Days 1-3

Day 1
Day One Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The first God story happened to Susan Dominguez as we were packing this morning. Susan was thinking about the trip and wondering about our safety and if God is really leading us there. “Does He really want us to connect with a church in Rwanda?” As she was thinking about this she recalled the book, “Never Silent” by Bishop Thad Barnum about the founding of the Anglican Mission in America and the commitment of the Rwandan bishops to give us theological and spiritual coverage from the heresies that are assailing the Episcopal Church in America. The Bishops refused to remain silent in the face of the infidelities of the American church to the Bible. They knew what it was like when the genocide happened in Rwanda and the rest of the world turned its back in silence. So they offered spiritual asylum to any churches that needed it.
As Susan was thinking about this she asked our daughter if she could borrow her smaller size bible for our trip. When Amy handed it to Susan, it opened to Acts 18:9 which reads:
“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack or harm you…”
As I shared this with the rest of our team, we knew it was confirmation from the Lord that we are in His hands and this trip is indeed His plan. We look forward to sharing more “God stories” with you.
With “the same attitude as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5),
Patrick

Day 2 Thursday, July 23, 2009
After 21 hours of being in the air and waiting in airports, we have finally landed in Kigali, Rwanda. We were met by Pastor Emmanuel Gasana with hugs and many Murahos (Hellos).
What a relief it finally was to know that we have made it to Rwanda. Arriving at night, we couldn’t grasp the beauty of this country, but if the land is as beautiful and welcoming as the people of Rwanda, then we are in for a huge blessing and treat.
As I was riding in the van with our teammates, the thoughts of what this country has gone through couldn’t escape me. My heart was being tugged at from all sides telling me to soak this moment in and not to forget what happened on this land 15 years ago. Yet I also was reminded to look at the beauty of God’s creation and the work he has done and is doing here to reconcile and forgive.
After arriving to the Shyogwe Diocese and the guesthouse where we staying, we unloaded our 13 bags and carry-ons, (praise to the Lord that all of our bags made it by the way) and Pastor Gasana led us to the church where about 200 Rwandans had gathered for prayer, but it wasn’t just anytime of prayer service. These men and women had already been there for two days and were planning to pray through the night for the people and country of Rwanda as well as asking the Lord for a revival in the country. To me it was such a clear testament of faith and power of prayer. The Lord kept them awake through the night, praying as I could hear them faintly in outside air as I was sleeping.
I tell you this story because earlier that day on our last flight, I opened my Daily Light devotional and on the July 23rd evening page, the heading read Brethren, pray for us (1Thess. 5:25) and the entire page was filled with scripture about the power of prayer and that we are to pray without ceasing. For the first time in my life, I was able to see Colossians 4:12 come to life: “Always laboring fervently…in prayers, the you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” These prayer warriors were doing just that. They were fervently praying for each other and for their country.
What a testament! I only pray that these words speak to you as the event of these people praying spoke to me last night.
In Christ,
Joey

Day 3 Friday, July 24, 2009
The day began at different times for each of us. Some got up early to shower with a bucket of water in a bathtub. Others got up to take pictures of the local bat colony after a time of prayer and others slept a little later (7 am) to catch up on some zzzzz’s that were lost in transit. (For those who know me well, you already know which one I chose!) We all convened for a short devotion led by Patrick on Psalm 57 and a song, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” with Joey on guitar.
Then we enjoyed a lovely breakfast of an omelet with chives, fresh bread with jam and butter, coffee, pineapple juice, and an assortment of fruit: passion fruit, bananas, and a new fruit for us—egg fruit which is a beautiful plum colored, large goose egg-shaped fruit that you cut in half and scoop out the tart, juicy, seedy flesh inside. I quickly gave up trying to chew the seeds and just swallowed them whole. I asked Rev. Ghasana if that meant egg fruit would start growing in my stomach like we used to tell our kids would happen if they swallowed watermelon seeds. Our hosts love to laugh as much as we do.
After breakfast we drove in our 13-seater van driven by Silester—he’s amazing! to our sister church, Gikomera. This beautiful town hugs the side of the mountain with its patchwork gardens of corn, bananas, sweet potatoes, and coffee. The homes are made of brick and clay with tile roofs. Rev. Martin Murengera met us in his work clothes as today was a public day for the parish—meaning a day set aside for everyone to come and volunteer on a community project. Today the whole town was working to move large mud bricks the size of cement block from one site to another to make room for the new health center. The men placed 2 or 3 bricks on the woman’s head, and she carried it to the new site where other men neatly stacked them into walls for a new structure. Bishop Kalimba has a broad vision to see the parish of Gikomera equipped with this health center to serve the 30,000 people who live within its borders.
The first place we went on our tour of Gikomera was the primary school. We really had no choice but to go there first as instruction had come to a halt with all the heads of the children poking through the windows. As soon as we came to their classroom, they all raced back to their seats. Since they were too shy to sing for us, we sang our processional song “Yesu Ashimwe Alleluia” for them. Soon they were all singing with us.
Rev. Murengera was so proud to show us the new dispensary with its cheery curtains, clean rooms, simple lab and pharmacy. Then we saw their church and heard the plans to enlarge the building and strengthen the structure to be able to withstand the occasional earthquake. Throughout our entire morning tour, 3 children followed closely on our heels playing peek-a-boo, touching our hands, or posing for pictures and then smiling as they were shown the pictures on the camera.
The day finished with a wonderful meal of rice, green beans with carrots, boiled and buttered potatoes, and sausage in tomato sauce. We know we are being treated like royalty since most people in Rwanda only eat meat 2 or 3 times a year, and we have had meat at every meal! The people have welcomed us with big grins and open arms. We can’t wait for tomorrow. Another day to witness the goodness of the Lord.
Murakoze (thank you)
Marilee