EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION NEWS AND INSPIRATION CONNECT

JAN- MAR 2017 GIVE! SAVE! LIVE! 2 EDITORIAL

EAST CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION GIVE! SAVE! LIVE! www.ecdadventist.org President Blasious Ruguri Executive Secretary Alain Coralie Treasurer Jerome Habimana Communication Prince Bahati COMMUNICATION DIRECTORS Burundi Union Mission Eric Nsengiyumva Ethiopia Union Mission Mihret Dagnew North East Congo Union Mission Martin Mayenze North Congo Mission Elkanah Kerosi West Congo Union Mission Albert Biselele ike most kids smiles my friends faces How did he become we ought to give our East growing up, I when I gave them an so wealthy you might tithe and offerings back Union Conference L loved getting new unexpected gift. ask? The answer is to God. Secondly, we Catherine Nyameino toys. However, I would Today, instead of simple. He started with save a portion of our West Kenya Union sometimes do some- giving away toys I give giving. The bible tells income and then finally Conference thing that would really my time, my talent us that Abraham gave we live on the rest. Samuel Misiani annoy my parents. and my treasure. That’s a tenth of all he had to I challenge, you Northern Tanzania When my friends what the Bible calls Melchizedek the priest. to try this proposal. Union Conference would come over to stewardship. The bibli- (Gen 14:20) Remember, life is not Gideon Msambwa visit, I would take paper cal concept of stew- Genesis 14 is the about getting, it’s about Southern Tanzania and wrap up my toys as ardship is that nothing first mention of tithing giving. And while we Union Mission gifts and then give them we have is really ours in Scripture. As a don’t have to give away Christopher Ungani away to my friends. to begin with. We have result of Abraham’s our toys, we can have an Uganda Union Mission My parents would simply been entrusted faithfulness in tithe amazing satisfaction in Immanuel Ogwal often wonder why I with it so we can be a and commitment to giving our time, talent was giving away toys blessing to others. God giving, God blessed and treasure to invest in Rwanda Union Mission they had spent money said to Abraham, “I him with more than he the Kingdom of God. Onesphore Yadusoneye to buy. I would always will bless you so that could ever desire. That South Sudan Attached tell them “Remember, you can be a blessing!” was the secret to his Philip Baptiste Territory it’s more blessed to give The Bible tells us that success. Growing up, I CONNECT Editor John Taban than to receive.” Plus, Abraham was rich and learned the concept of CONNECT STAFF I just loved to see the increased in goods. Give, Save, Live. First Editor Philip Baptiste Advertising/Web CONNECT (ISSN 0777-001X) Jan-Mar 2017, Volume 2, Number 1. CONNECT is published quarterly four times per year by the Diane Kibuuka East-Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventists, 00503 Private Bag Mbagathi, Nairobi Kenya. Free for ECD church members and $10 per year for subscribers. ©2017 East-Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Unless otherwise credited, all Designer images are iStock. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Raschelle Hines Adventists. Contact us by email: [email protected] or phone: +254-733-333-373

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES 3 SOMEBODY CHANGED THE PRICE TAGS!

he story is told of three men hurt anybody else, I declare that are robbing me. But you say, born of women there was none that snuck into a major somebody’s changed the price ‘How have we robbed you?’ In greater than John the Baptist. T department store after hours. tags. When people can get up your tithes and contributions. Have you ever wondered what These three men entered the to their eyeballs in debt because You are cursed with a curse, for made John great? I believe that store but didn’t steal anything. their are trying to buy things you are robbing me, the whole there are three qualities that Instead they did something very just to impress others. I declare, nation of you. Bring the full tithe John possessed that made him foolish. Something so foolish that somebody’s changed the into the storehouse, that there so incredibly great. First he was that you ought to slap them. They price tags. may be food in my house. And humble, secondly he was truthful changed the price tags on each There’s a story Jesus tells thereby put me to the test, says and finally he was faithful even and every item in the store. where a man had a wheat sown the Lord of hosts, if I will not unto death. Adventist christians These men took the price tag and someone came and sowed open the windows of heaven for are called to be like John the off of a can opener and placed it tares alongside the wheat. The you and pour down for you a Baptist. We must be humble, on a flat screen TV and took the bible declares that an enemy blessing until there is no more truthful and faithful. We cannot price tag of the TV and placed has done this. I propose to you need. I will rebuke the devourer allow the enemy to change our it on the can opener. They took that the enemy is trying to sow for you, so that it will not destroy price tags of humility for pride, the price tag off of a screwdriver tares in the wheat of our lives. the fruits of your soil, and your or to exchange our tags of truth- and placed it on a microwave He’s trying to change the price vine in the field shall not fail to fulness for deceit. We dare not and took the price tag off the tags on our christian values and bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then trade the price tags of faithful- microwave and placed it on a principles. He’s even trying to all nations will call you blessed, ness for compromise. In all areas screwdriver. They changed the change the price tag’s on the for you will be a land of delight, of our lives, we must be humble, price tags on each and every item bible concept of tithing. says the Lord of hosts.” truthful and faithful to God until in the store. In Acts Chapter 5 we read This is a powerful promise. If the end. When the store opened the the tragic story of Ananias we ensure we keep the price tags In a world where there are so next morning, the managers and Sapphira. They were God of biblical stewardship and faith- may things competing for our didn’t catch the mistake for fearing christians who loved the fulness in place we will be blessed attention. Let’s us fix our minds 5 hours. Some customers got Lord and were faithful members beyond measure. However, if we on things above. Matthew 16:19- ripped off and some got bargains. of the early church. However, try to rob God and withhold the 21 instructs 19 “Do not lay up Some walked way singing praise they experienced sudden death tithe and offerings from Him, we for yourselves treasures on earth, God from whom all blessings because they lied about money. will be cursed and miss out on where moth and rust destroy flow. I can tell that you probably Instead of giving back to God the incredible blessings we could and where thieves break in and wish you had went shopping at a faithful tithe and offering, have received if we were faithful steal; 20 but lay up for your- that store on that day. they kept back some of it for to him! selves treasures in heaven, where I declare to you today, that themselves. They allowed the As Adventist believers we are neither moth nor rust destroys somebody’s changed the price enemy to sow tears in the wheat called to be like John the Baptist. and where thieves do not break tags in the world in which we of their lives. John prepared the way for the in and steal. 21 For where your live. In our world of materialism We must be faithful stewards coming of Jesus the Messiah and treasure is, there your heart will and misplaced values, I declare and not try to rob God like we are called as Seventh-day b e a l s o.” that somebody’s changed the Ananias and Sapphira did. The Adventist to prepare the way for price tags. When people say prophet Malachi councils us the second coming of Jesus. In Dr. Blasious Ruguri is you can do what you want to against this in Malachi 3:8-12. Matthew 11:11 Jesus commented President of the East-Central do, just as long as you don’t “Will man rob God? Yet you to his disciples that of all the men Division.

