It was a week ago today that I left the United States for this trip to Rwanda. From reports I am getting from home it seems my timing was very good. Not to make anyone jealous, but the weather here is perfect. Highs get maybe into the low 80's but humidity is low. Overnight lows in the mid 60's makes for very comfortable sleeping. Now if I just had some golf clubs and a course, life would be great.
But, then again, no. Life is great because of the reason that I find myself in this place. The joy in Christ and desire for God's Word among the church leaders is evident and contagious. I just pray that I am able to fill their cup half as much with my teaching as they fill mine with their passion.
Speaking of filling, I am now on my Rwandan diet. After those opening days of not feeling well and eating basically peanut butter and jelly I brought with me, supplemented with granola bars and nabs, I am now eating rice, fries, pasta, and beans. A Rwandan sweet potato was added to the mix at lunch today. (Could someone send me some butter and brown sugar?) A very sweet, fresh pineapple at breakfast was a welcome treat as well.
After teaching an introductory harmony of the gospels Monday, Tuesdayafternoon and Wednesday morning was spent in Luke 1. One of the emphases was how God accomplished his will through faithful and humble servants. Among these leaders I am teaching I see this servant attitude. One in particular, Aaron, is truly a model of the heart of a servant leader. Whether he is making sure all things are set up for the start of class, calling the group together for class or a time of worship, or helping and encouraging the cooks, Aaron always on the look out for ways to minister.
Did I say worship? Yes, worship moves to another level here. It is not an activity to fill an allotted time before a sermon, but an event that flows out of what is being experienced. Worship can break out in class as an important point on the glory of God. It may happen as you sit around just talking. And worship is not something you watch. It is participative. Maybe when I get home I will show you some of the dance I have learned from my brothers here. Or, maybe not.
Blessings to you until next update,
Gene
P.S. Thanks for your concern, prayers and well wishes for my health. The brothers here had a special prayer time for me as well. I guess they prayed for better health. But if they wanted to get a day off from class, maybe not.
But, then again, no. Life is great because of the reason that I find myself in this place. The joy in Christ and desire for God's Word among the church leaders is evident and contagious. I just pray that I am able to fill their cup half as much with my teaching as they fill mine with their passion.
Speaking of filling, I am now on my Rwandan diet. After those opening days of not feeling well and eating basically peanut butter and jelly I brought with me, supplemented with granola bars and nabs, I am now eating rice, fries, pasta, and beans. A Rwandan sweet potato was added to the mix at lunch today. (Could someone send me some butter and brown sugar?) A very sweet, fresh pineapple at breakfast was a welcome treat as well.
After teaching an introductory harmony of the gospels Monday, Tuesdayafternoon and Wednesday morning was spent in Luke 1. One of the emphases was how God accomplished his will through faithful and humble servants. Among these leaders I am teaching I see this servant attitude. One in particular, Aaron, is truly a model of the heart of a servant leader. Whether he is making sure all things are set up for the start of class, calling the group together for class or a time of worship, or helping and encouraging the cooks, Aaron always on the look out for ways to minister.
Did I say worship? Yes, worship moves to another level here. It is not an activity to fill an allotted time before a sermon, but an event that flows out of what is being experienced. Worship can break out in class as an important point on the glory of God. It may happen as you sit around just talking. And worship is not something you watch. It is participative. Maybe when I get home I will show you some of the dance I have learned from my brothers here. Or, maybe not.
Blessings to you until next update,
Gene
P.S. Thanks for your concern, prayers and well wishes for my health. The brothers here had a special prayer time for me as well. I guess they prayed for better health. But if they wanted to get a day off from class, maybe not.
Jean (not Gene) works on his "Introduction to Luke" while many are still sleeping.
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