, Laurena

Zondo of Canada, Munyamasoko launched a peace camp movement in 2010. The peace camps bring young women and men together from various provinces in Rwanda. Over a period of one week, participants form an intentional community of equality, respect,

At each camp, Munyamasoko leads

creativity and dialogue. the group to consider the

painful background of Rwanda’s ethnic divisions. Peace camp participants engage in music, drama, art and poetry that help to bring healing and reconciliation. These camps have received government recognition for their impact. Munyamasoko’s commitment to peace has not been limited to Rwanda. He works on both sides of the DRC-Rwanda border. During times of tension between the two countries, Munyamasoko

Corneille Gato Munyamasoko of Rwanda, recipient of the 2015 BWA Congress Human Rights Award

met with church leaders and congregations in the DRC. He visited and worked with Kenyan church leaders after the 2007 election violence that shook that country. Munyamasoko later returned to Kenya to assist churches to prepare to act as agents of peace and to offer places of safety in preparation for the 2013 national elections. In his fight against stigmatization of

those who suffer from HIV and AIDs, Munyamasoko said, “As a human being but also as a pastor, I have always been touched by the stigmatization of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in our churches, and since then I initiated an anti-stigmatization

campaign among pastors in AEBR.” Pastors are trained to become role models for those who are caregivers, a campaign which Munyamasoko claims to have had great success. Stigmatization, he asserted, “is no longer an issue in our congregations.” In 2013, Munyamasoko was elected general secretary of the AEBR, a position in which he now serves.

APRIL/JUNE 2015 13

Europe

Middle East

Africa

North America

Caribbean

Asia