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 4 FEATURE STONES IN THE BAG me with sword and spear and are still in the bag. No one (Testimonies, Vol.3, p.117). javelin, but I come against is reaching inside the bag to We will experience unex- you in the name of the Lord pick up the one stone. You pected blessings if we take Almighty, the God of the and I should emulate David. the stones of out the bags and armies of Israel, whom you Reach your hand into the bag use them for mission. have defied. It’s of utmost and take just one stone of the interest to note that after five the Lord has blessed you “ALL FOR HIS GLORY” those statements of deter- with so we can be victorious. The Day the stones will be mination, David reached his The Church of God is pulled out, we will celebrate bag and got a stone out of five under ridicule, blasphemy; and dance. Like the women stones. the glory of the Lord is tram- of Israel did when David did Interestingly, in prepara- pled upon because the Stones in 1 Samuel 18:6-7 “it hap- tion for the battle, David did are still in the bags, in bank pened as they were coming, not go anywhere to borrow accounts, in pockets, in gar- when David returned from or make appeals for assis- dens, in the farms. Get them killing the Philistine, that tance. He used the available from there and do mission the women came out of all resources that God had given in the name of the Lord. The the cities of Israel, singing him. The stones, the sling reason we are still stagnating and dancing, to meet King and his willingness to attack. in Church is because people Saul, with tambourines, He simply reached his bag have not dipped the hands in with joy, and with musical Samuel 17: 49: “And and pulled out one stone out the bags. The stones are still instruments.” David put his hand into of five. This is 20% of the idle! Beloved, we have no reason 1 his bag and took from resources he pulled out to Doing something in the to celebrate when stones are it a stone and slung it, and accomplish the mission. name of Almighty only still in the bags, no celebra- struck the Philistine on his The Church of God has a means reaching your bags, tions when the money, the forehead. And the stone sank mission of taking the good pockets, bank accounts, blessing from God Almighty into his forehead so that he news of salvation to every gardens, businesses because is still locked up in banks fell on his face to the ground”. kindred, tongue, and people. that’s where the stones are. when all resources are sealed 1 Samuel 17: 49: “And You must be aware that in Get the stones from the bags off, and nobody is releasing David put his hand into his the course of doing this, we and attack! Use these stones them for the mission. Reach bag and took from it a stone are faced with challenges to hit all the stumbling blocks into the bags and release the and slung it, and struck the (Goliaths). on the way to the mission. 1 blessings to be used for the Philistine on his forehead. The Goliaths of manpower, Samuel 17:40. glory of the Lord. And the stone sank into his Church administrative David had five stones in Yes the poweris in the Lord forehead so that he fell on his expenses, infrastructure the bag but used only one and not in what we surren- face to the ground”. developments, preaching and stone. Percentage wise, der to Him for mission. But The Biblical account of witnessing, name them. All he used only 20% of the when wegive or return for David and Goliath is one these Goliaths are looking blessings. If we emulate what mission, it becomes evident of those that keeps us alert at us, mocking us, ridicul- David did, by setting 20% of that we have totally surren- about how God works with ing us, and challenging us. our income aside for mission deredall to Him for mission His determined and faithful Some of us are afraid of that is 10% tithe to God and and we are right on course! people, especially those that these challenges. Because of 10% offering we will experi- Pull the stones out of the bag are willing and ready to put that, perhaps our challenges ence incredible blessings. please! resources to work for the are still standing before us E. G. White says that “In glory of God. untouched! His providence, the Lord has William Bagambe is the ordained that the work in His Steward and Trust Services “ALL FOR HIS GLORY” “ALL FOR HIS GLORY” vineyard should be sustained Director for the East-Central David said to the The reason they are still by the means entrusted to Africa Division. Philistine, “You come against standing is that the stones the hands of His stewards”

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 FEATURE 5 I REALLY NEEDED THE MONEY

