The Next Generation finished “A Study of Genesis” yesterday. Tim Maness boarded his plane for the USA last night. Tomorrow I preach in Rusororo. Monday morning, we head south to teach the last two groups. Today I get to rest and reflect.

The first part of the trip has been great. The church leaders finished Acts and the younger group finished Genesis. We conducted our final experiment for Web-based teaching. I had the privilege of sharing the teaching load with Tim Maness from the County Line Christian Church in Axton, VA. God’s Kingdom was strengthened, community in Christ was shared, students (and teachers) understand their Bibles better, and everyone rejoiced.

Tim Maness was a blessing on this trip and he was inspired by the Rwanda story and the commitment of the church leaders. I think he was especially surprised by the younger group and their desire to go beyond the assignment to keep digging. When they were assigned the life of Joseph, Genesis 37-50, they probably put in an extra hour or more in their research. On Friday morning they presented great reports with good questions about the text. Then there are a few who stand out as leaders among a great group of young people.

Last Tuesday we had arranged our last experiment preparing for Web-based teaching in January. Gene Andrews was in his office in Washington, NC and twenty-one students were in a living room in Kimironko, Rwanda along with the interpreter. Picture and audio was great (no delay), and the teaching was very good. We are ready! In January, Gene Andrews and Tim Turner will plan to teach Philippians for four afternoons (North Carolina to Kigali, Rwanda).
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In my reflections today, I am thankful for partners like Theophile, Tim M, Gene, and Tim T. and the privilege to teach God’s leaders in Rwanda.

When Friday morning came there was definitely a change in the way the group was interacting. They knew that they had accomplished something very significant as they were about to finish a study of the book of Acts. This study had taken 4 weeks to complete. They had spent many, many hours digging into the text and making application. We were now approaching the last chapter.

We encouraged the leaders to make sure that even though we were about to complete our time of study in Acts that they should never consider their journey to be over. They were encouraged to read the entire book again and look for new insights. They were encouraged to share with others what they had learned.

I have great respect for each leader who has taken time to further their understanding of God’s Word. They want above all else to know more so that they can lead better. Thursday night and Friday morning, we asked them to spend 30 minutes looking over the text and notes. I noticed that they spent over an hour each time. Their devotion to their studies inspires me.

As we finished Friday around lunchtime there was reason to celebrate. We had been blessed with a week of great study and fellowship. Each student received a certificate recognizing their completion of this study. Frank and I were each given a staff as a sign of their appreciation. I am humbled by their care for us and their devotion to becoming better leaders. The leaders were already looking forward to their next time together.  I thank God for what Rwanda Challenge is doing here. This ministry is making a difference in the lives of both the leaders and their churches.

Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at a local church. Preaching through an interpreter was a different experience than I am used to. The members of the church welcomed us with open arms and made us feel at home. They even gave me a Rwandan name. It is “Nshuti”. It means “friend”.

After the service we had the opportunity to share with a number of women who have participated in the micro loan program with Africa Hope Initiative. I am amazed at how a small ($50 US) loan makes such a major difference in the lives of those involved. I am glad to have met with them and to learn more about the life changing difference this program makes.
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Tim Maness

​The last few days have been such a blessing. Monday morning, as we approached the tent where the teaching sessions would be taking place, we were met by the sound of the Rwandan church leaders singing praises. Before we began to study, time was spent approaching the throne of the One who alone is worthy!
As we started to look deeper into the text of Acts it quickly became evident that these leaders were here to study. Their diligent approach to the Word is always coupled with insightful questions. They want to know more. They want to understand better. They want to be able to go back to their churches and teach in a way that will help others to grow in their knowledge as well.
Another thing that I have noticed among this group is the spirit of fellowship that they share. It is likely that many of them will not see each other outside of times like this. When they are studying in small groups or eating meals they are laughing and sharing together. There is a definite benefit to what takes place here. They are not only being strengthened in knowledge, but also being encouraged as well.
 
