Ubumwe MinistryMoves to New Home T
he Ubumwe ministry started as a small group of immigrants from two families who moved to Phoenix, Ariz., from Burundi, D.R. Congo, and Rwanda. Pastor Joel Mpabwanimana’s passion for this ministry began in 2012 when he visited two refugee patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, where he worked as chaplain. He found his patients to be emotionally, spiritually, and physically comforted by his visits. A fire was ignited within him to begin a special ministry focusing on African refugees. He called it Ubumwe – unity. In 2012 the Ubumwe group of two refugee families met for worship at a room provided by Pastor Gary Venden at the Glendale church. By 2014 their number had doubled,
Energetic Pathfinders provided rousing music for the grand opening.
Arizona
NEWS
By Phil Draper
Pastor Joel Mpabwanimana greets a full house, including guest speaker Pastor Tony Anobile and his wife Lisa.
and they moved their services to the youth chapel. In 2015 the group moved to the fellowship hall; then in 2016 they occupied the gymnasium. In less than five years, Ubumwe grew from two families to 460 members! Mpabwanimana is encouraged by the group’s rapid growth. He said, “The purpose of Ubumwe ministry is to provide strong, trusting relationships with our members; build community within our congregation and neighborhood; increase our faith in God’s leading; and prepare for the soon coming of Jesus.” October 21, 2017 was the first worship service at their new place of worship at 1601 W. Indian School
Road, Phoenix, Ariz. Visitors from the Pacific Union Conference, Arizona Conference, and the Glendale church made the day one of celebration and praise. A bountiful meal of traditional African dishes was served to an appreciative congregation. Special guests included Pastors VicLouis Arreola III, Tony Anobile, Ed Keyes, Gary Venden, Glenn Sta. Ana, Jose Marin, and Reggie Leach. Pastor Mpabwanimana expressed appreciation for the support and leadership the Ubumwe group had received. “To Pastor Gary Venden and the Glendale church family, we will never forget your unselfish love and generosity since you welcomed us into your church family. During these past five years, you helped us achieve our vision and mission. Now we leave you to grow a new congregation that will be a blessing to others just as you have been to us.”