In subsequent chapters home to me: my relationship we see God fulfilling His with God is based on mutual promises to Abraham: He trust: God trusts me with protects him, delivers him His finances; I should trust from his enemies, gives Him with sustaining me. him and Sarah a son, and multiplies their descendants. Making a Start This same God will also Although I may need that protect, deliver, provide for extra 10 percent to pay bills, us, and give us the desires of or to buy that tube of tooth- our heart. Our only task is paste, the act of engaging to trust in Him with all our in this system with God is heart and lean not unto our exciting. I look at it as a chal- own understanding. lenge. It is me saying “OK, God, show off!” Realistically, Why I Tithe it does not always happen Tithing eventually came the way I predict, want, or am 24 years old. From listening) that I needed that to me through two separate perceive. My act of willfully the time I started my first money—because surely God Sabbath morning offering and wholeheartedly plac- I job to just recently, I was would not want me to starve, appeals. In the first expe- ing my trust in God, the in college. College: I prob- or be late on an expense. rience, I was at my home unseen, stretches my faith. ably do not have to explain Those words carried me church. The woman giving And frankly, if I can let go further what that indicates without tithing for years. the appeal told a personal of finances, the material for my financial situation. They were some brutal years. story of how God blesses possession that guarantees My income was not enough Frankly, I did not trust God her every time she gives. She comfort, I think I can let go even with a job. So you know to be who He says He is. I made the point that even of many things. that college students are wanted to get by on my own when she does not have Tithing is just the start, in a troublesome position strength. It did not work. enough she still gives and a big start, a seemingly when returning tithe. As a God rewards—not neces- uncomfortable start. But I college student, to let go of God Is Who He Says He sarily in finances, but He am truly intrigued as to how 10 percent probably means Is still rewards. It was such a God will show Himself to surviving on water and Genesis 14 chronicles simple appeal that I am still me. And with Him doing so, bread for at least a week. I the story of Abram giving astonished at how it struck my belief and assurance in have to pay rent. I have to a portion of his winnings me. I thought, God does Him will increase above the buy toothpaste. I have to pay to Melchizedek, king of provide for me, even when I faith I place in my finances. school fees. Salem, and priest of God: do not give. I hope this can be your And with our demanding “Melchizedek king of Salem The other appeal came two experience, your inclination, schedules, we do need to eat. brought out bread and wine. weeks later. Offertory appeal your intrigue: to prove God Therefore, tithing as a (He was priest of God Most time came, and I was expect- faithful. student had always been High.) And he blessed him ing the usual, give, and you something I approached and said, ‘Blessed be Abram will receive. However, the Tawanna Persaud is a flippantly. Even when I did by God Most High, posses- young man took a different recent graduate of Andrews give back, I felt as though sor of heaven and earth; and approach. He conveyed that University with a B.A. in I was taking so much away blessed be God Most High, what we earn is not yours. English literature. She works from myself without getting who has delivered your ene- It does not belong to us. It in Lubbock, Texas, and enough in return. So I did mies into your hand!’ And is God’s. God only entrusts plans to pursue international This article not develop a tithe-paying Abram gave him a tenth of us. And when we do not development law. first appeared in the Adventist habit. Instead, I argued (to everything” (Gen. 14:18-20, give, we are robbing Him. Review and is reprinted with myself, hoping God was ESV).* His words brought a point Permission.

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 6 FEATURE GIVING: IT’S A MATTER OF THE HEART!

brought to the Lord freewill You will notice that their offerings for all the work the giving was not occasional but Lord through Moses had com- systematic. It was not based manded them to do. on impulse but in response Do you see what was at the to God’s goodness. Because very foundation of their giving? of their awareness of God’s It was a willing and generous eternal blessings, they gave heart. It was out of the will- regularly. The same applies to ingness, the generosity of their us now. Our regular tithes and heart that their giving flowed. offerings are an expression of Those whose hearts were our thankfulness to God. Our stirred brought their offerings. wallet, bag, checkbook and Do you see the importance bank statement tell us more of your heart when it comes about our spirituality than any to giving? Not everyone in the verbal testimony we give. camp of Israel responded, but The giving of our resources, only those whose heart had of our time, of our money, been stirred. Why did they are living testimonies of our he people of Israel holy dwelling for His presence respond? It was because of their relationship to God. It demon- had now reached two amongst His people. This was devotion to God and their spirit strates whether we understand years into their forty not an easy undertaking. The of sacrifice. The people of God how generous and how good yearsT wilderness wanderings. building of the sanctuary was recognized the worthiness of God has been to us. It is an God had brought them a grand and expensive; it neces- God to receive their offerings, expression of our worship. mighty long way out of Egypt sitated substantial giving. and so they kept giving and giv- Here in Exodus, we see through the Red Sea and had In Exodus chapter 35:5, we ing. People gave their best. Their that when God expressed His provided water and manna for note that people were called to giving was an expression of their desire to the people of God them to eat. A pillar of clouds bring generously, with a will- worship. It was a true expression that they should build a sanc- was there to shade them from ing and ‘generous heart’. Verse and reflection of their relation- tuary for Him, they responded! the scorching sun during the 20-22 declares: ship to the One who had freed They wanted to participate in day; that same pillar would Then the whole Israelite them from slavery in Egypt and that venture with God. They transform itself into a pillar community withdrew from who had provided for their daily were willing to contribute. of fire to provide the warmth, Moses’ presence and everyone needs in the wilderness. Their They were ready to sacrifice the light, and protection they who was willing and whose deliverance was so real, and the because of their love for God, needed at night. heart moved them came and Lord had so stirred their hearts because of their devotion to Despite their rebellious spirit, brought an offering to the that they were willing to give. His cause. So as the sun rose, God had been good to them. Lord for the work on the tent What kind of giving was that? each day their thoughts would He could have done even of meeting, for all its service, How did they give? turn to meeting the needs of more, but because of their and for the sacred garments. God’s work! As a result, they apostasy, the Israelites had for- All who were willing, men 1. THEIR GIVING WAS brought their freewill offerings feited the manifold blessings of and women alike, came and REGULAR morning after morning. His Divine Presence. brought gold jewelry of all Exodus 36:3 declares that The people responded not Now the time had come for kinds: brooches, earrings, “they received from Moses all because Moses was a great the erection of a sanctuary rings, and ornaments. They all the offerings the Israelites had leader, a superb preacher, or an for God among them. God presented their gold as a wave brought to carry out the work excellent motivational speaker. had given Moses instructions offering to the Lord. of constructing the sanctuary. No, they responded to the concerning the building of And in verse 29, we read And the people continued to Word of God – because only the sanctuary – a tabernacle that: All the Israelite men bring freewill offerings morn- the Word of God, empowered chosen by their Deliverer, a and women who were willing ing after morning.” by the Spirit of God, can stir