There have been several occasions in the last three days in which a particular teaching may have been understood by one (or more) of the leaders for the very first time. I can’t describe how it feels to see the look of joy upon their face as they understand the word of God more clearly.  God is doing great things in Rwanda! Thank you for being a part of it.
Tim Maness

Three church leaders arrived in Rusororo from three corners of Rwanda on Thursday evening. They had come for the express purpose of praying for the teaching time with Rwanda Challenge and for God’s Church in Rwanda. So, four leaders prayed for two days. We did not know this was happening. They showed up at the house early this morning and then worshipped with us. I thought maybe they had come early because of a funeral (normal in Rwanda). After the morning service, Tim asked why they were here early. They had come to pray – for two days!
While I have many responses and questions, I will use one word: Wow!

Tim and I arrived in Kigali about 7 PM on Thursday. I will spare you the details but, I was supposed to arrive about five hours ahead of Tim. After an eight-hour flight change that would get me to Rwanda twenty-four hours later than scheduled, the airline and I worked out a flight on a different airline that actually connected me with Tim’ s flight in Amsterdam. In booking our tickets, Tim and I had tried to connect at some point, but it was going to cost me several thousand dollars to make that happen. In one flight change, God was able to make it happen for free (and throw in two free meal vouchers just for an added blessing. God is good…

We are now settled into our main residence and I have asked Tim to offer some early reflections on his trip and time in Rwanda. Frank
 
Tim’s Reflections

My journey to Kigali began a little over a year ago. After hearing Frank talk about the work of Rwanda Challenge I found myself intrigued by the principles of equipping church leaders in Rwanda to increase ministry efforts in ways that were both sustainable and reproducible.  Frank and I met and it was decided that I would join him in August 2016 on a teaching trip. For the past year there have been so many discussions with others about the need in Rwanda and the work that is taking place here that my friends and family have probably grown tired of hearing me discuss it.

Arrangements were made and the trip began. As the miles on the airplane slowly ticked by it seemed as if time had almost stopped. Like a child awaiting a special day, my anticipation only increased as the countdown to arrival in Kigali grew closer. Finally, the pilot said the words I had waited so long to hear, “Ladies and gentlemen we have arrived in Kigali.”

The last couple of days here have been filled with many experiences that surround the senses. The sights, sounds and smells of this city are ones that can only come from a place in which just over 1,000,000 people call home. From the brightly colored buildings to the various means of public transportation, there is no denying that I’m not in Virginia anymore. To be the outsider in a culture where I don’t speak the language is definitely not my normal routine. And yet something about it just feels natural.

The people that I have encountered have all been gracious and welcoming. They have opened their lives for us to come and serve alongside them. They have patiently answered all the questions and offered great insight into things that I had not considered before my arrival here. They have shared with us their hopes and dreams.

We have had the opportunity to visit two of the genocide memorials. My heart aches as I think about the pain that this country has endured. No one has escaped the effects of those actions. Each person has their own story and the stories are heartbreaking. My mind cannot fathom the extent of the suffering that took place. Neither can it begin to answer the question so many have asked, “Why?”.  I have, however, found something unexpected among the outcome of this tragic event. I have heard the stories of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing that have taken place. I have witnessed the determination of Christians who refuse to be defined by the tragedy of their past. They have been able to lay aside the hurt and pain and move forward TOGETHER as the body of Christ. Their concern now is for their future and the future of their nation. Which leads us to why we are here.

Monday morning, we begin teaching the church leaders. We hope to equip them with a greater knowledge of the scriptures so that they can in turn teach others more fully the Word of God. That is the hope for Rwanda. In reality it’s the only hope for us all. I look forward to sharing with these individuals who want above all else to know the scriptures better so that they can then better teach others God’s Word.

Pray for Rwanda Challenge and its ministry impact. Pray for us as we work alongside these dear Christian brothers and sisters. To God be the glory!
Tim Maness