Adopting the watchword -- “Together with Jesus Christ we evangelize East Africa and beyond” the bishops moved unanimously to launch a mission board comprised of all the active bishops of both countries, two staff officers of the board, and two lay leaders each from Kenya Mennonite Church (KMC) and Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania (KMT).

This is another illustration of the historic worldwide shift in missions work initiated by developing countries. Though both churches are members of the International Mission Association (IMA), this happened as a natural connection these countries are making with each other, rather than a specific program of the IMA.

In their meeting at the Luther House Retreat Center the joint bishop board outlined an agenda for the East African Mennonite Mission Board staff members to fulfill: 1) engage in evangelism and mission in the East African Region and beyond, 2) establish mission and discipleship schools in the region, 3) train young adults who have a passion in mission work and send them on short- and long-term missions, 4) draw up guidelines for mission work, 5) research on development and food security, 6) raise funds for missions both locally and internationally, 7)develop strong relationships with other mission boards, and 8) engage in research and constructive peace building among member churches.

“It’s very exciting to see this key group of leaders formalizing what they’ve already been doing,” said Clair Good, EMM’s representative to Africa. He noted that Kenyan missionaries have already planted three churches in Uganda, and they are exploring ways to work toward Somalia. Tanzanian evangelists have been making evangelistic forays into Uganda. “Their vision for mission is fuelling discussions on the role of women and how to handle the issue of polygamy,” Good noted.

-Jewel Showalter

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