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 FEATURE 7

up men’s hearts to this level will bless you beyond measure. logical maneuvering; just will- the Egyptians, so that they let of generosity and action. So, ing hearts ready to give until them have their request. Thus day after day they brought 2. THEIR GIVING the people were restrained they plundered the Egyptians.” their offering to Moses for IMPACTED OTHERS from bringing! How did it happen? “The the Tabernacle. Day after day, Exodus 36: 4,5 mentions Ellen G. White makes this LORD had given the peo- they gave! Day after day, they “they received from Moses all important observation: “All ple favor in the sight of the contributed! the offerings the Israelites had who love the worship of God Egyptians”. Day after day, they donated! brought to carry out the work and prize the blessing of His Has God been good to Day after day, they provided! It of constructing the sanctuary. sacred presence will manifest you? Has He smiled with such was a daily habit, a day-to-day And the people continued to the same spirit of sacrifice in favor over you that you’ve practice, not a once in a while bring freewill offerings morning preparing a house where He even plundered the Egyptians impulse. Giving to God was after morning. So all the skilled may meet with them. They will around you? The fundamental not a burden but a joy! It came craftsmen who were doing all desire to bring to the Lord an question we can ask is: where straight from their heart, not the work on the sanctuary left offering of the very best that do our blessings come from? because they were forced to do their work and said to Moses, they possess. A house built for They come from the Lord! so! Some of us might be waiting "The people are bringing more God should not be left in debt, The problem is that some- to give, saying: “I will start than enough for doing the work for He is thereby dishonored. times we don’t know that returning my tithe when my the Lord commanded to be An amount sufficient to accom- we’ve already been blessed. We financial situation improves.” d on e .” plish the work should be freely are waiting for a move from My friend, let me tell you that Question: Have you ever given, that the workmen may God, an intervention from on you don’t have to wait for your given something to the work of be able to say, as did the build- high, a miracle to happen, not financial situation to improve God that it stopped a co-worker, ers of the tabernacle, "Bring acknowledging that God has to start tithing. Just return a colleague, a fellow believer, no more offerings." (Patriarchs already blessed us. We don’t your tithe faithfully to God, an elder in his tracks, made and Prophets, p.346-7) realize that we’ve already been and you’ll see your financial him put down tools and come This is what happens when blessed so that we can be a situation improve. I’ve experi- and say to the pastor ‘she is too we love the worship of God blessing to others. enced it in my life. As a young generous, tell her to stop?’ That and prize the blessing of His Sometimes, we pray for married couple, my wife and I is exactly what happened in the sacred presence. We will give added resources when God has faced some incredible challenges wilderness. The people’s giving because giving is an exact indi- already provided enough for us but always returned our tithes so influenced the workmen that cator of our spirituality and and His cause. All we need to first before doing anything else. they had no choice but to go to love for God. do now is to give because God Sometimes we ran out of money, Moses and say they are giving has already provided. at times we didn’t know what too much and they had more 3. THEIR GIVING WAS IN The problem today is not that to do, at times we were almost than they would need or use. RESPONSE TO THEIR God has not supplied enough. desperate, but God always came Wouldn’t that be a great BLESSINGS. God has blessed our work, our through. He blessed us over and situation to be in as a church? A good question that we business, and our investments over and over again. Wouldn’t it testify of our could ask ourselves is: Where so that we can be a blessing I encourage you to get into love for God? The building did all the materials come to His church. The problem is the daily habit of giving to God; materials for the Temple came from to make the Tabernacle? that we are not willing to give then just step back and see from the hearts of the people. The answer is clear. We find it enough. It is just a matter of the God’s miracles at work. Our They knew that God had met in Exodus 12:35,36: “Now the heart. It is just a question of our God is faithful! He’ll never let their daily needs and now they sons of Israel had done accord- relationship with God. Why not you down. He’ll never turn His were going to meet the needs ing to the word of Moses, for make it our first and foremost back on you! He’ll never give of the Tabernacle. The people they had requested from the priority? up on you. Just give your life to brought more than necessary. Egyptians articles of silver and Him in worship as a living sacri- There were no human manip- articles of gold, and clothing; Alain Coralie is the Executive fice, offer your resources to Him ulation and tricks there! No and the LORD had given the Secretary of the East-Central in thanksgiving and see how He twisting of arms; no psycho- people favor in the sight of Africa Division

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 8 ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA TURNS 10

Adventist universities within the division, International, Middle East University, Maxwell Adventist Academy, ADRA-Africa, Advent Hill Primary School, and the three church confer- ences in Kenya. Special tribute was given to those who helped spear- head and develop AUA: Robert Lemon, Brempong and Mabel Owusu-Antwi, enya-based Adventist to declare “this is the God we Bediako said that the idea Blasious Ruguri, Chiemela K University of Africa have been waiting for" upon of AUA was planted by God Ikonne, Ellah Kamwendo, (AUA) celebrated its 10th Christ’s second coming. Himself long before the uni- Geoffrey Mbwana, Gerry anniversary with two days Paulsen set the pace for the versity opened a decade ago Karst, Gideon Mutero, of festivities attended by two weekend by giving an exposi- and underscored that AUA Hudson Kibuuka, Jan Seventh-day Adventist world tion on the armor of God and was developed to help the Paulsen, Luka Daniel, church presidents. the need to put it on during gospel reach all of Africa. Matthew Bediako, Pardon Ted N.C. Wilson, president Friday evening vespers. Bediakoalso encouraged the Mwansa, Roy Ryan, Samson of the Adventist Church since “I commend you to the students to keep Christ first. Getui, and Werner and 2010, and Jan Paulsen, who Word of God,” he said. “Degrees are important, Nancy Vyhmeister. served as president from 1999 “Impress it upon our people. but degrees do not win souls,” Students thanked AUA for to 2010, joined hundreds of Through it, you will know he said. “We need dedicated training them to serve God people in congratulating AUA Christ, right from wrong, and pastors who are sold out to and others in Africa. and giving glory to God at experience the power of His the mission of the church, the event in Nairobi on Oct. resurrection.” those who love lost souls.” Janet Oyende is the public 28 and 29. Matthew Bediako, who He passionately finished relations assistant for the Wilson, in a Sabbath ser- served as world church by saying: “The best times Adventist University of Africa. mon, urged AUA to be intent secretary when AUA opened are ahead of us. God will use in proclaiming the soon in 2006, wrapped up the AUA to spread the gospel.” return Christ. He challenged celebrations on Sabbath eve- Congratulatory messages the congregation to make ning with a message themed, were given by various church God's word the foundation “Who dares to despise the entities, including the East- of all they do while waiting days of small beginnings?” Central Africa Division, other

