In the heart of Goma, a powerful movement of learning, unity, and spiritual renewal unfolded as church leaders gathered for a New Testament Training Seminar hosted by TLAfrica. What began as a single day of teaching quickly became something deeper—a shared encounter with Scripture that is already shaping ministries, churches, and communities.
A Room Marked by Unity and Diversity
From the very first moments, the atmosphere was vibrant and expectant. Forty participants representing 18 different denominations came together—not as separate groups, but as one body with a shared mission. Reverend pastors, pastors, evangelists, chaplains, and institutional leaders filled the room, each bringing unique experiences and challenges from their ministries.
This diversity didn’t divide—it strengthened. Conversations were rich, perspectives were broadened, and a spirit of collaboration took root. In a region often marked by hardship and instability, this kind of unity is not only encouraging—it is deeply needed.
The day began with prayer and meditation, grounding everything that followed in the presence of God. It set the tone: this was not simply an academic exercise, but a spiritual formation moment.
Rediscovering the World of the New Testament
Participants were guided into a deeper understanding of the New Testament—not just as sacred text, but as a living message shaped by real history. They explored the political, social, and religious realities of the time, including the influence of Roman rule, Jewish traditions, and the role of language in shaping communication and meaning.
What emerged was clarity. Scripture began to come alive in new ways as leaders saw how context strengthens interpretation and application.
The seminar also journeyed through the 400-year intertestamental period—a time often overlooked, yet critical in preparing the way for Christ. Participants discovered how God was actively at work through groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, preserving the Law and cultivating spiritual expectation.
They also examined how global empires unknowingly served God’s purposes. The spread of Greek language under Alexander the Great and the infrastructure and relative peace of the Roman Empire created pathways that would later accelerate the spread of the Gospel.
Seeing Jesus More Clearly
The day culminated in an in-depth study of the four Gospels—each offering a unique and powerful portrait of Jesus Christ:
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For many participants, this wasn’t just new information—it was a renewed encounter with Christ. Their understanding deepened, their confidence grew, and their ability to teach with clarity and conviction was strengthened.
Stories of Transformation
What made this training especially powerful were the personal testimonies—stories that revealed not just what was learned, but what is already changing.
| Reverend Sebangenze Etienne of Signers Baptist Church shared how the training expanded his approach to preaching. Once relying on general teachings, he now feels equipped to interpret Scripture with clarity and apply it directly to the real struggles his congregation faces—fear, poverty, and uncertainty. His commitment moving forward is clear: to preach in a way that brings hope, direction, and strength to everyday life. |  |
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Pastor Bilingo Nzitunga Faustin from Union Baptist Church reflected on a shift in leadership. Where his focus had once been primarily structural, he now sees that true biblical leadership is rooted in humility, service, and unity. His desire is to cultivate deeper relationships within his church, creating a community where people feel genuinely valued and supported. |
| For Buroko Nyakabiri Ancille of CMMA Community Church, the training sparked a renewed vision. Teaching alone is not enough—faith must be lived out. She is now committed to leading women not only to study God’s Word but to actively serve their communities with compassion and purpose. |  |
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Muhoza Riziki, working with youth at Union Baptist Church, discovered practical tools that transformed her approach to teaching. What once felt like a disconnect is now an opportunity. By simplifying biblical truths and making them relatable, she is preparing to engage young people in ways that truly resonate with their lives and decisions. |
| Evangelist Bahati Buregeya David experienced a shift in his understanding of evangelism. No longer seen as occasional outreach, it is now a continuous mission—one that calls for intentional, consistent engagement beyond the walls of the church. |  |
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And for Evangelist Mapenzi Balume Calvin, the training brought both confidence and clarity. With new tools for studying and structuring sermons, he is committed to preaching messages that are not only biblically sound but deeply transformative. |
A Lasting Impact
This first day of training was more than a seminar—it was a catalyst. Leaders left not only with knowledge, but with renewed vision, practical tools, and a deeper connection to Christ and His Word.
In a place like Goma, where challenges are real and ongoing, the impact of equipping church leaders cannot be overstated. As these men and women return to their communities, they carry with them something powerful: the ability to rightly handle Scripture and to bring its truth to life in ways that transform hearts, churches, and entire communities.
And this is only the beginning.
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