Working Together to Build Capacity in Africa
One of the guiding principles of CBM is to work in partnership. Because of that, there is a commitment to doing what we can to build up and strengthen the partners, especially the leaders. We humbly recognize that, if the local leaders are well-equipped and prepared, in the long term they will do a far better job leading the ministries than we could ever do. That means CBM would rather be focused on building the capacity of leaders than building buildings. And that is exactly what is currently happening in Africa. We are in the middle of a two-year Partner Capacity Building project with all our partners across sub-Saharan Africa. This effort, which is focused primarily on department heads and project managers, was last done in 2015-2016. At that time, there were only four partners involved. Today, we have participants from seven countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Togo and Liberia. And since there are lots of very capable, knowledgeable people amongst our partners, it is not only CBM staff who are facilitating sessions. It is truly an opportunity to be learning from one another. The sessions are focusing on a broad range of topics, such as: Integral mission; Helping those who have experienced trauma; Planning and managing a project; Conservation agriculture; Peace and reconciliation; Leadership; Starting and running savings groups; Church & community transformation; and more.
One of the challenges that every organization experiences is turnover, with current staff leaving and new staff joining. That means in just a few years, many of those who are participating in this training will no longer be around and new people will be given their responsibilities. So, one of the goals of this training (thinking in terms of building capacity into the future) is that, at the end of the two-year project, a resource will be prepared from all the material covered which will be given to each partner. The idea is that, going forward, as they have new staff join them, each partner will be able to train them on their own.
I had the wonderful opportunity in October to participate in the third module of this training. It was exciting to connect with so many partners all at the same time. What a blessing! And witnessing our partners join together to share, learn, and encourage each other is an even greater blessing! We know that it will lead to the transformation of people, families and communities as God works through us all.
Always a beautiful moment when everyone arrives and is SO excited to see one another again. This picture has participants from Kenya, DR Congo, South Sudan & Liberia
Emmah, the Vice Principal of ACC&S Bible School in Kenya is showing how the students are now practicing Conservation Agriculture (which she learned at the last module)
Gato is always an engaging facilitator
The team from Rwanda starting the day with a worship song sung in Kinyarwanda
Working hard in group discussions
Each day we took some time to gather around and pray for each other – in this case our friends from Kenya
Darrell leading a learning activity
At the training last May, a surprise baby shower took place for Jacky. A week later she gave birth.
On the last morning of the recent October training, Jacky sprang her own surprise: she brought little Asher. Spontaneous singing and dance erupted!
Great participation and interaction during the sessions
Reasons to Praise:
- Our first year working from Canada is complete. And it has gone well. We are excited about what God has in store for 2026.
- Strength and protection during Darrell’s 3-week visit back to Africa in Sept./Oct., both for Darrell during his travels and for Laura Lee who remained home.
- Our partner in Togo, CBT, have new leadership who remain fully and enthusiastically committed to the partnership with CBM. This is great news which is not to be taken for granted.
Ongoing Prayer Items:
- Continue to pray for our partner, CBCA, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two largest cities, Goma and Bukavu, remain under the control of rebel militia groups. The hardships and trauma being caused by this situation are very difficult and, at times, dangerous. Elsewhere in the area, other rebel groups continue to attack and terrorize the population.
- For ACC&S in Kenya, December will see a change of denominational leadership. That is always a crucial time for a church. And it has a great influence on the effectiveness of their partnership with CBM. Pray for smooth transitions and for godly, wise leadership for the ones stepping into those roles.
- Pray for strong relationships with our colleagues in Africa (both CBM staff and partners). May the physical distance from one another not detract from our ability to work together to “embrace a broken world through word and deed.”