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 BURUNDI 9 THE CHURCH IN BURUNDI PREPARES FOR MAJOR EVANGELIST THRUST IN 2018

nationwide 2018 TMI event crossed a period of socio-po- in Burundi. litical tension between Evangelistic campaigns political stakeholders and have been organized almost it is reorganizing to recover at the same time in the from many decades of ethnic Capital City Bujumbura and conflicts, war and crime. in other different major areas Within a population he Adventist Church in anchor of every activity of the country where 8,000 of about 10 million, The T Burundi is preparing for a undertaken from now until people have been baptized, Seventh-day Adventist major evangelist outreach proj- 2018 in particular and 2020 last summer. Perhaps this Church counts about 128,198 ect that will take place in 2018. in general. Provisions are may portray the bigger members worshiping in more Under the ECD theme Mission being made to involve every picture of how things might than 819 churches. Priority, It is harvest time. single person in outreach and look like in 2018. Church leaders in Burundi ministry. Pastors and church Burundi Union Mission Philip Baptiste the editor for are making Total Member leaders are striving to prepare territory is located in Burundi. CONNECT. Involvement (TMI), the and plan effectively for the Burundi as a country has just

CONGO ECD PRESIDENT ENCOURAGES TOTAL MEMBER INVOLVEMENT IN SONGA ciated his focus on mission 100 years ago. Songa Mission and evangelism through Total was established officially in Member Involvement. 1921 and the Songa Adventist “I am impressed and happy to Hospital was opened to the see that Songa is such a vibrant community in 1927 by Dr. place,” said Ruguri. “Knowing J. H. Sturges. Through their that this is where Adventist mis- efforts, the work spread sion started in the DR Congo throughout the Democratic fills me with great joy,” Republic of Congo. The president shared he Currently, Songa Adventist would like the world church to Hospital is a 95-bed rural pray for this institution. mission hospital located in a "We need more infrastructure, sparesland of 500 Hectares. human power, and funds to "I was touched by the

Fesaha Tsegaye do what we can to help Songa commitment and faithfulness Mission and the Songa Adventist of the Songa Members," said istorical visit to Songa Hospital, about 800 km north- Hospital move forward.” Ruguri. H Mission & Songa Adventist west of Lubumbashi. During his visit, the The Adventist Church Hospital by ECD President. He was warmly welcomed president officially opened a has three Unions in the Dr. Blasious Ruguri, presi- by church members, the com- medium-sized clinic which Democratic Republic Congo dent of the Adventist Church munity, and the Big Chief of will be managed by the Songa with 538,364 church members in the East-Central Africa Kamina. This visit was histor- Adventist Hospital. as of June 30, 2015. region recently visited the ical to Songa Mission because The Songa Adventist East Congo Union Mission this was the first time in Mission will be celebrating Fesaha Tsegaye is Health to attend the 2016 year-end almost 90 years of its existence its 100 year anniversary in Ministries Director for the meetings. During his visit, he to be visited by the Division August 2017. East-Central Africa Division. traveled to the Songa Mission President. Participants were began in Songa when the first and the Songa Adventist blessed by this visit and appre- Adventist missionaries arrived

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 10 ETHIOPIA YOUTH RAISE FUNDS FOR UNIFORMS AND SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA Photos: Courtesy Ethiopia Union Mission

he youth at the Kebena stood in front of the congre- one elderly lady, who didn’t Word of God. Following the T Seventh-day Adventist gation and introduced the look to have much for service, they had lunch at Church in Ethiopia are idea. They stressed the appli- herself, came to a committee the campus together with the engaged in community cation of the Sabbath school member and put in his hand church members and sup- service. The primary focus lesson studied so far and enough money for one child. plies were delivered by the are prisons, orphanages and a finally asked the members to Another member came and church pastor. The children nearby school. “participate in this tremen- said he would be willing to and their parents had smiles This idea was strength- dous blessing of service." cover for ten children. By the on their faces which could ened and encouraged by the A moment of silence took end of that day, the com- not be expressed with words. Sabbath school lesson in the over. Then, one church elder mittee raised double of the “This is wonderful,” said one third quarter of 2016, which stood up and said, “I would amount needed. parent, “I am grateful for what strongly emphasized the active like to cover the expense for All of the committee mem- you have done for us. I have role the church needs to play one child even if I’m a retired bers were in awe with what no words but to say God bless in society. The Adventist person.” Another member they witnessed that day. “We you.” Another one said, “This Youth Committee at the then said, “I would like to have seen God truly at work,” might not mean much to you. Kebena Seventh-day Adventist cover for two.” exclaimed one AY committee But it means a whole lot for my Church decided to take action Then members started to member. Following that, it child and me. God bless you”. on this lesson by engaging raise their hands, “I would like was decided to provide not It was beautiful to see the with a nearby governmental to cover the cost of not only only uniforms but exercise happiness this act of service school to provide help. the uniform but the books and books and all the necessary brought those families. God The Adventist Youth stationary.” Members started stationary for 40 students. was at work in motivating the Committee identified chil- to indicate with their fingers— The school was notified and, members of the AY commit- dren who came from low-in- three, four, five, showing the with the church members tee, opening up the hearts come families who couldn’t number of children for whom at the forefront, selected 37 and hands of the church afford to buy uniforms. These they were willing to cover the students who desperately members, and in the families kids were being fed at least expenses of the uniform. needed the supplies. who were at the receiving end. once a day by the govern- Once the goal of funding Consequently, one Sabbath It goes without saying if we ment. After the idea received thirty uniforms was reached, was decided to invite the are willing to work for God’s joyous approval from the one church member inter- children and their parents cause, he is “faithful and just” pastor and the board, it was jected, “Let’s increase the num- to the church and deliver to “perform the good work He decided to raise funds by ber.” And pledges kept coming the supplies provided to has begun in us.” proposing the concept to the and coming. It was incredible! them by church members. church members. God was visibly working On that day, the children Jafe Gemechis is youth, One Sabbath, following the through the people, opening up came with their parents and chaplaincy and public Sabbath school study, two hearts to work for his cause. spent the Sabbath morning campus ministries director members of the committee After the service ended, in the church listening to the for the Ethiopia Union Mission.

