I cried as we walked into the Kigali Airport on Tuesday, as I did not want to leave the beautiful country and people I had grown to love so much.  Even now, as I write this, I wish to be back there.  Obviously, Rwanda impacted me in ways I was not expecting, but even more, I was humbled to be a part of a ministry that is doing incredible work in Rwanda for God's Kingdom.

To understand the impact Rwanda Challenge makes in Rwanda, one must understand the greater context within which Rwandans live everyday.  I saw the effects of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and the 1994 genocide firsthand.    To form deeper friendships over the last month with Rwandans and to hear their stories, makes the brokenness even more real.  You hear stories in the United States of events happening in Africa, but it isn't real until you walk beside them and carry the pain with them.  Patrice's loss became my loss.  Margaret's pain became my pain.  Nelson's dreams became my dreams.  To live life in Rwanda for the last month allowed their stories to become intermingled with my own, compelling me to love, teach, and serve them as Jesus did. 

Knowing their stories made me want to join in on Rwanda Challenge's mission that much more.  What God is doing through Frank and Theophile is missions done right.  They are equipping the local leaders to serve and lead in the church and in Rwanda.  It can be very easy for me (and I am sure this is the case for others Christians, as well) to pridefully think that I need to be the one going overseas to lead people to Christ, to lead the local churches, and to hand out food and clothes; the problem is that I don't know the culture or the people.  Rwandans are the best people to lead the church, evangelize, and serve in Rwanda.  It is egocentric of me to think that I or another American Christian are best able to lead the Rwandan Church.  It was humbling and encouraging to equip the Rwandans to lead the Church there.  Through my experience over the last month, I have seen the leadership strengths and potential of these Church leaders.  They are smart, Godly, compassionate leaders, seeking to lead the Church in a Christ-like manner.  They are only missing the understanding that comes from a Bible education. We have often heard the quote, "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime," but Steve Saint adds one more part saying, "Teach a man to be a fishing instructor and you feed a whole culture."  We may have taught more than a 100 church leaders, but in the process, we taught over 100 church congregations.  I saw 2 Timothy 2:2 being acted out through our teachings, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."   It is exciting that the impact we made through Rwanda Challenge's model, will last much longer than after we left.  We made disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples......

While there is so much more I could write about, I feel that my words will never be adequate enough to describe my experience in Rwanda.  Now that I am in the states though, I must think about how I will live in light of what I have experienced and how I will continue to invest in Rwanda, even when I am not presently there.  I don't have all the answers, but this next month I will continue to work with Rwanda Challenge in New Hampshire, and I will work through how I can join God in what He is doing there.  There is so much brokenness, but there is so much hope.  There are thousands of ways to start ministering, but the important thing is to start.  May I be willing and ready for God to continue to use me to spread His truth and love in Rwanda, for His purpose and His glory.  

-Alison


After Sara Groves visited Rwanda, she wrote a song entitled "I Saw What I Saw."  I have used her song to create a video showing some of the ministry experiences on our trip, while also expressing much of what my heart feels at the present.  

My time in Rwanda has come to an end. It’s hard to put into words what I’m thinking. So much happened in 2.5 weeks and I’m still processing what this means or how I will react to this experience.

Here are a couple of things that I’m thinking about:

On Monday night when we were going to the airport Theophile said, “A good rain always returns.” He explained that by us being in Rwanda it has been like a good rain, and now what will we do? Will we return? Not necessarily return physically to Rwanda, but will we seek to pray and be involved in what God is doing in Rwanda?

Over the last few days, Theophile told me why he is in Rwanda. Theophile has had multiple opportunities to leave Rwanda and go into church ministry in the western world. He said his family would have had a better life and received better education. However, Theophile expressed that Rwanda needs him, and God wants him there. The church and the people in Rwanda need him more than anywhere else in the world. I ask myself a question: am I that dedicated to helping my own country?

