The event that brought me back to Africa was the consecration of a new bishop for the Shyira Diocese, located in Musanze, a mountainous region northwest of the capitol city. This is the area where John and Harriet Rucyahana came in the ‘90s to preach the gospel, strengthen the people in the years following the genocide, and do the work of ministry. In addition, Sonrise School was opened and developed, a new cathedral built and many connections made with Christians in other parts of the world. There are about 150,000 Anglicans in this area, and any new bishop here has very big shoes to fill.
In selecting Dr. Laurent Mbanda the leaders of the Anglican Church in Rwanda chose a seasoned global leader (a Compassion Intl Vice President with a PhD from Trinity in Deerfield), experience in the church in Africa and the United States, and a size 15 shoe. He knows just how much responsibility this is, and how full the Rucyahana legacy. But he brings a sense of humility in light of this task and hopefulness in God’s provision and call at this time of his life. We knew the Mbanda’s in the US and it was important, given Redeemer’s connection to this diocese and my personal friendship that I was on hand March 28th for the service.
It was a glorious worship service of almost 6 hours duration, including various choirs, readers, dancers, and even the President of Rwanda as a guest speaker, witnessed by a crowd of several thousand. Near the end the heavens opened and poured—really rained like I haven’t seen since I was a child (memory is a funny thing). I was particularly pleased when the rain shorted out the keyboard with the built-in rhythm section and the choirs reverted to indigenous music with real drum accompaniment. After the service was a reception, to which even the cows were invited!
I’m not sure we have an equivalent here in the US—a service in the church inaugurating leadership where the President would take an active part. Bishops are not just spiritual leaders, but those to whom the whole community looks for leadership, guidance and care. It still works that way in Rwanda.
Bishop Mbanda will serve alongside +John Rucyahana until November, then assume full leadership upon Bishop John’s retirement.
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