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 KENYA 11 ADVENTIST SWORN IN AS KENYA’S TOP JUDGE DAVID MARAGA SEEKS GOD’S BLESSING BEFORE STARTING HIS NEW JOB Hope Channel Kenya always place his faith above his corruption. work. “The whole nation is expect- “It would be very difficult ing so much of him,” he said. for me to sit on a Saturday “More of us need to lift him up to hear a case,” Maraga said and to really ask God to stay at the time, responding to a with him so he can stand true commission member’s query to the expectations.” about a hypothetical situation. Seventh-day Adventists “I would rather talk with my have served as judges in colleagues in the court to the past, but none has led a accommodate me and exempt country’s Supreme Court. me from sitting if the hearing An Adventist, Mary Angawa, extends to a Saturday.” previously served as a judge in Chief Justice David Maraga taking the oath of Maraga said his practice is Kenya’s Supreme Court, and office at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya, on to worship God in church on Daniel David Nanda Nsereko Oct. 19, 2016. Saturdays, the biblical sev- of Uganda is currently a enth-day Sabbath. judge with the International Seventh-day Adventist reported. Kenya’s national parliament Criminal Court in The Hague, A judge who refuses to work Ruguri said Thursday that gave final approval to Maraga’s The Netherlands. In Papua on Sabbath has been sworn in the judge is a man of prayer appointment on Tuesday. New Guinea, Gibuna Gibbs as the ’s and an example of faithfulness Ruguri, who also prayed Salika serves as deputy chief Supreme Court, marking to all Adventists. at the opening of the swear- justice of the South Pacific the first time that a church “He puts prayer first,” Ruguri ing-in ceremony, said Kenya’s nation’s Supreme Court. member has presided over a told the . “He Adventists are thrilled about Maraga’s elevation to chief country’s top court. was in no hurry to take up his the appointment of a fellow justice should remind all Chief Justice (CJ), David new office until after he had Adventist to the top court. Adventists to remain faithful Maraga, invited Blasious invited God to accompany him “There is a strong feeling to God, Ruguri said. Ruguri, President of the on this path.” that out of his faithfulness “As we continue practicing Adventist Church’s East- Maraga, 64, was sworn in to God, he will be faithful our faith in this world, we need Central Africa Division, whose Wednesday during a ceremony to the people, faithful to the to know that we are under territory includes Kenya, into at the State House, the official nation,and truly execute fair- close scrutiny and observation his chambers for a prayer of residence of Kenyan President, ness and justice,” he said. “The by the public,” he said. dedication before tackling his Uluru Kenyatta, in the African church in Kenya is both very “You never know when you new responsibilities. country’s capital, Nairobi. happy and at the same time might be called upon to fill in “As a staunch Christian, I Kenyatta had endorsed very humbled.” a sensitive and critical position had purposed that before I Maraga, a court of appeals The Adventist Church has like this,” he said. “We must begin to discharge my new judge, to the seven-member 867,000 Adventists worshiping just practice our Christian life duties as the CJ, I will pray Supreme Court upon the rec- in about 9,000 congregations with diligence and carefulness and thank God for bringing ommendation of the Judicial across the country, which has so we can serve well when we me this far,” Maraga said as Service Commission, which is a population of 44.3 million. are called.” he ushered Ruguri, other comprised of Supreme Court Christians comprise about 82 Adventist leaders, and senior judges and other legal experts. percent of the population, with Andrew McChesney is the judges into his chambers. The previous chief justice had the second-largest group being News Editor for the Adventist “I have come along with the retired earlier this year. Muslims, with 11 percent, or Review. leadership of the Adventist Maraga made national 4.3 million people. Church, and I call upon Dr. headlines in late August when Ruguri called for prayers for Ruguri to lead the prayer he told the Judicial Service Maraga, whom he said many session,” Maraga said, Kenya’s Commission during the Kenyans hope will help the Daily Nation newspaper vetting process that he would government as it grapples with

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 12 RWANDA ECD PRESIDENT INAUGURATES A POLYCLINIC IN RWANDA ADVENTIST RADIO SHOW IN RWANDA WINS TOP AWARD

