The Trust’s partnership with the Province of Alexandria, means that we have the privilege to work with the church across many countries in North Africa. Chad is one of those countries, where the BUILD programme, launched in September 2024, is making a significant difference to the Anglican mission there. This training provides a solid biblical teaching for church workers and also instilling a deeper Anglican character within local congregations.
The first two intensive sessions took place in September 2024 and in February 2025, with others planned later in the year. The initial phase concentrated on Anglicanism itself, helping clergy and church leaders deepen their understanding of Anglican practice. The training was blessed to receive support from visiting priests and bishops, helping participants adopt a common liturgy. The Province of Alexandria is also working hard to provide a common prayer book, something that will further unify these churches.
The second phase saw local clergy leading the BUILD modules. Practical group exercises and assignments were central to the learning, testing and reinforcing participants’ understanding. One particularly exciting development was incorporating evangelism as a practical exercise during the second session, resulting in a new church being planted in the southern district of N’Djamena. Indeed, the mission has now made a commitment; every BUILD session will see another new church planted.
Participation has been encouraging. A total of 26 leaders attended, including five women and 21 men. Notably, the second session included leaders from newly planted churches, helping them to quickly integrate into Anglican practices and receive solid biblical foundations for their ministry.
One participant’s story stands out, a student who initially joined as an observer went on to plant two churches among the Moussey people, with over 200 members in just two months. He returned as a full participant for the second session. Moreover, the training has welcomed participants from Cameroon, fostering broader regional ties across the Anglican churches in the area.
During training, students created 16 new church planting projects planned for 2025, a significant step forward. Five churches have already been established in N’Djamena, Pont-Carol, Guelending, and Béba.
Of course, there have been challenges. The missionaries in rural areas urgently need basic evangelism tools, such as Bibles, sound systems, projectors for outreach films, and suitable infrastructure. Many church buildings, constructed with local materials, face difficulties, especially during the rainy season. Support to build sustainable infrastructure is therefore critical.
The Relay Trust has been privileged to offer support to the BUILD programme in Chad. Our role is simply to stand alongside local leaders, serving humbly as they equip the Church for the vital mission ahead.
Despite these challenges, the momentum is strong, and the growth of the Church is clear. BUILD is equipping local leaders to multiply their impact, planting new churches, and raising up leaders for generations to come. Please join us in continuing to uphold this vital work in prayer and practical support.
