The leadership of the Alliance Evangélique au Rwanda (AER) has announced that Bishop Alfred Gatabazi, who serves as the President of the Evangelical Alliance in Rwanda, has been elected to lead the East Africa Region.

The election, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, reflects the unique trust placed in him at the regional level, covering seven countries.

In a public statement, AER wrote: “We thank God for this new and significant responsibility. Let us continue to uphold him in our prayers as he embarks on this new assignment to serve and unite the Church across the East Africa Region.”

In an interview with Paradise, Bishop Gatabazi shared how he received the news and the vision he holds for this new role.

“A Divine and Significant Responsibility”

Bishop Gatabazi explained that he welcomed the responsibility with thanksgiving and humility, emphasizing that: “The work of God is not of man, but a sacred mission rooted in faith, reverence, and service to Jesus Christ.”

He added that being entrusted with an expanded mission field is a sign that the Holy Spirit is broadening the work of the Church, which calls for leaders to grow in wisdom, discernment, and careful leadership.

Three Core Responsibilities in the East Africa Region

As the new leader of the East Africa Region, Bishop Gatabazi outlined three foundational pillars of his mandate:

1. Reviving the Church
Promoting gospel-centered preaching based on biblical truth, reigniting spiritual fervor in churches, and fostering unity among religious leaders.

2. Empowering God’s Workers

Training, equipping, and supporting church leaders so that they stand firm in their roles.
3. Advocacy and Peacebuilding

Working with national leaders in the region to pursue lasting peace and defend the rights of believers, particularly in conflict-affected countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

“The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Workers are Few”

Bishop Gatabazi noted that several strong initiatives are being developed to ensure spiritual harvest:
• Sending new evangelists and missionaries to unreached regions.
• Training current church workers to strengthen their capacity, knowledge, and wisdom.
• Promoting revival at national and regional levels, with a focus on reaching youth.
• Leveraging technology for evangelism through media, social platforms, radio, TV, and online training.

On the Issue of Closed Churches in Rwanda

Addressing the concern over some churches being closed in Rwanda due to non-compliance with legal requirements, Bishop Gatabazi stated that AER continues to play an active role:
• Engaging with government authorities to advocate for the reopening of churches that meet the requirements.

• Providing training and resources to help churches comply with regulations.
• Encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith even in difficult times, through prayer groups and continued Bible study.
• Creating new strategies to connect pastors and their congregations, including using family-based fellowships, home prayers, and digital platforms.

A Season of Trust and Responsibility

Having led AER in Rwanda for years, Bishop Alfred Gatabazi now steps into a regional leadership role, becoming a voice of the Church in East Africa. He will work with others to advance God’s work, peace, and unity among believers.

AER concluded its statement with a message of celebration:
“Congratulations, Bishop Gatabazi.”