Though it sometimes proves difficult to look past the hardships that the people of Rwanda have been through, it proves easy to see the way God is working there. I can’t help but look around and see the beauty of this country and the light inside these people.
Without a doubt, God is moving in Rwanda. You can see it in the faces of the church members, or in the way the people dance and praise their Papa. You can see it in the way people respond to the gospel, with their smiles and laughter and excitement. It’s evident.
There is hope here. There is hope for a future and for God’s kingdom to rain down on the nation. Despite everything that has been against Rwanda, the people of this country – God’s people – find hope in the one thing that will always be constant: Christ.
Kyle & Christian praying with a young man who wanted to accept Christ
It sometimes seems nonsensical to me, an A-type personality girl who is too rational for her own good. However, I find myself rejoicing with my Rwandan family members. I find myself tapping my toes and clapping my hands and singing because of how good God is. One of my greatest joys this month was watching our church family dance. I mean, really, dance. Not just lift their hands, not just sing, but dance. Dance until they were sweating and out of breath. Dance until they had looks of utter and complete joy.
I saw the best thing ever the other day. I was riding home on the back of a motorcycle and passed a man. He was riding a bicycle – full jersey, helmet and all – and looked like he’s someone who even races competitively. As he was speeding through the roundabout, I noticed that he only has one leg. One leg. Talk about determination and commitment. Talk about living your dreams despite obstacles. I was floored. When I waved to him, he smiled, and it lit up his entire face.
Here, people haven’t given up. They don’t throw in the towel and say that life is over. They don’t say that God has abandoned them. Heck no, techno. They believe that God is good and they trust who he is. He is faithful.
I’m not saying that what happened here wasn’t tragic and horrific – it certainly was. But it doesn’t negate all the good. It doesn’t mean that God isn’t good. It doesn’t mean that his character has changed.
It has been a blessing to be a part of what has been going on here. It has been a pleasure being able to share with the community about who Jesus is. It has been incredible to preach what is on my heart and talk with believers. I see their dedication to the Lord, I see the way they praise, the way they live, and I rejoice.
These people are beautiful, their faith runs deep and they love their Papa.
It’s one of the most magnificent things I’ve ever seen.
The women of our morning devotional