fter participating in year- project is not only for East- A end meetings in the Rwanda Central Rwanda Conference Union Mission, Dr. Blasious or Rwanda Union mission, Ruguri, President of the but for the entire worldwide East-Central Africa Division Seventh-day Adventist Church. (ECD) inaugurated a two- “This building itself is a story Nyarurama Polyclinic on message. It is speaking very November 18, 2016. loudly to the people who nesphore Yadusoneye, Board commended the media Pastor Isaac Ndwaniye, look at it. It is a tremendous O Managing Director practitioners for their role in President of East-Central witness. There are people for Voice of Hope Radio in educating and informing the Rwanda Conference said that who will find their way in the Rwanda (Ijwi ry’Ibyiringiro) locals hence contributing to the this conference decided to kingdom of God because of wins a media award as the development of the country. build this polyclinic in order this project”, Ruguri said. producer of the best radio The president of Rwanda to fulfill one of the 3 pillars He stressed that this proj- magazine for 2016. The event Union Mission, Pastor upon which our church ect has a unique purpose, was organized by the Media Hesron Byilingiro, congrat- is founded: Evangelism, “Missio—we want to impact the High Council in conjunction ulated the winner for the Education and Health. people of this area and beyond.” with the Rwanda Association achievement and requested Dr. Hesron Byilingiro, Ruguri asserted that when of Journalists and the Rwanda that he and his colleagues President of Rwanda Union this polyclinic opens, it must Governance Board. continue producing qual- Mission, commended everyone be peculiar. He mentioned The event took place on ity work which can benefit who contributed to the real- that while doctors will be November 7, 2016, at the not only Adventsit church ization of this project. “I am treating patients, they will Marriott Hotel in Kigali. members, but also non-Ad- proud of this and so is every also be praying for them and Rwanda was celebrating the ventists since radio has no church member in Rwanda sharing the message of hope. Africa Information Day in boundaries. Union Mission because of this He commended the conjunction with the 8th In 2013, Yadusoneye won marvelous project.” leadership of Rwanda Union National Media Dialogue and an award on Environment Byilingiro further noted Mission and church members Development Journalism Media by Rwanda Environment that Nyarurama Polyclinic for their exemplary commit- Awards ceremonies for 2016. Management Authority and in East-Central Rwanda ment in mission. The East- The magazine award was for another award by United Conference is a reflection Central Rwanda Conference “Male Involvement in Family Nations Family and Population of the entire Rwanda Union is planning to extend this Planning.” The winner pro- Agency (UNFPA) called the Mission because there are project by building a hospital duced this program after learn- Population Media Award. other similar projects taking in the next four years. ing in training that many men place in this territory. He think that Family Planning is a Article by Voice of Hope underlined that this poly- Onesphore Yadusoneye, women’s issue only. Radio Team. clinic is a center of influence Acting Communication Director Professor Anastase Shyaka, whose purpose is to exalt the for Rwanda Union Mission and the Chief Executive Officer praises of our Creator. Managing Director of Voice of for the Rwanda Governance According to Ruguri, this Hope Radio.

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 SOUTH SUDAN 13 ADVENTISTS IN JUBA CELEBRATE GLOBAL HAND ADVENTIST SHARE FOOD AND WASHING DAY ENCOURAGEMENT IN SOUTH SUDAN

he 9th celebration of the burden of diarrhea and T global hand washing respiratory infections in the day, an annual event that is community. The national commemorated globally, was government now puts held this year in South Sudan emphasis on water and sani- at the Seventh-day Adventist tation and hygiene (WASH) Primary School in Juba with as a critical priority of public the theme Make hand wash- health development agenda he country of South The Church has become ing a Habit-Washing hand for South Sudan. T Sudan has recently expe- a place where the children with soap keeps cholera away Commenting on chal- rienced economic challenges. from the community find from you and your family. lenges, the minister men- The devaluation of the cur- comfort and relief every The celebration brought tioned that only 33.3% of rency has been slowly push- Sabbath. John Taban, together 33 schools around South Sudanese population ing the majority of families communication director Juba, among them also were has access to adequate sanita- into a financial crisis. Most for the South Sudan region, the UN fraternity, interna- tion and hygiene services. households in the region said, “The gospel has to tional NGOs, national NGOs, She encouraged the have been unable to provide become practical, the acts national government min- national ministry of edu- for their daily needs. of mercy formed the main istries, along with State and cation to introduce hand Recognizing the desperate ministry of Jesus Christ, and Local governmental officials. washing practice in their need in their neighborhood, He approached people by The commemoration was curriculum in all schools in the Mount Zion-Hai Neem meeting their needs before presided over by the Minister South Sudan. Adventist Church a Branch bidding them follow Him. of Water Resources and The minister thanked of Juba Adventist Central James, a disciple of Jesus, Irrigation of the national gov- the Seventh-day Adventist Church, decided to provide asserted that the religion that ernment Hon. Sofia Pal Gai. primary school for hosting food every Sabbath to the demands is to look after the In her Speech, the minister the event and for their active needy children from the fatherless, and widows in highlighted some of the key participation and performance neighboring slums known their distress…(James 1:27). reasons why hand washing during the entire celebration. as Khor Bou. The people of That is what the Adventists in with soap should be a habit She shared she was proud to be Khor Bou fled their areas to our region are trying to do." among the South Sudanese a part of the celebration in an avoid insecurity and settled Church leaders are request- community. Adventist school because she in Juba. ing continued prayer for the The minister said 41% of herself attended an Adventist The Church is also engag- community of Khor Bou in South Sudanese children suffer school in her earlier years ing in other outreach activi- Juba and MT Zion Hai Neem from diarrhea, while 19% suf- adding that she is a product of ties in the community such as Church as they strive to heal fer respiratory infection and Adventist education. providing shelters to families the hurting and share the that 40% of deaths of children headed by women. Church hope in their region. under five years of age are due John Taban is the members have donated to poor hygiene practices. Communication Director of clothes and are distributing By SSAT Communication She encouraged collective the South Sudan Attached them to the struggling fami- Staff. responsibility in reducing Territory. lies in the community.

