Valuable Colleagues, Part 2

One of the lesser known reasons for the significant impact of CBM around the world is the work of its National Field Staff.  Many people are familiar with CBM’s Global Field Staff, such as ourselves, who are Canadians serving  internationally.  Working alongside those Canadians in many places around the world are the National Field Staff who are serving in their own country.  With their knowledge of the local language and culture, their ministry and insight greatly enhances the effectiveness of CBM’s work.  In this two-part blog, we are privileged to introduce you to CBM's Africa National Field Staff.

Andre Sibomana

After serving as Project Manager for the Guardians of Hope and Food Security Projects, Andre Sibomana began working for CBM as National Field Staff in 2011.  As Integral Mission Coordinator, his primary responsibility was coordinating the visits of short term teams from Canadian churches.

Andre and his wife Therese

During Gato’s tenure leading the AEBR, Andre served with him as the Head of AEBR’s Department of Community Development.  Among his many responsibilities was the oversight of CBM and AEBR’s numerous projects, including Literacy for Women, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Theological Education, Food Security, Guardians of Hope (with HIV/AIDS sufferers and their families), Capacity Building for Church Leaders, etc.

Teaching emerging leaders

Gato and Andre trying bowling for the first time
in 2013 in Nairobi

Last September he began a new chapter of ministry when he was appointed as CBM’s Africa Deputy Team Leader, giving support to CBM’s African Partners in Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan and DRCongo.  This exciting new direction will allow Andre to expand his leadership role, combining his years of experience working as CBM Field Staff with his knowledge of various African cultures.

A special prayer: representatives from CBM's 4 East African
partners (along with Aaron Kenny) pray over Andre in
his new role as Africa Deputy Team Leader

Our two families Christmas 2018 (missing Andre
and Therese's oldest daughter)

Just like CBM’s Global Field Staff need individuals and churches to support them, the National Field Staff also need people who will stand beside them, both with prayers and finances.  If you would be interested in supporting Gato or Andre, either one time or regularly, we would encourage you to contact Barb Keys (bkeys@cbmin.org or 1-905-821-3533) at the CBM office and she’ll be happy to help you.  Or you can visit www.cbmin.org.

Valuable Colleagues, Part 1

One of the lesser known reasons for the significant impact of CBM around the world is the work of its National Field Staff.  Many people are familiar with CBM’s Global Field Staff, such as ourselves, who are Canadians serving  internationally.  Working alongside of those Canadians in many places around the world are the National Field Staff who are serving in their own country.  With their knowledge of the local language and culture, their ministry and insight greatly enhances the effectiveness of CBM’s work.  In this two-part blog, we are privileged to introduce you to CBM's Africa National Field Staff.

Gato Munyamasoko

Our colleague, Gato Munyamasoko, is an amazing, yet humble, man.  Even though he is Rwandan, he was raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a refugee.  His family had fled there years before to escape the brutal attacks in Rwanda against Tutsi people.  In Dec. 1995, he moved to Rwanda and immediately began to demonstrate his leadership skills as well as his passion and ability in the area of peace & reconciliation.

Gato and his wife Anne Marie

In 2007, Gato was hired by CBM as National Field Staff, eventually serving as a Peace & Reconciliation Specialist.  That was the role he was in when we arrived in Rwanda in 2012.  However, in a few months time, his focus of ministry took an unexpected turn.  In early 2013, CBM’s partner in Rwanda, the Association of Rwandan Baptist Churches (AEBR), asked Gato to consider leading the denomination as their Legal Representative (ie. General Secretary), a request which he accepted.

During his five-year term, he faced many, many challenges with patience, wisdom, vision and integrity.  As a result, these are some of the changes that took place in the AEBR under his leadership:

• Four fully functioning AEBR departments were established:  Community Development; Women and Family; Education and Youth; Evangelism and Church Life.
• Major partnerships (such as with CBM) grew from two to six.
• Staff (in the office and in the field) expanded from 19 to 33.
• During the five-year period, over 39,000 people were direct beneficiaries of the various projects that were done through the different departments, many of which were through the support of CBM.
• In 2013, when he started, AEBR had 37,941 members.  As a denomination, it was struggling, losing more and more people.  In just five years, AEBR had turned around and was steadily growing.  It had added 15,156 members for a total of 53,097 – a 40% increase!

In 2015 his work for many years in the area of peace & reconciliation was recognized when he became the recipient of the Baptist World Alliance’s Human Rights Award.  The following year, in 2016, Acadia University awarded him with an honorary Doctor of Ministry.

Gato receiving BWA's Human Rights Award

Dr. Gato featured on Acadia Divinity College's magazine

Last year he finished his term as Legal Representative for the AEBR and in October was re-appointed as CBM National Field Staff.  He and his family have recently moved to Uganda, where Gato is now serving as CBM’s Peace and Reconciliation Specialist, working alongside CBM’s new partner, Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity.

Our two families together this past Christmas

With our friend and brother, Gato