Baptist churches across Burundi joined the rest of the continent in celebrating the 44th All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF) Day on July 12, marking more than four decades of the fellowship’s ministry of uniting Baptists and advancing the Gospel across Africa.
The celebrations responded to the AABF’s call to commemorate the anniversary in a spirit of thanksgiving and prayer.
At Gihosha Free Baptist Church in Bujumbura, where the church was filled to capacity, the celebration was marked during the regular worship service. The sermon focused on the power of the Holy Spirit, drawing from Acts 1:8, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:14, and Galatians 5:16.
Following the sermon, the congregation watched a video message from AABF Continental President Pastor Elias Apetogbo, translated into Kirundi in accordance with the fellowship’s recommendations for churches across Africa.
In his message, Pastor Apetogbo stressed that the AABF was established to unite the Baptist family in order to impact Africa and the world for Christ through five strategic pillars.
The first pillar focuses on strengthening unity, faith, and capacity building. He said the fellowship aims to organize conferences, leadership training, and ministry programs to equip youth, children, teenagers, adults, Royal Ambassadors, and other church groups across Africa with the skills to become true followers of Jesus.
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The second pillar focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and community development to heal hearts spiritually while also contributing to sustainable development.
The third pillar, he emphasized, is missions and evangelism. Among its flagship initiatives are the Last Quarter Evangelism Campaign, which encourages churches to intensify Gospel outreach during the final 92 days of each year, and the Youth Mission Year, observed every May to mobilize young missionaries and strengthen the missionary movement across the continent.
The fourth pillar is dedicated to theological reflection and leadership development. Pastor Apetogbo underscored that equipping church leaders with the necessary skills plays a tremendous role in the long-term growth and sustainability of Baptist ministries.
“We definitely need to train leaders if we want the sustainability and growth of the church,” Pastor Apetogbo said. “There are some things you cannot do alone as conventions, unions, national Baptist bodies, or even as a local church.”
“But when we come together, we share information, develop strategies, and explore the ways God is leading us to advance His Kingdom,” he added.
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Religious freedom, human rights, and justice were not spared. Pastor Apetogbo noted that many Christians across Africa continue to face persecution and urged Baptist churches to remain united in defending religious freedom and supporting affected communities.
He also called on churches to renew their commitment to the fellowship’s mission by offering their service as “an anniversary gift to the Lord” as Baptists prepare to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Church, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the Great Commission entrusted by Jesus Christ.
Reactions from Church Leaders and Believers
Pastor Dieudonné Irambona of Gihosha Free Baptist Church described the event as significant, saying the celebrations reflect oneness in Christ while expressing gratitude to God.
“This shows that we are grateful to God for what He has done,” he said, referring to Matthew 28:18–20, where Jesus sent His disciples to make all nations His followers.
Church member Joselyne Irakoze welcomed the call and said she is committed to supporting the fellowship financially and through prayer, both during church services and in their homes.
“I want to see the Church continue to grow throughout Africa,” she said. “Since one of the fellowship’s key pillars is evangelism, I pray that this work will continue to expand so that many more people may come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Another church member, Athanase Bukuru, echoed the call for financial support and encouraged the fellowship’s leaders to remain steadfast in pursuing the mission and vision entrusted to them.
“We are grateful to belong to a fellowship that is advancing Christ’s Kingdom through initiatives such as church planting and supporting those engaged in this ministry.”
Founded on July 10, 1982, the All Africa Baptist Fellowship serves as the continental Baptist family, bringing together Baptist churches from 45 African countries. Since its establishment, the fellowship has led to the creation of 40 Baptist churches across the continent, strengthening cooperation among Baptist churches in advancing the Gospel and serving communities throughout Africa.
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