Baptist Friendship Kampala

In November 2008, a team of ABCNJ pastors (Michael Klemick, Peter Ely, Michael Feicht, Lee Spitzer) met with several Rwandan Baptist refugee families in Kampala, Uganda.  In response to our expressions of concern and solidarity, this group, along with other families, organized a community they call “Baptist Friendship Kampala.”

In cooperation with ABCUSA International Ministries and the Baptist Union of Uganda, ABCNJ churches in 2009 began fundraising efforts to provide educational scholarships for the children of this group.  There are about 100 children (from elementary to college levels).  Our scholarships pay for tuition, meals and uniforms. So far, we have donated about $10,000 in aid.  This is an ongoing need – and we would urge your church to “adopt” one or more children.  For between $200 and $800 a year (depending on age level), you can meet this need for a child in Kampala.  Donations can be made by writing checks to ABCNJ and code it for Kampala Rwandan Education.  This is the perfect Vacation Bible School project!

A Mission Trip Opportunity: Uganda in 2010

Rev. Charles Jones, IM Area Director for Africa, is planning to visit Uganda in October 2010 and is inviting ABCNJ members to accompany him.  Plans are still in the works, but we do have confirmation that October 17-19 will be key dates for worshipping in BUU churches and meeting with members of the Baptist Friendship Kampala.  If you are interested in being part of this mission team, please contact Judy Hart.

AEBR President Andre Mfitumukiza’s Visit to ABCNJ

 The Association of Evangelical Baptists in Rwanda currently operates the eye clinic ABCNJ helped to establish. AEBR President Andre Mfitumukiza has accepted our invitation to visit ABCNJ churches in September 2010 and to be the luncheon speaker at the ABCNJ Annual Session on September 25, 2010.  We will soon be working on his schedule.  If you would like to invite him to your church, please contact Judy Hart.

Developments within the UEBR

Most of ABCNJ’s involvement in Rwanda has been in cooperation with the Union of Evangelical Baptists in Rwanda (UEBR).  We have sponsored projects benefiting churches, laypeople and pastors, and sent a missionary family (the Stanleys) there for a short-term assignment.

However, international donors to the UEBR have been concerned about financial transparency and problematic practices within the UEBR.  Despite intense negotiations with ABCNJ, International Ministries, the Baptist World Alliance, the Danish Baptists, and the Canadian Baptists, the UEBR leadership was unwilling to take steps necessary to restore confidence among the mission partners.  As a result, all international partners placed a moratorium on financial assistance.

In recent weeks, we have received word that the UEBR is in the midst of a leadership transition.  Please keep this in your prayers; we are monitoring events there closely.  Our hope is that a time will come soon when we can resume ministering alongside our UEBR sisters and brothers.

Are You Interested in Being a Part of ABCNJ’s Rwanda/Uganda Ministry?

Any ABCNJ church can send one or more representatives to the Rwanda Task Force Meetings.  Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:00 pm.  We always begin with a covered dish dinner (bring something fun!) and meet at the Region Office.  Please let our Task Force Coordinator, Judy Hart, know you are planning to come (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer                                                Mrs. Judy Hart

Executive Minister/Senior Regional Pastor            Task Force Coordinator