2026 Baraka Bible School
Baraka Bible School 2026 will gather Swahili-speaking believers and supporters from across Canada and the U.S. for a week of Bible study, worship, cultural connection, and mutual encouragement.
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Over the past decade or two, ecclesias throughout North America have experienced a quiet but profound blessing. Brothers and sisters from the Congo, Cameroon, and several other African nations have arrived in our communities—men, women, and young people whose journeys have often included years of hardship, displacement, and long stays in refugee camps before finally being resettled across Canada and the United States. Their presence has brought with it a remarkable spirit of joy, resilience, and deep devotion to the Lord. In many ecclesias, their faith has rekindled warmth, broadened fellowship, and enriched the spiritual life of our communities in ways that continue to be felt.
Yet alongside these blessings lies a challenge that has become increasingly evident. Many of our African brothers and sisters, especially older members, now find themselves scattered across a vast continent, often far from those who share their language, culture, and familiar patterns of worship. While younger people tend to adapt quickly to English and integrate more easily into local ecclesial life, elders frequently struggle with language barriers and long for the comfort of fellowship in Swahili. In their search for community, some have begun attending local African churches or forming connections outside the faith simply to find a place where they can speak freely, sing freely, and feel understood.
Recognizing this growing need, a group of brothers and sisters from both Canada and the United States has joined together in a spirit of love and unity to create something new—something designed specifically to strengthen, gather together, and encourage these beloved members of our wider ecclesial family.
Thus, plans are now underway for a special event in 2026: Baraka Bible School, named after the Swahili word for “Blessings.”
Baraka Bible School is envisioned as a week‑long gathering that will bring together Swahili‑speaking believers from across North America for fellowship, teaching, worship, and mutual encouragement. It will be a bilingual Bible School (Swahili and English) open not only to African brothers and sisters but to all who wish to participate, support, and share in this unique experience of unity in Christ.
Adult classes will be offered primarily in Swahili, led by two deeply respected speakers whose spiritual work has already touched many lives. Brother Innocent Baruani, known to many from his role as a speaker at the 2024 Eastern Christadelphian Bible School, will be one of the principal teachers. He will be joined by Brother Benoit Mukendi, whose tireless efforts among Congolese ecclesias in both Canada and the United States have made him a beloved figure in the community. Their classes will be translated into English to ensure that all who attend may benefit.
For teenagers, classes will be conducted in English and led by Brother Chris Sales, with support from Brethren Dale Andrews, Raymond Abwe, and Kevin Spry. Younger children and youth will enjoy a full program provided by the Truth Corps Team, ensuring that every age group is spiritually nourished and fully engaged throughout the week.
It is the hope and prayer of the organizing committee that Baraka Bible School may become an annual event. Yet even if circumstances allow it to happen only this once, the belief remains strong that its spiritual impact will be deep and lasting.
God willing, the Bible School will take place from July 4-10, 2026, using the London Ecclesial Hall and the student residences at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada. The facilities can comfortably accommodate up to 150 attendees, providing both ample space for classes and a welcoming environment for fellowship.
Each day will follow a rhythm familiar to many Bible School attendees: morning and evening classes for all age groups, afternoons filled with activities such as hikes, games, crafts, and sports, and evenings devoted to praise, music, and shared fellowship. The aim is to create not only a week of learning but a week of belonging, a time when brothers and sisters can reconnect with their cultural roots while strengthening their shared hope in Christ.
Meals will be prepared at the London Ecclesial Hall by a team of African and North American sisters and brothers, offering a blend of dishes from both culinary traditions. Attendees staying in the Fanshawe College residences will have access to private kitchens in each block of rooms for everyone to prepare their own breakfast. At the same time, lunch and dinner will be provided for the entire group.
To make the event accessible to as many as possible, registration is set at a modest fee of $25 CAD per person, with a family maximum of $50 CAD. For those able to contribute more fully, the total cost for the week, including accommodation and meals, is $350 CAD per person. In addition, the CBMC and CBMA have generously provided 40 full scholarships. These scholarships will cover accommodation, meals, and some travel assistance, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent brothers and sisters from attending.
Even with these generous provisions, many African brothers and sisters will still require help with travel, food, and lodging. Ecclesias across North America are warmly invited to support this effort by making donations to the CBMC or CBMA, earmarked specifically for Baraka Bible School. Every contribution will help ensure that those who long for fellowship in their own language may experience this week of blessing.
For those who are considering attending, we kindly remind our U.S. brothers, sisters, and young people to ensure they have whatever documents they need for both entering Canada and returning to the USA.
The planning committee welcomes ideas, suggestions, and participation from anyone who feels moved to support this initiative. Contacts in both Canada and the United States are available for questions or involvement, including Brothers and Sisters:
Brian and Lynne Carrick:: thecarricks@rogers.com
Chris and Martha Sales chrisandmart@yahoo.ca
Benoit Mukendi: benoitmukendi@yahoo.com
Kevin Spry: exponent2718@gmail.com
Sela Msafiri: selamsafiri@gmail.com
Bizo Tchumbula: tchumbula12@gmail.com
Tony and Amy Ball: antonyontheball@gmail.com
Victor Kiza: victorkiza832@gmail.com
Raymond Abwe: abweraymond3@gmail.com
Ultimately, Baraka Bible School is far more than an event. It is an expression of love, a desire to strengthen the bonds of fellowship, to uplift brothers and sisters who have endured much, and to help them feel truly at home within the household of faith. It is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Christ’s body while affirming the unity that binds us together.
If your heart is stirred to participate, support, or simply learn more, the organizers would be delighted to hear from you.
With love in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Chris and Martha Sales,
Grand River Ecclesia, ON