Faith and Community Stories Shine at the Centennial of the Alliance of Burkina Faso

The Alliance Church in Burkina Faso marked its centennial celebration with a four-day event, bringing together more than three thousand participants from all corners of the country.

For a hundred years, Alliance missionaries have been spreading the message of hope in Burkina Faso. To honor this significant milestone, the church’s National Executive Committee organized a heartwarming commemorative ceremony, focusing on the theme “Church of the Christian Alliance of Burkina Faso: A Centennial of Integral Mission, Reflection, and Forward Vision.”

The journey to this celebration began nearly five years ago with the establishment of a committee to shape the event. Every member of the church community played a role in contributing ideas and reflecting a collaborative spirit that has been the cornerstone of the Alliance’s legacy.

The first day saw the arrival and installation of participants, surpassing the organizing committee’s expectations. Despite security concerns, attendees dressed in commemorative uniforms embracing the modest yet symbolic event. One participant captured the sentiment saying, “We couldn’t miss this once-in-a-centennial event, uncertain of what the future holds.”

The second day included two major events. The opening ceremony was graced by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. That set the stage for a series of impactful sessions, including speeches by representatives of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) and the US C&MA Mission, as well as the president of the Organizing Committee, Robert Sanou. Notably, the ceremony closed with symbolic acts of recognition and generosity, affirming the church’s commitment to peace and support for internally displaced persons.

The day’s highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring insightful presentations by Dr. Tite Tienou, Pastor Mamadou Mardochée Toe, and Pastor Jean Martin Sanou, delving into the history, evolution, and prospects of the Alliance of Burkina Faso.

The third day showcased a grand parade of Alliance structures, emphasizing the church’s commitment to the nation and honoring the legacy of its pioneering missionaries. The afternoon featured compelling exchanges, with living predecessors sharing their moving testimonies. The acknowledgment of their enduring faith in the face of rejection left a lasting impression on the attendees.

A poignant moment arrived with the symbolic handing over of the Alliance flag to the youth, embodying the passing of the torch and the responsibility of carrying forward the flame of faith.

The final day saw a massive turnout for the thanksgiving worship, with estimates suggesting that those outside the venue outnumbered those within. Rev. Jura Yanagihara, president of the AWF, preached a sermon which eloquently underscored the crucial theme of maintaining tension between the church and the world, drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 2:4-12 and weaving together biblical principles with real-world challenges faced by the Church of the Christian Alliance of Burkina Faso. The central focus on Jesus Christ as the cornerstone and the source of power for navigating this tension provided a strong foundation for practical application in daily living.

The city of Bobo-Dioulasso underwent a vibrant transformation from November 23-26, 2023, as inhabitants adorned themselves in blue uniforms, symbolizing the unity and celebration of the Alliance’s presence.

As the church members dispersed, the echoes of their celebration lingered, prompting a profound reflection: “What if our next mission is not just to fill the city with our blue attire but also with the timeless message of the gospel?” The centennial celebration not only honored the past but ignited a renewed sense of purpose and community spirit for the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Burkina Faso.