Journey of Grace

On August 14, 2026, I departed Kigali, Rwanda, for Ghana to participate in the Third Biennial Conference of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion Church). What began as a journey to attend a church conference became a profound experience of worship, fellowship, leadership, learning, history, and renewed vision for the mission of the Church in Africa.

I extend my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Hilliard Dela K. Dogbe of the Western West Africa Episcopal District, which includes the Great Lakes Region, for facilitating, funding, and providing me with the opportunity to participate in this important gathering. His support was not simply an investment in my participation; it was also an investment in leadership development and in the strengthening of The A.M.E. Zion Church across Africa.

A Conference of Fellowship and Vision

The conference brought together bishops, clergy, lay leaders, delegates, and visitors from different parts of the world. Despite our different cultures and geographical locations, we were united by one faith, one denomination, and one mission.

On 15th August 2026, I joined our Bishop in the dedication of the Noah Society A.M.E. Zion Church facility, located in Osenase, with a seating capacity of more than 1,000 people. The facility represented far more than a physical structure. It demonstrated what can be accomplished through vision, sacrifice, unity, and responsible stewardship. Its dedication challenged me personally to ask an important question: What institutions must we build today for the next generation of Zion members?

On 16th August 2026, Sunday worship at Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Accra was another memorable experience. The vibrant worship, powerful preaching, joyful singing, and warm fellowship reflected the richness of Ghanaian Christian life and reminded me that, wherever we are in the world, the Gospel of Jesus Christ unites us.

Faith, History and Mission

The journey to Cape Coast offered a deeply emotional encounter with African history. Visiting historic sites associated with the transatlantic slave trade reminded me of both the suffering and resilience of African people. We in Rwanda know the deep wounds that conflicts and violence can leave behind. In 1994, our country experienced a devastating war and genocide that caused unimaginable loss, suffering, and division. Yet, Rwanda today is a nation on a journey of healing, reconciliation, development, and renewal. This experience reminds us that, even after profound tragedy, healing is possible and communities can rise again through courage, unity, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to building a better future. That experience strengthened my conviction that the Church must continue to be an instrument of dignity, justice, reconciliation, education, healing, and transformation. Faith cannot be separated from the responsibility to respond to the realities affecting God's people and communities.

Another significant moment of the conference was the inspiring episcopal address delivered by our Episcopal Leader, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe. His address was not only a message of spiritual encouragement and vision but also an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate ten years of his episcopal leadership in the Western West Africa Episcopal District.

The conference sessions also provided valuable lessons in leadership, administration, education, ministry, and institutional development. Reports from pastors, boards, 613 schools, and A.M.E. Zion University emphasized the importance of accountability, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and teamwork.

The vision of having the Zion Retreat and Conference Center further demonstrated the importance of creating spaces dedicated to prayer, leadership development, training, strategic planning, and fellowship. Such institutions are essential to the future growth and effectiveness of The A.M.E. Zion Church in Africa.

“Take Thou Authority”

One of the most significant moments of the conference was the ordination of elders. The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Melanie Miller of the Western Episcopal District in the United States, under the powerful theme, “Take Thou Authority.” The message reminded us that ordained ministry is a sacred calling and that spiritual authority must always be exercised with humility, responsibility, integrity, and commitment to God's people. The ordination was a powerful reminder of the Church's need for ministers who will faithfully guard the Gospel, shepherd God's people, serve with integrity, and raise the next generation of leaders.

The gathering was further enriched by the presence of Rev. Dr. D. B. Cannon, Executive Director of Global Missions, and Rev. Titus Thorn of the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District. Their presence reflected the global character of The A.M.E. Zion Church and the importance of partnership, collaboration, and shared mission across episcopal districts and regions.

Returning with a Renewed Vision

When I returned to Rwanda on August 24, I did not return with memories alone. I returned with a renewed vision for the Africa Great Lakes Region: Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and annual conferences. The Ghana experience strengthened my conviction that the future of The A.M.E. Zion Church in Africa requires more than numerical growth. It requires spiritual maturity, strong and accountable leadership, quality education, institutional development, economic empowerment, and meaningful engagement with our communities.

The lessons I encountered in Ghana challenged me to think beyond the present, to envision what the Church can become when faith is matched with strategic vision, when leadership is matched with service, and when our institutions are built with future generations in mind.

I thank God for the opportunity to be part of this historic gathering. I also express my sincere appreciation to all the bishops, clergy, lay leaders, organizers, and members of the Zion family who contributed to making this experience meaningful and memorable. From Kigali to Ghana and back, I returned with one enduring conviction:

If we unite in faith, vision, leadership, and service, the future of Zion's mission in Africa is bright.

May God continue to strengthen the A.M.E. Zion Church and guide us as we seek to proclaim the Gospel, develop faithful leaders, build enduring institutions, and serve God's people across Africa.

To God be the glory.