» First Full Day
Well, the last 24 hours has been a complete change from the schedule that “We” planned. (Do you have a few hours???)
First off the children’s ministry wasn’t supposed to start until next Monday, but we found out last night that the local church had something else that was conflicting so we had to start today. Then around midnight (Rwanda time) we found out that the children were in school and would not be coming, but the local churches wanted to send 25 leaders to learn the program and how to teach the material. Joshua, Debbie and Evelyn did a great job rearranging the plan to teach the leaders at about 7AM (for about an hour). Turns out between 40 and 60 people showed up from 9AM-4PM. They said it started a little rough but were very encouraged with the results at the end of the session. Session 2 tomorrow with actual children showing up Saturday for AM and PM sessions and Sunday for a PM session. Keep them in prayer for everything to go well.
Womens Leadership Conference began today with 25 women attending. They began with an icebreaker then proceed with bible lessons, bible study methods and study in 1st John. These women were so enthusiastic and so grateful to the team that came to teach. They will continue tomorrow with teaching in hopes that these women can then disciple others.
Prison ministry was amazing. The Spirit of God was present as they learned about forgiveness – forgiving themselves and others. Emmanuel was able to share from his heart and tell the men that although he lost many family members in the genocide – that he forgave them for their part in it – and God was waiting to forgive them too. Arlene shared her testimony and encouraged them to forgive themselves. Many made decisions for Christ and began the process of healing.
The rest of the team is still in the preparation mode! We visited the site at Kabuga where the sewing will take place. We then spent the afternoon shopping for electrical supplies to get the machines up and going, and sewing supplies for the women and the co-op. We will be spending the next couple of days getting everything ready for Monday.
Pray that we will remain flexible and not allow the busyness to overwhelm us. Pray that everything we do will bring glory to Our God. Thank you all for your support!
Posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2008
Bill Hudson said on September 18th, 2008
Praise God for an excellent first full day!
Did all of the suitcases and bins arrive in good shape?
Crystal Ames said on September 18th, 2008
God often doesn’t work on ‘our’ schedule. How wonderful that they wanted to learn to teach the children themselves! Thank you for keeping up posted. Keep on keeping on, whatever God’s schedule turns out to be! May God keep you close so you feel His presence during all of the ministries!
jill Maag Tandy said on September 19th, 2008
It is really good we kept saying the key word “flexibility”. I learned on my first trip that was a very important lesson the Lord teaches all of us. Praying for you all. Blessings to you and your families here.
Love you all!
Darcee said on September 19th, 2008
I have few words to say…God is amazing!!!!