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METHODIST WORLD CONFERENCE AT BUJUMBURA, AFRICA

AUGUST 10 12, 2011

A REPORT: Hope Africa University in Bujumbura , the capital city of Burundi in central Africa, served as the perfect venue for the 3rd World Conference of the Free Methodist Church that was held in August 10 12, 2011. The President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, had been invited as the chief guest to the inaugural session. The purple-robed Burundian choir sang exceedingly well to their hearts content with traditional dancers

displaying their best rhythmic steps ever in honor of the president while the chimes of the cymbals and the beating of drums reached their crescendo to accord a red carpet welcome to the president. The President was officially greeted by host Bishop Elie Buconyori and the Executive Committee of the World Conference on arrival. President Karinziza in his inaugural address appreciated the leadership of Burundi Free Methodist Church, especially in establishing peace in the country during the civil war of 1993. He admired the contributions of Hope Africa University in developing the youth of the nation. The roaring shout of cheers and a huge applause of the audience rent the air when the president revealed that his wife is studying theology at Hope Africa University, a university of the Free Methodist Church. He called upon the global leadership of the church to help in whatever way possible for the building up of the nation.

The theme of the 3rd World Conference was UNITED TO BRING THE WORLD TO CHRIST. The speakers who ministered the word of God were Bishop Ildo De Mello of Brazil, Bishop David Kendal of U.S.A., Bishop Matt Thomas of U.S.A., Bishop Keith Elford of Canada and Bishop Joab Lohara of India. These were deep insights, times of challenges and encouragement. Every day had 4 sessions and each session was led by a leader. The business sessions were chaired by the president of the World Conference Bishop Jim Tuan of The Philippines. The president had a gavel and a pad before him like the Chief Justice in a court of law. He hit the gavel 3 times at the beginning of the first business session to declare the Third World Conference open. He was assisted by the Vice President Bishop Elie Bucoynori and the Secretary/treasurer Mrs. Becky Sawyer. For a 150-year old denomination, it sounded rather too small to announce that Bujumbura conference was only the 3rd World Conference. Previously, the Free Methodist Church had two internationally unifying bodies - the World Fellowship and the Constitutional Council. It was in 1999, when the World Fellowship met in Anderson, U.S.A., that these two bodies were merged to form the Free Methodist World Conference. Since then, the World Conference with its representatives from 5 continents has been meeting once every 4 years for fellowship, prayer, church business and strategy. One of the refreshing times of the conference was when the Bishops of different countries reported of Gods wonderful work in their

respective regions. Awesome stories of transformed lives, significant church growth and the development of communities around the world were a testimony to the miraculous power of God manifested in this age. Every Bishop was given 20 minutes. A bell ringer was officially appointed by the president to keep a strict vigil on the violation of time. Cultural activities were a part of this world event. Several tribes of people from various parts of Burundi travelled to Bujumbura to exhibit their culture and devotion through singing and dancing. They all sported colorful, traditional costumes and head-gear as well. The third day of the conference witnessed the election of the Executive Committee of the World Conference. The following members were elected for the next quadrennial (2011 2015): President: Bishop Elie Buconyori of Burundi Vice President: Bishop Joab Lohara of India

Secretary/Treasurer: Bryan Blankenship of U. S. A. Former President: Bishop Keith Elford of Canada Executive Member: Sandra Aparecida Rodrigues Mistro of Brazil Executive Member: Beryl Kumalo of South Africa

The Swearing in ceremony for the newly elected Executive Committee was held on the next day and the oath was administered by the President in chair Bishop Jim Tuan. Elections were also held for the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops. The following members were elected for the next quadrennial (2011 2015): President: Bishop Ildo De Mello of Brazil Vice President: Bishop David Kendall of U.S.A. Secretary: Bishop Nixon Dingili of Kenya

The pre-lunch session on August 12 was the concluding session when Bishop Keith Elford drew the attention of the members to Jesus prayer in John 17 for those who would believe through the message they would hear from His disciples. He challenged the members to reflect the life of Christ though their lives as well as their words so that the world will see Him wherever they go. The conference ended with a communion service. The lay and the ministerial delegates of each country gathered around their bishops to take part in the communion and to pray for them. The benediction was pronounced by President Jim Tuan. After this he handed over the hammer and the bell to the new president as the symbol of passing on the responsibility of the World conference. We are very thankful to Bishop Elie Bucoynori and the church in Burundi for being the generous host. They have offered lavish, Burundian hospitality and excellent coordination to make the World Conference memorable. To God be the Glory!