Today started like any other day, with early morning drumbeats, bountiful sunshine and promises of new things; and boy, did we experience great things!
We first visited multiple churches, and they openly shared their dreams and desires for church building and rain collection projects as well as for long-term growth and sustainability. After some further discussions, my heart became ‘heavy’ for the Rwandese people and God’s church. We were told that, due to past colonial theology, most of the church members within the local evangelical church do not biblically tithe. However, God is working mightily in their mist to raise up his church, in all dimensions. There is also great need for local job creation near each church, so the local congregation can remain intact instead of having their members move due to the lack of viable work. The pastors find that many people go church hopping, looking for what the ‘other’ can provide them. I trust that the continued development and infrastructure will increase the peoples’ active participation and investment in the church’s future.
Encouragement came to us in seeing a Tippy-Tap installed at a Pastor’s house, with some great improvements. It is awesome to see the Personal Health and Hygiene training being replicated and people being mobilized in the community.
In the afternoon, we were spoiled to see the Rugezi Wetlands. What a peaceful and miraculous place and words cannot describe its beauty! When we first arrived, a heavy rainfall greeted us with some hail. Yes, hail! Can you imagine this in Rwanda? What a neat experience that Meg Guillebaud graced us with, in showing us her dream of building a ecologically just tourist hot-spot right at the base of this divine panoramic landscape. What an impressive location, with awesome views, many waterfowl; a true bird paradise for the bird lovers out there. Another interesting fact is that this wetland is one of the major contributors to the Nile, the mighty Nile!
Halfway through our venture back to the guesthouse to meet with the ICC (Inter Church Council) for a debriefing of our stay, we were literally ‘stopped in our tracks’ twice. First, when our van got stuck on a narrow timber bridge and one of our rear wheels came right off and was dangling in mid-air! But…no worries! Within 5 minutes (maybe less) we had twenty five people assisting us so that we could continue, and that we did … murakoze cyane (thank you)!! A little later, after much noise and bouncing around, we got stuck in a huge boulder crevice. However, this time we needed to just exit the van to alleviate the weight so we could pass. I have to say, I would not trade today’s experiences for anything!
Arriving late to our guesthouse, with some sore bottoms and ringing ears, we had a short meeting with the ICC. We can honesty say that solid relationships were built, much love was shared, and that we have learned so much from these gentle, Godly men as well as their respective communities and churches — God’s church. I personally cannot wait to see what the future holds for this growing partnership.
Blessings from Rwanda,
Brian
