The host for the GAFCON IV, The Most Rev’d Laurent Mbanda has welcomed the over 1,300 delegates to Kigali, Rwanda. In his very inspiring and short speech at the opening ceremony of GAFCON IV, the Archbishop noted that “we have waited for this Conference! It comes at a time when the Church of England has shocked the World and more so the Anglican Communion. It comes at a time when false teaching is rampant! When the authority of Scripture is the thing to hold on tightly!”
What a privilege and honor to welcome you to GAFCON IV, the second GAFCON conference to be held on the African Continent. As you all know, GAFCON I was held in Jerusalem, GAFCON II in Nairobi, Kenya, GAFCON III in Jerusalem in 2018 and Now GAFCON IV here in Kigali, Rwanda a beautiful City, and a beautiful country.
We have prayed for this conference! We have waited for this Conference! It comes at a time when the Church of England has shocked the World and more so the Anglican Communion. It comes at a time when false teaching is rampant! When the authority of Scripture is the thing to hold on tightly! While some have departed from the Biblical authority. When that happens, we become disillusioned, confused and things start going south. The prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 23:26 warns against inescapable consequences of rejecting the authority of God’s word. GAFCON wants, desires and commits to bringing and keeping the Bible at the center of everything we do. Let us keep the unchanging Word of GOD.
The East Africa Revivalists moved with their Bibles in hand, preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ. The Bible became their best friend, their walking stick, a pillar to lean on, and focused them on GOD.
It is my prayer and hope, that by the time you leave Kigali, Rwanda, you will leave refreshed, encouraged, not feeling alone in your endeavor.
I also pray and hope that the Rwandan bug, ticks you. The bug that causes you to want to come back and see us again and enjoy this beautiful country of ours. You have come, you have seen, go and tell the story of Rwanda and the spread of the gospel.
May God bless you again a warm welcome and a Rwandan hug!
Peace of the Lord be with you.
