We are pleased to announce that the Anglican House of Bishops in Rwanda have unanimously elected Rev. Dr Laurent Mbanda to succeed Bishop John as theBishop of the Shyira Diocese in Musanze Rwanda. Mbanda (he’s called by his last name) will be consecrated as an Anglican bishop on March 28, 2010, and will assume responsibility for the diocese on November 14, 2010 – Bishop John’s 65th birthday.
We are humbled and inspired by Mbanda’s and his wife, Chantal’s, powerful act of faith and trust. He is leaving a secure executive position as the Africa Regional Vice President of Compassion International, an established global Christian ministry, (with two sons in college) to assume the challenging responsibilities of the Bishop of Shyira Diocese. We could not be more enthusiastic about his election. Mbanda is already serving on Muhabura University’s Board of Trustees. Having worked primarily with children and education issues at Compassion, he will bring a wealth of experience and contacts to both Muhabura and the Sonrise School.
Mbanda was born in Rwanda, but grew up as a refugee in East Africa. He moved to the US where he earned his graduate degrees and became an ordained minister. He worked for Compassion and lived in Colorado Springs, CO for many years. Mbanda and Chantal moved to Kig
ali several years ago to lead Compassion’s Africa programs and to help rebuild Rwanda. Their 2009 family Christmas card is attached.
Bishop John has taught us that the Lord’s work must always be done with excellence. Once again, he has established the highest standard of excellence for the process he has led to transfer his authority and responsibility for the Shyira Diocese to Rev. Dr Laurent Mbanda. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bishop John as the pursues the Lord’s plan for him and Harriet after surrendering Shyira and to our new partnership with Bishop Mbanda and Chantal.
Always in His hands…Dale
7 Comments
Brother Mbanda
Allow me to say that I m so proud of you.
May the Almighty God continue to protect and keep his powerfull hand upon you & family,gives you strengh joy and success in front of your new direction.
Speciose
Brother Mbanda,
May the good Lord bless you as you assume this role that He has given you. All will be well as you will be in His hands.
God bless.
Gitau.
Congratulations!! May the Lord fill you with His Holy Spirit as you lead His Church. I strongly believe that the Lord will use you to bring a change within the Anglican church of Rwanda which we have been waiting for a long time.Please listen to Him more and open your heart to experience His Glory! He will bless you and you will be a blessing to the world!
Philbert Kalisa(cousin)
Bishop John is not only the man of God but as well the man of word and rule of law. He could have decided or requested to stay. I would have been pleased! As an African leader to relinquish power, even in church has not been easy. I hope his example will be followed by others…. However, I would like him to continue his work of reconciliation and development in Rwanda. Congratulations to Rev Mbanda, please take on the John’s legacy….
God Bless you all.
I am amazed at what our Lord is doing in your life. Perhaps He will see a way for me to join you in the work ahead!
The Lord knew you before you were formed in the womb, before you were born, He set you apart. He will guide you and lead you in the ways He wants you to go. This is just the beginning. God bless you dear brother and friend!
The Lord who has called you at a time like this, has a plan to for HIS church we are happy and proud of the house of Bishops the Lord is putting up for us May the Holy spirit lead you , ITS NOT BY OUR POWER BUT BY HIS SPIRIT WE SERVE FAITHFULLY.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU , CHANTAL THE CHILDREN AND US THE CHURCH
REV SAM AND JACKIE MUGISHA
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[...] ceremony. Laurent Mbanda, a long time employee of Compassion, has been appointed to the position of Bishop of the Shiyra Diocese of the Anglican Church in Rwanda. For those of you who may not know, the Rwandan Anglican Church has a tremendous heart for missions [...]
[...] Laurent Mbanda, A handsome articulate man in his 60s man holds us in rapt attention as he tells of being lifted from the hopeless hell of a Rawanda refugee camp to receiving a PHD and working with Compassion International. Now he is back in his home country bringing hope to countless other children in the name of Jesus. From poverty to recent election as respected educator and Bishop of Rawanda all because a 23 year old young woman practiced the principles that can change the world. [...]