02.08.2024

A Vision for Global Mission

The Commission Ceremony at EPR Church with Church President Pascal Bataringaya (front, 5th from left, in the blue suit), Photo by: EPR

...and in Gaborone at ELCB Church with Bishop Mothusi Letlhage (left), Photo by: ELCB

“God gives me my second Home in Kigeme Diocese”, says Rev Hanna Priska. She was introduced in her new place of work in Kigeme Cathedral, Rwanda, at the beginning of July. Twelve young theologians from HKBP*, a UEM member church in Indonesia, have started their work in Botswana, Tanzania and Rwanda. They were received by their hosting churches with Commissioning Ceremonies led by UEM coworkers and church leadership.

These missionaries bring with them unique perspectives shaped by Indonesian cultural and Church experiences, enriching the theological dialogue within the international UEM Communion. The young theologians from HKBP are part of a new wave of missionaries who view their mission work as a two-way street. They are not only teachers but also learners, open to the insights and traditions of the churches of their placement.  “This initiative exemplifies the reality of global Christianity, where in UEM diverse expressions of faith converge to form a more comprehensive understanding of God's kingdom and Mission entrusted to our members in Africa, Asia and Germany”, says the UEM Moderator, Bishop Dr Abednego Keshomshahara.

Bridging cultures through faith

The twelve theologians will be involved in various programs and activities aimed at UEM holistic mission: the proclamation of the gospel, theological education, pastoral care, addressing human rights abuses, community social & diaconal development and promoting the global partnership. They participate in local church services, lead Bible study groups, and engage in social projects addressing issues like poverty, education, and health.

Ephorus Dr. Robinson Butarbutar, leader of HKBP, points out, how teaching and learning are both part of the missionaries’ task. For him, this project is in continuation with historic missionaries’ efforts: “It is time for the HKBP to give and share our inputs from the spiritual gifts received through the years from the German sisters and brothers since the 19th centuries’ missionaries. In the midst of various challenges, we are eager to learn and experience how UEM African members are spiritually growing”, he says.

Strengthening the sustainable partnership of UEM members

One of the main goals of the cooperation project under the leadership and organisation of the UEM is to build sustainable relationships and partnerships between HKBP and other member churches. The work of young theological missionaries from the Asia region for the African churches is an important step towards a more interconnected and collaborative global church within the UEM International Communion.

Rev Dr John Wesley Kabango is Executive Secretary of the Division Africa/Germany and member of UEM management team. He concludes: “As the young HKBP theologians embark on their mission work in Botswanan, Rwandese and Tanzanian communities, they carry with them and receive from their daily encounters, the hope of building holistic mission, bridges of understanding, love and mutual respect across our 39 members, experiencing the true meaning of Christian fellowship and support.”

We wish the missionaries much joy and success in their work and God's blessing!

The hosting churches in African countries are

• in Botswana: ELCB*
• in Tanzania: ELCT/ECD*, ELCT/NWD*, ELCT/NED*, ELCT/KAD*
• in Rwanda: EPR and EAR

Church Abbreviations:

*HKBP = Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (Christian-Protestant Church of the Batak)

*ELCB = Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana

*ELCT/ECD = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Eastern and Coastal Diocese

*ELCT/NWD = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, North Western Diocese

*ELCT/NED = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, North Eastern Diocese

*ELCT/KAD = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Karagwe Diocese

*ELCT/KAD = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Karagwe Diocese

*EAR = Eglise Anglicane au Rwanda (Anglican Church of Rwanda)

*EPR = Eglise Presbyterienne au Rwanda (Presbyterian Church of Rwanda)