Africa

The Evangelical Friends Church International Africa Region represents Evangelical Friends of Africa. Currently the affiliated Friends include the Burundi Yearly Meeting known nationally as the Eglise Evangelique des Amis du Burundi, the Rwanda Yearly Meeting recognized officially as the Eglise Evangelique des Amis au Rwanda and the Friends in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (functioning as a Yearly Meeting yet not officially recognized as such) known as the Communaute des Eglise Evangelique au Congo.  There have been outreach efforts into Uganda and Tanzania.

Friends in Congo began as a mission outreach by the Burundi Yearly Meeting in the early 1980's, Friends ministry in Rwanda began in 1987 and in Burundi in 1934. The current total membership of Evangelical Friends International in Africa is not known but the estimate of attendance is between 50,000 and 60,000. Friends in the region have been active in peace and reconciliation efforts.  One major international project is the Great Lakes Leadership Training program (GLLT) with educational centers in Abeka, DRC; Musanze, Rwanda; and Kwibuka, Burundi.  These are decentralized successors to the Great Lakes School of Theology located in Bujumbura, Burundi that functioned for several years with students from the same three countries. The goal is to develop strong leadership among Friends who are able to face the current challenges and those who are capable of making a difference for the glory of God in the region.

About the Superintendant

Augustin Simparinka is a recorded pastor currently serving as Yearly Meeting Superintendent and Legal Representative for Rwanda Yearly Meeting.  He has served in various leadership roles among Rwanda Friends, including work in education and community development.  He enjoys working with poor communities helping bring Christ’s transformation into all areas of life.