I’ve known (uncle) Frank all my life. However, this was the first time I’ve been able to work alongside of him in a ministry setting. Now it’s clearly evident to me that Frank loves doing this. He loves teaching the Bible. He loves seeing others grow in their understanding of God’s Word. He realizes that if these church leaders can better understand the Bible it will change their families, communities, churches, and ultimately the whole country. Now, I ask myself: how can I be more like Frank? How can I make the most of every opportunity?

Lastly, are we doing missions right? That question keeps coming to my mind. Missions is for the benefit of the people and not the missionary. Many times I’ve heard people (myself included) return to the states and say, “That trip changed my life” or “We are so blessed and have so much in America.” Now, that is not necessarily wrong. The question is: what did we do to empower the local people? What did we do to empower the local church? Can this carry on when we leave?

Being with Rwanda Challenge has certainly shown me so much about missions. I don’t know all the answers, but are we using the resources God has entrusted to us for the church and for others?

-Ben

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27

God has given us the gift of a day to rest - to cease from our normal labor, just as He modeled in Genesis when He ceased from creating the world.

The team has had very few opportunities on this trip to catch our breath. So, we welcome God's gift of a Sabbath rest today. The morning began with Rwandan coffee and a view of Lake Kivu. That, in itself, is a special gift. We have no real schedule today, although we plan to take a boat trip to Peace Island for a time of worship with the team and to reflect on what God has done on this trip. 

Tomorrow we plan to finish the "Three Lessons on the Holy Spirit" with church leaders in the Kiziba Refugee Camp and then to return to Kigali. On Tuesday, Ben, Alison, and I depart Rwanda, hopefully with rested bodies and full hearts. God has blessed us and His Church in Rwanda with many good gifts on this trip.

He is good, all the time,
Frank

On Wednesday, Ben, Frank, and Alison visited Akagera Park, the home of giraffes, hippos, babboons, zebras, and much more.  

This week we have been teaching at two refugee camps.  We taught at the Nyabiheke Refugee Camp on Monday and Tuesday.  Now, we are at the Kiziba Refugee Camp, teaching on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday.  Both of these refugee camps are for Congolese refugees who have had to flee the Congo.  The houses in the camps are located very close to one another, so there is no land (or very little) to cultivate.  The refugees live with little hope or purpose, as most do not have jobs; they live mostly off of international assistance.  I cannot imagine living life without a job or without working toward a goal.  “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him … to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). I have become grateful for work, not only for the income it brings, but also because it is a gift from God, bringing satisfaction and enjoyment.  With this in mind, it has been a joy to teach these leaders from various churches in the refugee camps and to help them realize their purpose, which extends beyond this world.  For while work is good, it is ultimately “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:26); if it is not for God’s glory, then it has no eternal significance.  These church leaders are being equipped for a greater purpose; they will be able to help lead their churches, as well as to evangelize the thousands of other refugees in the camp.  They may not be able work or cultivate fields, but they can spend their days teaching others what they have learned about the Scriptures, spreading the gospel throughout the camp.  This is a purpose that brings hope to the hopeless here in the refugee camps.  “For while we are in this [earthly] tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose” (2 Corinthians 5:4-5).  

Alison

In Virginia (and other places) we say it’s the “meat and potatoes.” This may be said to indicate good food or when something requires much thought and has great substance to it.

That’s what I’m seeing with Rwanda Challenge. The teachings with the church leaders have been the meat and potatoes: the truths of Scripture that Christ followers must understand. They are foundational to our faith.  For example: we are now teaching “Three Lessons on the Holy Spirit.” It’s an essential part of Christianity. It also has great depth and requires much study of God’s Word. 

I’ve seen that Frank is giving these church leaders the meat and potatoes. Rwanda Challenge wants to equip these leaders. A leader will not be prepared if they just have the easy and simple things. A church leader will be better equipped when they can “correctly handle(s) the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Ben

Yesterday was my first time to teach in Rwanda. In the past I've done a lot of teaching back home in my church and in the local high school as a substitute teacher. I've always enjoyed teaching, but I found this teaching with Theophile to be a unique experience. He translated what I said into something that they could understand. In one sense it didn't matter what I said because the church leaders don't speak my language. It was Theophile who made my words into something of meaning and value to them. 

