The Community of Deaconesses “Abaja ba Kristo” (CD-ABK)

·         Who we are 

The Community of Deaconesses “Abaja ba Kristo” (CD-ABK) is a protestant religious (sisters) community founded on December 1, 1984, by the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda - EPR in partnership with the Community of Sisters of Amerongen in the Netherlands. The name Abaja ba Kristo originates from the common name used in our mother tongue “Kinyarwanda”, which means The Servants of Christ. The first idea to start this sisters’ community came from the inspiration of Sister Christine SCHIPPER and Pastor Simeon NZABAHIMANA whose dedication and collaboration constituted the cornerstone of its existence. It started with 9 girls and has kept considerably growing till nowadays. In the beginning, all decisions about the growth and development of CD-ABK were made at the level of the General Synod of Presbyterian Church in Rwanda - EPR. When the leadership of CD-ABK expressed the commitment and ability to grow up and attain self-governance, the EPR facilitated them to achieve the goal of becoming independent and ensuring daily management of all community assets and properties. In this regard, the CD-ABK opened its doors to young ladies from other churches (denominations). The number of sisters increased, and the community expanded its activities. The CD-ABK evolved and on 19 May 2004 acquired its legal personality (moral personality). Since it has grown over the years and currently has forty-two (42) sisters and around 118 workers in its various community benefits projects.

·         Our vision

The vision of CD-ABK is to build a community of Deaconesses “Abaja ba Kristo” committed to testifying the truth of the Word of God, to bring about a spiritual and social transformation where it acts.

·         Our mission

The community of sisters “AbajabaKristo” mission is to serve the Almighty God. It is committed to evangelism and developmental and cultural activities that contribute to sustainable changes in the lives of communities.

·         Our core values

Besides the principles and values included in the vows of religious commitment, the calling of sisters Abaja ba Kristo consists of serving God and his people. The sisters “Abaja ba Kristo” are required to be honest, to manifest love of God, compassion and integrity, to be cooperative, collaborative, diligent, and excellent in service delivery. These core values are expressed in daily life and take part in the document signed by sisters when they make vows that serve as guidelines for their whole lives.

·         Deaconess vows

Deaconesses swear before God and before their fellows the following covenant:

ü  Obedience and respect

The deaconess promises to dedicate her whole life to Christ under the guidance of the Word of God and pledges obedience throughout her life until death. As a servant of the Lord, she commits to obey and respect the governing bodies of the deaconesses’ community "Abaja ba Kristo" (CD-ABK) and its leaders, to go wherever she will be sent and to do all the work assigned by the community. She also undertakes to abide by all rules and regulations governing CD-ABK. These principles of respect for others, sisters’ guidance, and obedience to God are based on the Word of God and the Holy Scriptures (Deuteronomy 10:12:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Proverbs 22:4; Psalm 111:10; Philippians 2:5 - 11; Hebrews 13:17; …).

ü  Celibacy and chastity

Based on the Word of God and her vocation, the deaconess commits to celibacy, chastity, and faithfully throughout her life. This helps her to be rooted in her spiritual life, ensures continual purification, and lives intimately with God all the time. That calling of Abaja ba Kristo, to surrender all to God, to follow him and become the Servants of Christ, is a gift from God. This was confirmed by Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul when they answered people who were arguing about marriage (Matthew 19:11-12, 1Corinthians 7:7). It also helps the deaconesses to strive to please our Lord Jesus Christ, as stipulated in 1Corinthians 7:32-34.

ü  Humility

The deaconess promises to live a humble life throughout her life, based on the model of Jesus Christ. This can be seen through sisterhood, where deaconesses share their livelihood and support each other with selflessness, proving empathy and forgiveness, and wearing community uniform (Exodus 28:40-41). The deaconesses commit and pledge to pool all the property they earn, including their salaries, gifts, and other benefits obtained from their work. In this sense, all benefits from Abaja ba Kristo are allocated to CD-ABK so that it can achieve its common goals.

ü  Living harmoniously with others

The deaconess promises to cooperate with her colleagues in a harmonious partnership to express the love of Jesus Christ. That goes with respecting one another, asking for forgiveness, and forgiving one another due to any inconvenience, as Apostle Paul recommends to the Colossians 3:12-14. A good relationship is also based on sharing joys and sorrows with others and encouraging each other (Eph.4:32; Rom.12:18). The deaconess commits to cooperate with others in all activities to developing the community and achieving its core goal of finding Christ's booty. She promises in addition to collaborate with others in the process of enriching their spiritual life and relationship with Christ, including praying together.

·         Daily schedule of CD-ABK

Morning devotion time: 7 -7:30 AM

Breakfast time: 7:30-8:00 AM

Morning work starts at 8:00 AM

Lunchtime: 12:15-12:45 PM

Lunch break should not exceed one hour from 1:00-2:00 PM

Afternoon work: 2:00-5:00 PM

Evening prayer time: 6:30-7:10 PM

Dinnertime: 19:15-20:00

Therefore, in our tradition, every deaconess must be where she is expected to be on time, according to the established schedule.