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 14 TANZANIA MOROGORO DISPENSARY NEW REHABILITATION LAUNCHES MATERNITY CENTER REACHES OUT TO THE SERVICES COMMUNITY IN SINGIDA Courtesy of the Northern TanzaniaCourtesy of the Northern Union Conference Christopher Ungani

he 2016 year-end meetings coming to health facilities Tof the East-Central Tanzania get best services, especially Conference (ECT) held in in maternal health. The goal, Morogoro was followed by a he said, is to “develop our string of noteworthy ceremonies prenatal clinic services which of opening maternity services at serves 300 mothers and 400 Morogoro Adventist Dispensary children monthly with the he Seventh-day Adventist She introduced a strategy to on December 1, 2016. best postnatal services.” TChurch in Northern accomplish this by creating At the opening ceremony, The ECT financed the Tanzania Union Conference uniforms for the women at the honor of cutting the ribbon renovation of Morogoro has created new avenues the Rehabilitation center. was given to Dr. Frank Jacob, Adventist Dispensary, con- for outreach through the Mariam also prepared a big a Regional Health Officer for struction of the laboratory, establishment of a Rehab promotion to reach the goal Morogoro Region, who served and construction of delivery building at Singida Region in of starting construction of the as a Guest of Honor. facilities. Eight deliveries can Tanzania as a part of accom- rehab building. She involved This jubilant occasion was be accommodated daily. plishing their mission and the government leaders and also attended by government “Now we have ambulance helping society in overcom- other community members. officials, health officers,- con and delivery equipment, ing different problems. During the function which ference officers, departmental and our constructed facility The idea started within was held at Sheikh Amri directors, church workers from ensures every conceivable the department of womens Abed at Arusha the guest of various church institutions and comfort and convenience, ministry due to the increasing honor was Regional commis- numerous other guests. including lavatories in all number of girls and boys who sioner Hon. Mrisho Gambo, “The future of our nation patient rooms, we are able to engage themselves in drugs apart from supporting the depends, first and foremost, provide medical care of the and prostitution activities project, he appreciated the on the physical well-being of highest quality,” said Athanas which cause the deceleration willingness and initiative of our people,” Jacob said. “We Sigoma, the Treasurer of ECT. of man power to the society church members to make this congratulate the Seventh-day The East-Central Tanzania as well as deceleration of idea become a reality. Church Adventist Church for joining Conference of the Seventh- moral behavior. The idea to leaders are praying that this hand the efforts of the govern- day Adventist Church runs rescue those who are in pain project will help countless ment in ensuring that people four dispensaries found in is supported by the whole individuals in the Singida are living in good health.” Morogoro, Dodoma, Pemba Union and its churches. community. Dr. Josiah Tayali, Director and Zanzibar. Mariam Samo, a director of Health Ministries of womens ministry, was Gideon Msambwa is the Department at ECT, said that Christopher Ungani is the able to mobilize her peo- communication director for it is one of the responsibilities Communication Director of ple within the church and the Northern Tanzania Union of his department to ensure the Southern Tanzania Union government leaders as well. Conference. that all mothers who are Mission

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 UGANDA 15 THEOLOGY GRADUATES FROM ADVENTIST YOUTH IN BUGEMA GEAR UP FOR TMI UGANDA USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO START A NEW CHURCH Immanuel Ogwal Diane Kibukka

ver 250 people were Kiconco who had a shared Obaptized as the result of a vision to promote evange- Facebook Invitation to a three lism. Samuel Okello, a native week evangelist campaign of Agago is the only known heology graduates neighbors with the good held in a rural region of Adventist in Agago and felt Tfrom the Adventist news of Jesus. Uganda. The evangelist out- the joy he has experienced in University of Bugema in According to Dr. Gebre reach event was held in the Adventism should be shared Kampala, Uganda pledged to Warancha, Dean of the School Agago region located approx- with the people in his village. embrace the Total Member of Theology and Religious imately 400 miles north of To get the churches Involvement (TMI) initiative Studies, in every area of study, Uganda’s capital Kampala. support, the three young as they prepare to enter into lecturers informed students 400 people attended men visited the Northern full-time ministry. about church initiatives nightly and more than 250 Uganda Field under which The graduates expressed including TMI. He challenged were baptized at the con- Agago falls and they got the their excitement for mission the graduates to concentrate clusion of the three week full blessings of the Field during the 22nd graduation, on church member partici- outreach on December Executive Director, Pastor which took place November pation lest their education be 3, 2016. Pastor Rogers Luke Isile. 20 missionaries 13, 2016 in Kampala. “useless”. The dean believes Kaggwa, Communication were dispatched by the field Pastor Ogembo Richard, a that Bugema has groomed and Education Director for to Agago in preparation for 2016 graduate, commended it's students for mission and Central Uganda Conference the evangelist effort. the University for equipping equipped them for excellence said “Our hearts have been The nearest church to students with the knowledge in ministry. touched to see God at work Agago is over 70 km away. and ideas to implement “Total The 22nd graduation at through through the meet- This church will be a center Member involvement”. He Bugema University was a ings. We praise God for for growing church member- revealed one of his strategies celebration of 1,378 distin- youth that are dedicating ship in the surrounding area. would be to empower church guished graduates. Those their social media for minis- Pastor Paul Muasya, General members to be fully involved graduating from theology try and outreach.” Field Secretary of the East- and to enjoy team working know that a special mission In addition to the bap- Central Africa Division, with Jesus. He believes that by lies ahead as the Seventh-day tisms, that resulted from who visited Uganda Union total participation, members Adventist Church in Uganda the social media campaign, Mission during the 2016 year can be transformed into the is getting ready to participate Adventist young people end meetings was delighted image of Jesus. in a special nationwide TMI have raised over $5,000 USD to receive the report on this Pastor Ssali Kisaki Evangelist campaign. The towards building a new initiative. He hailed the use Emmanuel, another grad- event is scheduled to take church building for the bap- of social media as the way to uate, said the graduates place in Tanzania and Uganda tized members. go in furthering evangelism. feel prepared to go and be from June 16 to July 1, 2017. The SDA-U Facebook the light of the world and group was started by three Immanuel Ogwal is the inspire every church member By Prince Bahati and Diane young men, Samuel Okello, Communication Director for to reach their friends and Kibukka. Andrew Ssegawa and Ivan the Uganda Union Mission

CONNECT | JAN-MAR 2017 Private Bag Mbagathi, 00503 Nairobi, Kenya PERIODICALS