» First Days in Rwanda
September 28, 2009
Yes! we are here. After more than 30 hours of travel we arrived Saturday morning at at about 2:00. We were so tired that it didn’t really matter what time it was, but I felt for those that had to meet us at the airport. Our flights were uneventful, just long. We spent the rest of that day sleeping and resting, trying to recover from jet lag.
Sunday morning we had the priviledge of attending and participating in Emmanuel’s home church. We were introduced and welcomed in 3 services that morning. Mike preached an awesome sermon reminding all of us that God has called us to love others like He has loved us. In order to do that we need to understand God’s unconditional love. He gave an invitation and many responded to the gospel. It is so refreshing to be in a place where people are hungry for a relationship with Jesus and want to hear God’s word. Emmanuel did an excellent job translating for Mike. The first 2 services were in Kinyarwandan, and the 3rd service was in French. So he spoke 3 languages in that period of time! Amazing, since most of us are only proficient in one! After lunch we visited the genocide memorial. It is such a sad and sobering reminder of the evil in this world. And yet, as we reflected together on what God has done in this country in the last 15 years, it is truly a blessing that God can and does make something wonderful and good out of tragedy. The Rwandan people are courageous and strong. They have hope for the future, mostly because many of them are seeking God and allowing Him to work out reconciliation and forgiveness in their hearts.
Arlene visited at a HIV/Aids site and was able to encourage the men and women there. She has such a compassionate heart for those suffering from HIV/Aids.
It is now Monday morning and we are starting a very busy week.
Please pray for:
1. Continued health and safety
2. Decisions to be made regarding the building project of the woodworking shop.
3. Mike as he will be preaching most evenings this week – that hearts will be open to the message
4. Arlene as she visits and shares at prisons for the next couple of weeks.
5. The business training for the sewing women.
Posted on Monday, September 28th, 2009
DanPerson said on September 28th, 2009
Glad to see you are there safe. Many here keep checking, looking for the blog entry. May God give you rest and Grace for these next couple weeks. Praying for you all.