On Saturday 3rd August, Rev Sam Jones and Rev Steve Muneza had the privilege of representing Relay Trust at the consecration of Bishop Onesphore Ndayizigamiye, the new Bishop of Makamba Diocese in Burundi. The ceremony, held at the Nonara Hotel in Makamba, was a joyful and well-attended occasion, drawing representatives from across the Anglican Church in Burundi, local government, CMS Africa, and even the President’s Office.
The celebration was preceded by a farewell dinner in honour of Bishop Martin Blaise Nyaboho, who faithfully served the Diocese of Makamba since 1997 and led the Province as Archbishop from 2016 to 2021. His legacy of pastoral care and gospel-centred leadership was deeply felt and warmly honoured throughout the weekend.
Sam had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Relay Trust, offering thanks to Bishop Martin for his decades of service, extending congratulations to Bishop Onesphore, and reaffirming our commitment to ongoing gospel partnership. Relay Trust continues to support the Diocese of Makamba through the Burundi Discipleship Programme (BDP), and we remain deeply encouraged by the fruit being borne through this work.
Following the consecration, Sam and Steve are now spending time visiting BDP groups across the country, meeting with local leaders, hearing testimonies, and learning how the discipleship training is equipping believers at the grassroots. These visits are an opportunity not only to observe but to listen, to understand how we can best walk alongside the Church in Burundi in the months and years to come.
Please pray for Bishop Onesphore as he begins this new season of ministry, for the Diocese of Makamba as it continues to grow, and for the BDP teams working faithfully across the country to make disciples of Christ in every village and community.