I specifically taught about "Discovering the 5 Purposes of the Church." This includes worship, evangelism, community, discipleship, and ministry. We looked at the Great Commandment and the Great Commission to derive these characteristics that we as Christ followers and the church should possess. As I taught and asked questions it seemed that the Church leaders were eager to learn and understand God's Word better. I compared the church to a football (soccer) player. This seemed to resonate with the leaders. A good football player must possess many characteristics. He has areas of strength and weakness. In order to become a better player he must recognize his weakness and work to improve those areas. I believe it is similar with the church. A church that wants to grow and fulfill their purpose must know their strengths and weaknesses. Then the church must seek to improve in their areas of weakness. 

Teaching was a great experience!
Ben

Yesterday, we were able to enjoy two worship services at two different local churches.  One of the church leaders that we taught last week is the pastor of both.  One is located inside a Congolese Refugee Camp, and one is located outside of the camp.  Because there have been frequent wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years, many Congolese are not safe.  They have fled the DRC and now live in various refugee camps, one of which is the Nyabiheke Refugee Camp in the Eastern Province of Rwanda; this is where we will be teaching the next couple days.  There are more than 15,000 refugees in the Nyabiheke Refugee Camp.  The majority of them have little hope of living outside the refugee camp.  They receive some international assistance, but there are little resources inside of the camp. 

One of my favorite parts of yesterday was interacting with the many children at the churches.  When we arrived at the first church, children swarmed the car and then a group of them walked with us up to the church building.  As we were listening to the worship, I noticed that kids were crowded around the church doors and windows, but some of the adults were telling them to leave; there were no seats left for the children to sit, and they give priority to the adults.  I asked Theophile about this, as I was bothered that these children were being sent away from the church.  Jesus’ words were playing over and over in my head; “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).  That children were being hindered from coming into the church seemed so wrong.  As there were only five of us (Theophile, Frank, Ben, Denys, and I) sitting on a stage in front of the congregation, there was plenty of room for more people.  Theophile had me start bringing the children, who were standing outside the church, up onto the stage.  We ended up bringing almost fifty kids into the service by having them sit on stage with us.  Ben and I even ended up with a couple children on our laps.  What precious and beautiful children who were able to receive a glimpse of God’s truth and love as they listened to the worship and heard Frank preach.

My mom made me promise before I left that I wouldn’t adopt any children while I was over here.  That was probably a good promise to make, because if it were up to me, I’d bring fifty home with me.  Their smiles bring so much joy to my heart.  I am looking forward to playing soccer with these children tonight.    

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37).      

                                          -Alison

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Psalm 119:103 


I love honey – because it is sweet – and I like sweet!  Every morning I have Rwandan honey, preferably with “fresh” Rwandan bread, and always Rwandan coffee. The only thing that makes it even better is a beautiful sunrise and my Bible. The Psalmist says, “your words…are sweeter than honey.”


This week we have been studying Genesis with twenty-four church leaders from all five provinces of Rwanda. We have eaten together, laughed together, danced together, but best of all we have studied God’s Word together. I am continually amazed at the desire these leaders have to know the Bible. One of my biggest surprises of the week was to discover these leaders are recording the teaching on their phones and listening to it at night. One night Ben found some of them sleeping and the recording was still playing. It has been a joy to share the week with Ben and Alison and Rwandan church leaders who love God’s Word.

These leaders have now gone home with a deeper understanding of Genesis, God's Good News, and a commitment to share the teachings with their churches and other church leaders.

Happy are those who…
…love the Lord’s teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 New Century Version


-Frank

When viewing missions at large, are we doing it right? That’s the question.

Two nights ago we all sat down and watched the first part of the “Missions Dilemma” by Steve Saint. It definitely made me think.  Steve is the son of Nate Saint, whom was killed in Ecuador by Waodani natives. Steve has been a lifelong missionary and he is asking the question, “Are we doing this right?”

