A pastor’s journey of transformation in Beni, DRC
My name is Bauma Bushu, and I serve as a pastor with the Church of the Nazarene International. For many years, I ministered at our church in Samboko, shepherding a vibrant congregation. However, the devastating effects of war changed everything. Many of our members lost their lives, and the rest of us were forced to flee. We sought refuge in Oicha, where I was installed as the pastor of the same church in 2022.
Amidst the challenges of displacement, God opened a new door for growth and transformation. I had the privilege of receiving a Wholistic Transformational Leadership training from Pastor Auzo Mbakama, who himself was trained by CMS-Africa trainers in Beni.
Through this training, we came together as pastors from different denominations, including the Nazarene, CECA20, CBCA, CEP, Anglican, and CEPAC churches, and formed the Association of Pastors for Socio-Economic Development (A.PA.DE.SE) aimed at helping us create sustainable means of livelihood while fostering unity among church leaders from diverse backgrounds.
We started by learning how to make soaps, a skill that has since grown into a successful venture. Through A.PA.DE.SE, we have fostered a spirit of collaboration among church leaders from various religious traditions and ethnic backgrounds. We organize joint evangelism and prayer sessions, strengthening our mission of discipleship and fostering intercommunity peace. This unity enables us to bring more people to Christ.
The economic benefits of our initiative have also been significant. We sell the soaps we make at various locations, including the A.PA.DE.SE office in Oicha, the Anglican Church office in Beni, and the CECA20 Development office in Oicha. The income generated allows members to meet family needs, while a portion is reinvested in expanding the association’s activities.
Beyond soap-making, we have begun training in tailoring and sewing. We plan to open a workshop where we will produce pastoral shirts and other garments. This new endeavor will equip members with valuable vocational skills, empowering them to become self-sufficient.
We are deeply grateful to CMS-Africa for initiating this transformational. This initiative has given us hope, restored our dignity, and strengthened our faith in God’s provision even amidst the war.