We are bidding farewell to Rwanda, but it has been an absolutely incredible month. God is moving in this country, and it’s been an absolute blessing to come and bear witness to it. Our primary point of focus has been our contact’s church, which we have attended every night Sunday-Friday and Sunday mornings, preaching and singing most services, and dancing along and worshiping with the congregation every night. We have been poured in to by a body of believers with songs of praise on their tongues and joy so overflowing in laughter, shouts, and reckless dancing, and it has been absolutely heart-breaking to leave.
Our days were full with various appointments by our well-connected pastor all around the city of Kigali. We went to a hospital to visit and pray with patients, preached on a local Christian radio station Friday afternoons, met with a group of prostitutes at the church Tuesday mornings, and visited various schools all around town. It was encouraging to see students with an excitement to learn and participate, and talking with various people eager to continue rebuilding their country as an educated generation. We visited with a variety of communities of believers, meeting within church walls and without, seeing a passion for God often lost in the states. Every Friday night various churches and university groups conduct overnight prayer and worship sessions; an encouraging picture of a people eager to worship and willing to sacrifice time and sleep for what is more worthy. In most places we went we felt far more ministered to than any work we may have been doing, but I think we’re starting to realize that is par for the course on this race. It has been such a blessing to see the Spirit moving in Rwanda, and the vibrant church of believers that is rising up, transforming the country for the kingdom. Particularly given the very recent history of genocide and a country left in shambles, to see the church as a shining beacon of reconstruction for the glory of God is especially encouraging.
We were blessed by an incredible community from our local church, and have made friends that we will be rejoicing with for eternity. Our wonderful pastor Etienne, seeming at times to be the most well-connected man in Rwanda, ensured that we saw every facet of God’s work being done here, while also raising up a powerful congregation himself. Our teenage translator, guide, and friend Ferguson gave up countless hours to lead us all over town, accompanying us practically everywhere. An amazing heart, captured by God’s love and overflowing with thanksgiving, eager to serve and growing in boldness and faith. Choir leader Bosco (seen at right) always has a song on his lips, and we would have it no other way. A powerful faith, rightfully giving praise to God for everything in his life, and eager to share in any situation. Jean Pierre, our resident soldier, was often humorously over-protective, overflowing from the gentle love that has captured his heart. Our house mom Hope poured out her love, joy, and hospitality upon us since the moment we walked in the door.
There are countless more, but this is a glimpse into this body. These are the people that made this month amazing for us, and who have effectively captured our hearts and prayers for a long time to come. I pray with Paul for the Church in Rwanda:
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, amy give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who blieve.”
