Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday, February 4 to bid a final farewell to the late Pastor Ezra Mpyisi, the eldest pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Pastor Mpyisi, who passed on January, 27 at the age of 102, left behind a legacy that resonated within his family and across the countries he served.

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The ceremony brought together Adventist Church members, government officials, family, and friends to honor a man described by Hesron Byiringiro, the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as a great source of inspiration for both the church and the community at large.

Byiringiro expressed his admiration, saying, "Mpyisi has left us as a great man. I wish I die after doing the many the many things he did; it would make me happy.”

He extended condolences to the family, friends, and the church community in Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

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The youngest son of Pastor Mpyisi, Edson Mpyisi, shared reflections on his father's life. He portrayed him as an exemplary man who loved God, people, and his country. Despite his advanced age, Pastor Mpyisi remained active in his pursuits.

Edson mentioned that his father's passing was not a dull occasion but a celebration of a life well lived. Many turned up to honor the late pastor and commemorate the positive impact he had on countless lives.

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Diane Mpyisi, speaking on behalf of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, shared a quote that captured the essence of their grandfather's legacy.

"To live in hearts, we leave behind is not today. No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away for many years to come,” she quoted.

She emphasized the enduring impact of pastor Mpyisi's teachings, love, compassion, and influence on the hearts of many.

In a testimony to pastor Mpyisi's commitment to spreading the word of God, his second son Gerald Bayingana revealed that he had been tasked to distribute free bibles.

Bayingana said that since last year in March, his father has distributed 1300 Bibles, and to honor his father's legacy, the family plans to establish Pastor Mpyisi’s Bible foundation.

Who is the late Pastor Ezra Mpyisi?

Born on February 19, 1922, Pastor Mpyisi had a distinguished career within the Seventh - day Adventist community, ministering in various countries. He navigated through significant historical events, from the colonial era to the Genocidal regime, and played a vital role in the liberation struggle.

Mpyisi did his primary at Rwamwata Adventist School and later he attended Gitwe Adventist School, finishing his studies at the age of 18, he immediately got a job working with missionaries as a clerk at Gitwe Mission.

He married the late Esther Nyirabakiga in 1944. His wife passed on in 2013.

Pastor Mpyisi's impact extended beyond his religious duties; he was a founding member of Inteko Izirikana, an association educating Rwanda’s youth about cultural values, and among the founders of the University of Lay Adventist Kigali (UNILAK) among other Adventist church universities in the region.

Additionally, he contributed to translating the Bible into Kinyarwanda.