It was a full house on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the opening of the International Christian Fellowship Church, located at 36 Patrick Drive in Westbrook.
More than 250 people attended the opening, which featured African-style music, food and colorful clothing.
“There’s a lot of singing, praise and dancing,” said Didier Hakizimana, a member of the church and resident of Westbrook. “It’s dynamic and very active, different from what people are used to seeing in church. In America, the churches are quiet. There’s more participation and the members get involved here.”
Sunday’s opening ceremony was used to welcome members to their new place of worship and thank those who had donated money for the nearly $1 million building and for technology such as lighting and microphones.
The church moved to Westbrook after outgrowing its location on Munjoy Hill in Portland.
Many of the members of the church are immigrants from Africa, specifically the war-torn countries of Rwanda and the Congo.
Pamela Ishime, 16, came to the U.S. from Rwanda with her parents five years ago. Ishime, who said she doesn’t remember much of the destruction that took place around her in her youth, said she is happy to have the church as a place to feel at home.
“It makes me feel closer to where I came from,” Ishime said, as she shared traditional African foods, including amandazi (fritters), which she helped prepare for the event.
Hakizimana, originally from the Congo, moved to the U.S. in 2008. He said a friend, whom he met in Portland, led him to the church. He said it was a relief to find people who spoke his language.
In 1994, the Rev. Mutima Peter started the church. Peter said he received “a message from God” while he was living in Washington, D.C.
“In the ‘90s I had a call from God, and he said to move to Maine and start a small church,” Peter said during his welcome speech to the congregation. “At the time I didn’t even know where Maine was. This place reminds people of the churches they left behind. Now we have a new building. There is new hope. This is your church. This is your place.”
In 1993 he moved to Portland and formed a ministry called the African International Church. A year later the ministry became the International Christian Fellowship, which has grown to include people other than African immigrants.
In the coming months, the church will offer language and financial classes along with health care and counseling.
Sunday worship starts at 11 a.m.
Claude Rwaganje, steward and finance chairman of the International Christian Fellowship Church, speaks at the opening ceremony last Sunday at the new International Christian Fellowship Church in Westbrook.Send questions/comments to the editors.
