Another Great Week

After a tremendous week with Tim Turner teaching “Nehemiah: A Study in Leadership,” we began a new week last Sunday with Gene Andrews. That morning we, including Miriam, Theophile’s wife, and Angel, our interpreter, traveled about two hours south to visit with Nicodem. Some of you know him from past trips and blogs. One month ago he moved from Cyangugu, in the southwest corner of Rwanda, to Rweru Batima, south of Nyamata, to start a new church. So, I was the first visitor to preach for the new church. We estimate about fifty were in attendance. The new church body seemed to be united and filled with joy.

After the morning service we visited the property the new church has already purchased. The seller required that they purchase a larger piece than they were able to pay afford. So, they will buy the remaining section at a later date. Next, we went to Nicodem’s home where the church ladies had prepared lunch. Then we shared thanksgivings, blessings, and prayers. Miriam thought the congregation was very organized to be so young. I am excited about this new church.                                  

Preaching for the New Church in Rweru Batima 

    The Congregation

Exploring the New Church Property

On Monday, Gene and I began to teach “A Study of Acts” (reviewing the introduction and chapters 1-3). By Friday morning we had studied in some depth through chapter eleven. However, as we shared the week, we discovered on organization is pushing the homosexual agenda in Rwanda. Some church leaders attended a retreat and were disturbed and confused about the teachings being presented. Gene and I created a presentation on the key passages from the Bible on the homosexual issue that we shared Friday morning. The church leaders were very thankful for the guidance.

Gene and Frank Share in the Teaching of Acts

While I am concerned about the influence of the Western world on countries like Rwanda, I am excited about the influence of these church leaders we are teaching. One church leader shared the story of teaching twelve other leaders who are teaching others. We heard several testimonies about other church leaders asking the Equip a Church Leader group where they were gaining this knowledge and “will you teach us?” The EACL students shared that they used to think the maps in the back of their Bibles (only a few maps) were just decoration. Now, with their Kinyarwanda Study Bibles they are learning the value of these maps and how they help them to study the Bible. These leaders are growing, the churches are being strengthened and God is to be praised. 

Manchester Christian Church (NH) has had several teams in Rwanda for a week. Rwanda Challenge was able to share our rented house (where we eat, sleep, and teach) with the MCC medical team for a temporary clinic. This meant all the church leaders had their blood pressure checked, get glasses, and see the doctor if needed. I was amazed with the excellent blood pressure numbers of just about every church leader (must be all the walking). But one of my Rwandan church leader friends has dangerously high blood pressure. The doctor was able to put him on medication.

I am thankful for a great week God has blessed us with.

Church Leaders and Other Rwandans 
Waiting to See the Doctor

MCC Team Helping Rwandans 
Choose the Right Glasses