Our conference leader, Bishop Simeon Nzishura, has often had to hide from people seeking his life.  His native Burundi has been in a state of civil war between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes off and on since 1965. He initiates peace endeavors and conferences in Burundi and the Lakes region of Central Africa. Those with a vested interest in continued civil war count him an enemy.

This is the backdrop of his ministry, making his prodigious accomplishments all the more amazing. 

In the 1990’s he started the African Protestant Evangelical Elim Church, a fellowship of 45 churches --Tutsi, Hutu, and five Pygmy churches. Theirs’ is an inspirational testimony about God’s transcendent love. To have churches from the different tribes in fellowship together demonstrates kingdom mentality.

Pygmies have been a tremendously difficult people group to reach with the gospel because they are stigmatized so severely by their African neighbors. Simeon’s first church with them began after he slept one night in one of their homes. The next day the entire village turned out to hear him preach. 

When Simeon approached Advent Christian General Conference with a request to affiliate, he wanted his work to be a part of an international family. His passion for the Second Coming was the deciding factor in his choice of the Advent Christian family. 

In February 2006 Area Director Russell Carle had three days of meetings with Bishop Simeon and was encouraged by his fellowship and ideas. Simeon was keen about evangelism and excited about Advent Christians’ belief that as many people as possible need to be saved before the Lord returns. 

In 2008 Simeon met many in the ACGC family at our Triennial Convention in Naperville, Illinois, but was unable to attend the 2011 Triennial due to severe weather damage among his churches.

Bishop Simeon Nzishura himself is a great asset. During the civil strife, fleeing refugees settled all over the West. Simeon travels to visit many of them and provides a link with their families back in Burundi. He has great organizational and leadership skills. He conducts an extensive financial accountability seminar in his churches. This faithful servant has a lot that he can share across the continent for the benefit of all our people.

 “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.”

~2 Chronicles 7:14