Companion Partnership Nurtures Physical and Spiritual Wellbeing in Buye Diocese

With contributions from members of the Edmonton diocese, Buyé diocese last year was able to provide healthcare and pandemic training, theological education, clean water and church building improvements.

During the month of September, parishes will be collecting $5 donations for medical cards. Medical coverage is out of reach for most seniors in the Buyé Diocese, but with the Edmonton diocese’s support last year, the Buyé Mothers Union purchased and distributed medical cards to 823 people from Kirima, Giteranyi, Vumbi, Canika, Kibonde, Murehe, and Gakana parishes. Cardholders, such as women, seniors and children under 18, receive 80% healthcare coverage.

The Rev. Audace Kwizera, Buye diocesan secretary, reports that while, to date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Buyé diocese, Christians throughout the diocese are aware of the pandemic and how to prevent it from spreading. More than 300 trainees attended workshops and then imparted information on members throughout their respective sub-parishes.

“The challenge is that some parishes/sub parishes have difficulty accessing soap for regular handwashing,” he said.

The Buyé Bible college 2019-2020 academic year was successfully completed by 11 students and 10 students will be ordained deacons in the summer of 2021.

“As you may know, our Bible college is supported, in part, by Christians giving food in kind (beans),” he said. Additional food supplies, including rice, banana, salt and cooking oil, are also needed.

A new water filtration system was built by the community of Muhinzoga in Giteranyi parish, and members of the Kigina congregation are happy to be worshipping in the newly built church, which can accommodate everyone.

“Please pray for us because we have other congregations that are busy constructing their churches. Iron sheets (for the roof) will be needed indeed,” said Kwizera.