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.

Visiting time

The Sisters can receive different guests, friends, neighbors, and relatives. Among them, some are natives while others are foreigners. Native guests visit the community at the end of the weekend (Friday to Sunday) while foreigners are welcome any time but are required to inform the direction of CD-ABK a month earlier to make an appointment for the visit.

Living mode

Internal Regulations of CD-ABK stipulate the way of living in the community for all sisters. Their activities, zone of actions, time-bound, prayers program and collaboration with partners, food, uniform styles, and other necessities. All those items are based on the decisions made by the general assembly of sisters as prescribed by CD-ABK statutes. Indeed, Sisters, usually have daily time to gather in the morning and evening, sing, pray, meditate, and share the word of God. They pray for the community, and the Church and intercede for the world and special cases. After lunch, sisters have time to read the Word of God. This program helps them to strengthen their faith and maintain a constant spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. Once a month, sisters have a particular moment of prayer (weekend of prayers). They also have retreats and seminars that aim at strengthening spiritual growth. They also participate actively in various activities that uplift the well-being of society and the church.

Source of income

The livelihood of sisters is guaranteed by various financial sources especially:
- Salaries of the sisters who work in different activities and institutions.
- Income generating projects, including Bethel Hotel that provides services:
Restaurant and outside catering, accommodations, wedding and conference halls, as well as laundry services.
Resources mobilization department:
The department of resource mobilization incorporates the following unities:
- Agriculture and livestock;
- Handcraft products;
- Sewing and knitting activities;
- The donations;

Organizational chart of CD-ABK