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"...your old men will dream dreams..." Joel 2:28

6/5/2013

9 Comments

 
In coming to Rwanda I was faced with many questions concerning God’s character.  How could I reconcile the genocide that happened here with the knowledge of God’s goodness?  Is God really moving in Rwanda? Is he present in a place that has experienced so much suffering?  These questions and many more are what I will continue to wrestle with while I am here, as well as when I return back to the States.  But yesterday I experienced a personal, tangible sign of God’s goodness and presence in this country that I will not soon forget…

On Monday, we were teaching twenty church leaders from throughout Kigali.  We didn’t think anything of it at the time, but there was one leader, Alloys, wearing casual clothes (t-shirt and jeans), while all the rest of the leaders were wearing nicer clothes (button-down shirts).  This distinction did not become apparent to me until the next morning, when Frank asked the leaders if they had any questions, concerns, or comments about the previous day’s teachings.  Alloys stood up and began to tell us that on Sunday night, he had a dream that he was at this church building and was learning about the Word.  When he woke up, he felt he was supposed to come to the church, but he was unsure of what he would find (hence, why he was only wearing a t-shirt and jeans).  He then realized that God had brought him to the Church building, so he could learn from Frank and know the Scriptures better.  Theophile had not invited him to the teaching; rather, the Holy Spirit had!  Alloys wanted us to praise God with him that he was led to the Church by the Spirit, in order that he would be able to have a deeper understanding of the Word.  WOW!! Now, I personally have the tendency to be doubtful of such things, but I can assure you that this is the true workings of a good and present God—a God who has answered the prayers of a man hungry for the Word of God.  I was so encouraged by Alloys testimony, as it confirmed that God is moving in Rwanda, bringing restoration in ways beyond expectation!

We will continue to teach these church leaders in Kigali until Thursday. These leaders are asking great questions and keeping Frank on his toes.  It has been so enjoyable to learn along with them.
Yesterday, I met Theophile’s nephew, Patrice, who is a friend of many of the Manchester Christian Church members who come here.  Patrice is the first Rwandan to share his story with me, which has made the genocide more real to me.  To hear his story is both heart breaking and encouraging.  Patrice lost both of his parents and all of his five siblings in the genocide when he was four.  What is truly amazing is how much he affirms God’s goodness, speaking of how blessed he is to have a family in Theophile, as well as in Manchester Christian Church.  He is now 22 and going to a college in Uganda. He has such a powerful story!  I continue to be blessed by Patrice, not only through his story, but also in the friendship that has developed between us.

This has been a long post, but there are so many good things to write about!  I am so thankful for God’s provision, goodness, and blessings that he has poured out over us on this trip.
  
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”  Joel 2:28, NIV

Alison       
Picture
Alloys receives a Kinyarwanda Study Bible from Frank.
9 Comments
sue mcdaniel
6/4/2013 10:14:03 pm

My husband and I were blessed by patrice also when he shared his story with us. He is an awesome reflection of God's love. Love hearing your experiences on line. Miss being there very much.

Reply
Matthew Woodrow
6/4/2013 11:26:39 pm

WOW! Alison, I love this quote, "I was so encouraged by Alloys testimony, as it confirmed that God is moving in Rwanda, bringing restoration in ways beyond expectation!" We will be praying for Rwanda Challenge as I'm sure you will continue to see evidence that God is working to reconcile people back together and back to himself. This post was a blessing to read this am.

Reply
Bo chancey
6/4/2013 11:51:36 pm

Outstanding! I love how God is making Himself obvious.

Reply
Lisa Mazur
6/5/2013 01:38:21 am

I am one of the MCC members who continues to be so blessed by Patrice. I have known him since he was a quiet and shy teen and am beyond amazed to see the smart, outgoing young man of God he's become. He will be a world changer. So thrilled to be a part of his story. Thank you for this post!

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Marcia Miller
6/5/2013 09:40:11 am

I so appreciate you taking the time to blog so we can travel with you. Oh what an opportunity like none other Alison! I'm anticipating more and more great 'God Moments' this week alone. Love you

Reply
Hal Roth
6/5/2013 10:45:31 am

How wonderful that you get to see the God of the Book of Acts still doing the miraculous today.

Reply
Jenn
6/6/2013 11:49:36 pm

All of our love and prayers for all of you. Praising God with you, for Alloys and for the great encouragement that his story has been!

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Michele Downen
6/7/2013 03:33:44 pm

Thank you, Alison, for putting your experience into words for the rest of us. You captured it well and brought it to life for us. May God continue to bless you and Frank, and all of the pastors and people of Rwanda that you encounter. May He be honored through it all!

Reply
Jessica R.
6/11/2013 04:04:14 am

Encouraged to hear about God's faithfulness and your courage in working for his Kingdom's sake. Praying for you!

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