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One question we are asked often is, "How does ICM choose which countries to expand into?"
ICM is a fellowship of ministries built around our common purpose, values, and vision. In order to facilitate our vision in Africa we have targeted the 12 most populous countries of Africa. Currently we have ICM established in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Ghana, and Liberia (with a representative in Ethiopia). In order to move into other countries, one or more of the 12 must adopt the target country.
"So how does this work in reality?"
Over the past few years ICM Tanzania has been coordinating theological training in the refugee camps along the Burundi and Tanzanian boarders. A key people in this training has been a Kenyan couple-- Painito and Rose Ambuka. Recently, the camps have been closing as the refugees return to Burundi. Those who have been trained are now asking that ICM come to Burundi to help train pastors. As a result Painito has made a number of trips to Burundi to discuss the options with church and government leaders in Burundi. If things continue coming together, ICM Tanzania will be the primary sponsor for starting a new work in Burundi. The key to any expansion is for God to raise up faithful men and women who have the call of God to fulfill the vision. Take some time now and read how God is confirming the move into Burundi!
The following are excerpts from “The Ambuka’s Update.”
WIDE DOORS OPEN FOR ICM IN BURUNDI
God has opened great and wide the doors for International Christian Ministries (ICM) in Burundi. From November 13th to 19th 2007, Pastor Onesmus Weru and I, Painito Ambuka, were in Bujumbura (the capital of Burundi), sharing the ICM vision, purpose and values with top
leaders. We saw God’s great favor upon us in the land. God confirmed to us beyond any reasonable doubt that He is at work in Burundi and He is calling us to join Him…and the time is now.
Onesmus Weru & Painto Ambuka
SHARING THE ICM VISION
In our one week stay in Bujumbura we met with 6 top government officials, 6 key business men, the general secretary of Burundi National Council of Churches, 24 key Bishops, 5 top women leaders, 191 leaders of 2 non-governmental organizations, and 500 Christians in different forums in Bujumbura. We shared with these Burundian leaders about the ICM vision, purpose and values and they expressed their willingness to support
us where possible. The Church leaders admitted that currently there is no inter-denominational theological training college in Burundi and therefore ICM’s establishment will be quite appropriate and will help unite the Church. The government leaders expressed the need for poverty alleviation in the country and agreed with us that inter-denominational theological training is crucial.
ICM ALLOCATED LAND
The government leaders, after collaborating,
allocated ICM with 1 sq km (approx. 40 acres) of land on a beautiful hill that faces Lake Tanganyika.
The land is situated 13 km East of Bujumbura. They encouraged us to start development on the piece of land as soon as possible to help bring development in Burundi. They requested us to consider having English and Kiswahili classes to help Burundian citizens to fit in with the East African community and the English speaking world.
TRAINING FACILITY POSSIBILITIES
We identified 3 facilities in Bujumbura city which can be used for ICM classes, offices and conferences before we construct our centre.
1. A six-room building on one half acre is available which can be used for conferences and is for sale at $ 250,000.
2. A two-floor building with eight spacious rooms is vacant for rent at $ 2,000 per month.
3. A two-floor building which has ten spacious rooms with some furnishing is available for renting at $ 2,500 per month.
To save funds, Rose and l would live in the rented facility while we develop the ICM centre in the allocated land.
THE OPPORTUNITY
I kindly appeal to all ICM leadership, partners, well-wishers and friends to earnestly pray for God’s provision that ICM Burundi can be established. I am persuaded that it is the right time to join God in what He is doing in Burundi and help train pastors and church leaders in order to rebuild this land which has long been devastated by war. If we move now we can obtain a clear title deed to this land the government has offered ICM.
Our goal is to rent a facility in Bujumbura city over a short term while we develop the property allocated to us by the government. On the property we will need: advocate fees, government fees, water, electricity, telephone internet and initial building.
While we will get more detailed quotation on each of these expense categories, we believe that it will cost in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. Thus our desire is to rent for the time being in the city as cheaply as possible.
Thanks,
Painito Ambuka
E-mail: painitonixon@yahoo.com
Phone: +254733431807 or +225779456744
Hope of Africa Fund
The Hope of Africa is Jesus, nothing more or nothing less. We in ICM are committed to partnering with you and those in Africa to ensure that every man and woman has a chance to hear the Good News of Jesus and to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Your donation to this fund helps make this goal a reality. To donate on-line just click here.
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