Some may think, how can missions be wrong? How can sending people to spread God’s word and help people be wrong? We send thousands from America every year to fix what we think is the problem, but really we may be doing more harm than good. People go on a short term mission trip and do something with good intentions, but it can hurt the people. Often times we do something that the people can do themselves, but the missionaries come and “fix” it. The missionaries are blessed and changed, but the people suffer in the wake of the trip. I realize that overseas missions can greatly impact the life of the missionary (mine as well) but at what expense?

Frank, Alison, and I talked to Theophile and Elias (church leader) after the video. They shared how so many missionaries have come to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (neighboring country to Rwanda) and built something or taught in the church with good intentions, but it confused the people, created dependency, and left the natives feeling inferior. The missionaries often brought not just the Bible, but their culture as well. Our American culture: we see something that we think is broken or needs to be different so we fix it. That is not applicable in many mission situations.

As a side note, Theophile and Elias have great wisdom when it comes to missions. They are natives and have been greatly affected by what other missionaries have done, both good and bad. They want to see their people helped and reached for Jesus. They don’t necessarily want our culture or to be “fixed.”

Are we doing missions right? First, we have to take a step back and discern what we are doing. At the very least we have to do that. Let me be the first to say I don’t know the best way, but there has got to be better ways to use our resources: first for God’s kingdom, then for the people -- and not used for ourselves.

I can honestly say that Frank and Theophile are committed to doing the right thing. They are willing to continuously change and make adjustments so that Rwanda Challenge can build effective church leaders.

“Shepherding is for the benefit of the sheep, and not for the shepherds. “

-Ben

It’s been a busy week thus far!  One of the highlights for me was teaching yesterday morning.  I taught these leaders about worldviews—what is a worldview, what is a Biblical worldview, and why do worldviews matter.  They had never heard about worldviews before I started to teach, but they were quickly engaged and asking questions about the material.  Through the course of the lesson, the leaders admitted that their congregations do not have a Biblical worldview; they wondered how they should change this.  One astounding fact about the genocide is that 90% or more of Rwandans claimed to be Christian.  All the leaders agreed that if these Christians had actually held a Biblical worldview, the genocide would not have happened.  In learning about worldviews, these leaders gained a deeper understanding of how the Bible should transform their beliefs, as well as their actions.  It’s a joy to see them understand deeper truths and to know that these leaders will take the lesson and teach it to their congregations and other church leaders.

The last two nights have been so much fun, as we spent more time with the church leaders who are staying at the house with us this week.  Last night, the church leaders sang and danced for us, and then had Ben and I join.  I loved this time of worship; I did not need to know the words to appreciate the praise these leaders were lifting up to the Lord.  With huge smiles, they certainly displayed the joy of the Lord.  Tonight, we pulled out one of the soccer balls that Ben brought with him, and we played soccer with the church leaders.  I love soccer, and I loved playing with them.  I am looking forward to playing again tomorrow night with the leaders, as well as next week with the kids in the refugee camps.

Sidenote: As I write this, I can hear a recording of today's lesson being played as the church leaders fall asleep!
So much more I could talk about, but Ben will share more tomorrow.

So blessed and learning so much!

Alison

I am constantly reminded of the blessing to be involved in the lives and ministries of these church leaders. This week we are studying with leaders from the Harvest Christian Church (Theophile’s group). They are very dedicated, have great questions, and are a delight to be around. Most of the church leaders are staying at the house with us this week. Only those who live in Kigali go home each evening.

This week we are continuing our study of Genesis with a special emphasis on a biblical worldview. Yesterday, as we discussed the eternal nature of God (time, space, and eternal issues) I asked if anyone would review for the class what we had discussed. After some hesitation, Deo stood and began to expound on these biblical concepts. We were amazed and encouraged by his eloquence. These church leaders continually demonstrate that they are competent and eager to learn.

Blessed to be able to partner with God’s church leaders in Rwanda,
Frank