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.                                  

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.

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.

On Friday Tim Turner completed the lessons he had prepared for Rwandan church leaders – well, almost. Tim prepared thirteen lessons on “Nehemiah: A Study in Leadership.”  Monday through Thursday was great as Tim shared life and the material with the church leaders. Each was blessed by the other.

On Thursday night Tim became sick and was unable to teach Friday morning. Tim had done such a good job preparing his lessons that it was easy for me, Frank, to fill in and finish the last two lessons. By lunch time Tim had recovered enough that he joined everyone for a closing celebration.

We drove Tim to the airport Friday afternoon to depart for Ethiopia and then Togo. Tim will be with church leaders in Togo for two weeks. We pray for his continued recovery, flights, and that he will be strong and healthy in Togo. It was a blessing to have him in Rwanda. Friday night we went back to the airport to pick up Gene Andrews. Gene will share in the teaching for the next two weeks (Acts with one group and Sermon on the Mount with a second group).

Having been here for a few days, I have made a few observations.

First, God has blessed Rwanda and the people who live here.

We traveled to the Akagera National Park and saw one of the most beautiful parts of God’s creation.  The hills and lakes and savannah were beautiful. The wildlife, from the wart hogs to cape buffalo to the giraffes and elephants, God made this place an incredible and wonderful land.  “The land of a thousand hills” is only part of the story.

Secondly, the people here are courageous and faithful. We have visited two genocide memorials, one in Kigali and the other at the location of a church massacre in Nyamata, where over 10,000 people were slaughtered.  Both of these places are extremely moving as you learn about the national horror that took place in 1994.  I had a chance to speak with a few people who have suffered a great deal as a result of the genocide.  Each one expressed their faith in God and their willingness to forgive. 

Rachel lost 8 out of her 10 family members.  Only she and her brother survived.  But she said that she could not hold onto to bitterness.  As a Christian, she must be willing to forgive.  She said, “after all, Jesus forgave me.”

Finally, today in church was a wonderful experience of worshipping with people who obviously love the Lord.  I could not understand a word they were singing or saying, but I could understand the Spirit that was in them.  My brothers and sisters here have such a sweet spirit and kind and loving hearts.  It is hard to imagine that twenty years ago this country was torn apart.  

I am so glad that God is healing this nation and its people.  And I believe that as people of faith continue to put their trust in Him that great things are going to happen.  I am excited about our study of Nehemiah beginning tomorrow and only hope and pray that I help them to continue their growth in Christ.

Tim Turner and I arrived on Thursday.  We have settled in and visited two genocide memorials. Today we took a trip to Akagera National Park because Tim departs for Togo on Friday. Tim plans to preach tomorrow (Tim intends to share a blog about his first three days sometime tomorrow evening – Kigali time).

Now the fun begins - Church leaders will begin to arrive Sunday afternoon. This is the “Equip a Church Leader” group that we have studied with since 2011. First thing Monday morning Tim will begin his lessons, “Nehemiah: A Study in Leadership.” I am excited for Tim to get to know my Rwandan church leader friends.