IBURA INTERNATIONAL

What is IBURA?

IBURA is a Swahili word of Arabic origin meaning "a miracle, a wonderful thing, a very rare occurrence".  It is also an acrostic for the Independent Baptist Union Reaching Africa, which is a fellowship of like-minded Independent Baptist Preachers (African & American Pastors & Missionaries) who have come together to help plant Independent Baptist Churches on the continent of Africa.

IBURA started in October of 2005 when a group of African national pastors met with missionary Tim Whitfield in Arusha, Tanzania.  Additional meetings have been held in Nairobi, Kenya and Mwanza, Tanzania.  The bond that holds these men together is a common statement of faith, without regard for what school one attended, what "camp" one hails from, or what mission agency one chooses to work with.  The emphasis is on LOYALTY to THE SON OF GOD, THE WORD OF GOD, and THE CHURCH OF GOD!  Any Independent Baptist preacher who is in agreement with the statement of faith is welcome to work with them.    

IBURA International is a local church ministry under the authority of the Heritage Baptist Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas.  IBURA Tanzania operates as a ministry of the Tabora Baptist Temple, which is a missionary outreach of Heritage.  IBURA Kenya (in the process of being registered in Kenya) has a number of national pastors and missionaries who are already meeting together on a regular basis. 

IBURA is not a clearinghouse, a mission board, or a sending agency.  In fact, most of the missionaries involved are sent by and through their local church.

What is the Purpose of IBURA?

1)  To encourage Independent Baptists to work TOGETHER.  The Swahili word for "together" is "PAMOJA"-Pastors And Missionaries On Joint Assignment.  This is the reason both national pastors and missionaries are included.  They really are co-workers in the work of missions.  It is important that there be mutual love and respect between them. 

2)  To assist missionaries who are sent by and through their local church (without a mission board) in obtaining resident or work permits in their country of service.

3)  To promote LOCAL CHURCH MISSIONS by use of the following means: 

• Quarterly publication of LOCAL CHURCH MISSIONS which will be available on this website.
• FAITH PROMISE Mission Conferences
• Biennial "SCHOOL OF MISSIONS AND DEPUTATION COLLEGE" for pastors and missionaries hosted by the Heritage Baptist Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas.  (Arrangements can be made for some of this material to be taught as a "modular course" is other Independent Baptist Colleges.)
• Biennial Mission Trip to Africa - For pastors, future missionaries, and any church member with a heart for missions.  EVERY PASTOR NEEDS TO TAKE THIS TRIP AT LEAST ONCE!

4)  To provide retirement living for Independent Baptist missionaries who meet certain qualifications, future plans include the development of MISSIONARY MANOR.