On Friday 19th, 2024 , the 7th ordinary plenary session continued in Saint Peter’s Cathedral of the United Methodist Church, Burundi Annual Conference .
The resident bishop Daniel WANDABULA opened the session with prayer and the morning devotion was delivered by Rev. Ephraim MASABARAKIZA from scripture reading of PALMS 46: 10 and ACTS 3: 1-9.
The Conference Secretary Rev.Ladislas NIYIRAGIRA presented the conference program of the second day where the resident bishop decided to start with unfinished reports and presentations.
The first presentation was presented by Rev. Rogers Solomon Georges from Sierra Leonne about the historical background of the United Methodist Church worldwide and how it is structured. The Reverend finally explained a proper way to organize an Episcopal area.
The second topic was presented by Rev. David Muwaya also from Uganda on how to prepare a strategic budget from the Conference level to the parish level. He insisted on preparing in time what the treasurer wants to accomplish before he implements it.
The third presentation was presented by Dr. Josiane MANIRAKIZA from Burundi. She explained the meaning of the United Methodist Development Agency [U.M.D.A] and how U.M.D.A is structured.
She said that the agency will contribute to the development of the church and the community, especially by helping the community financially and materially in their projects. According to Dr. Madame Josiane MANIRAKIZA, the agency is going to start its work after recruiting the project coordinators.
Report of ordained ministry was presented by Rev. Claude NTAKARUTIMANA. It was very sad to be informed that three pastors passed away this year. The chairperson of the board thanked God that all pastors received pastoral training for three days in NGOZI in partnership with N2N. Reverend informed delegates that there will be no ordination due to challenges observed where you find one local church has more than six pastors.
Different reports were presented as follows; Report on conference statistics presented by RUMURI William, report of Board of Pension presented by Madame NIJIMBERE Marie Therese, report of Board of trustees presented by Julias Niyongere, reports on Board of Health by Dr.Aloys NYABENDA, reports presented by conference presidents of Youth, Women and Men Methodist Organizations.
Report of delegates of the 2020 General Conference was presented by the Rt. Reverend Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA. He told the delegates that, there are so many things to be proud of which the General Conference of 2020 approved in favor of East Africa Episcopal Area and Africa in general.
He said that establishment of East Africa Central Conference, Burundi Annual Conference Episcopacy and regionalization zone in Africa are among the decision from G.C, Burundi Annual Conference appreciate.
Also, the head of the delegates Rev. Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA suggested that in the future the elected delegates of G.C should be delegates with enough knowledge to face the challenges that arise during the G.C meeting.
He also informed the delegates that in order to be part of the regionalization, the Annual Conference will have to approve laws that will govern the regionalization zone.
Presentation of communication was presented by Priscilla, where he pointed out the role of communication in U.M.C. Briefly, she said communication builds peace, brings faithfulness among society and on top of that it reduces misunderstandings, develop strong relationships . She said that good communication needs time and accuracy and very importantly as communicator they should know what to say or write and how to say or write it so that they give perfect and correct news.
Presentation on strategic plan of the United Methodist Church, Burundi Annual Conference was presented by Rt. Hon. Rev Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA.
He told the delegates that the main strategy ahead is to rise as soon as possible the membership of the church up to 400.000 members through evangelization.
He recommended that future bishop need to train pastors and evangelists in order to equip them with skill in fulfilling God’s will in Burundi Annual Conference.
The reverend told the delegates that church has to support communities in development like; building schools, strengthening strong structure on finances, health care, support women in small income generating projects and others.
P Also the Rt. Hon. Handled over a wheelchair to Rev. MISAGO Elias who is unable to walk due to his disability. Rev. Elias MISAGO- gave thanks to the Rt. Hon. Dr. Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA for the assistance.
Retirement sermon for pastors was delivered by NGOZI district superintendent Rev. Jeremy NIYONKURU from scripture reading; Matthew 24: 9-13 and Philippians 3: 13. The Reverend said that even though the church sends pastors for retirement, God still needs their calling to spread the word of God all over the world.