Well, my 32 and final night here in Kigali will arrive in about 3 hours. It is mid-Saturday afternoon, and for the first time in 32 days, it has been nice to have nothing that had to be accomplished today. Frank and I had a leisurely morning before heading out for some light shopping and our last "self-serve" lunch. Tonight we pack. Tomorrow we both speak at a Kigali church and then head for the airport for our 26 hour journey home. We hope it all goes smoothly, especially my now 1 hour tighter turn around in DC.
Yesterday was our final day at Masaka with the Pastors. It was rushed day to get through Revelation by 12:30 so we could begin the closing celebration. After 30 days, they were still eager to learn the Word. The closing celebration was both a bit chaotic and also tremendously special. Each pastor received a Certificate of Completion (you would have thought they were getting diplomas), a new bible, their notes from the month bound up in booklet form, 10K franks (about 17 dollars) for beans back in their village, and a 25 kg bag of rice. We also arranged for mini-buses to drive them the 20 minutes to the main bus depot in Kigali. Several Pastors here in Rwanda, who were not a part of the training, said they had never heard anything like it ever happening in Rwanda. When you add in the new suits and the Proclaimers they received earlier, they left feeling very blessed, which was a blessing to us. Frank and I got our picture taken with each "graduate", so it was special, very special. We were proud to represent so many good folks who made this all happen through their time, gifts, and prayers.
I want to say a special word of thanks to each one who traveled here to be a part of Good Rain 11. They were a lift of encouragement to me, a blessing to the Rwandans, and marvelous ambassadors for our Lord and Savior. Thank you John, Tom, Lisa, David, Frank and Christina. I don't think our new Rwandan friends will ever forget it. And we pray they will not forget what they learned, but will transform it into much deeper teaching in the churches.
Blessings from Rwanda,
Mugiraneza Neal
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10
From Neal - While Frank taught today, I was in the city with Pastor Theophile making the final arrangements for the Certificates of Completions we are going to give the Pastors as well as making sure all their notes would get put into binders. What we could have gotten done in 30 to 60 minutes, probably in our own church office, it took us almost 5...and that in a driving rain. It just goes to show the difference between Africa and the USA as well as how much work Theophile has put in to make this all happen on his end. Tomorrow we finish the teaching with Revelation and then have our closing celebration: give each pastor a Certificate, a new bible, a big 25kg bag of rice, 10,000 franks ($15) for beans, their bound up notes, and of course our prayers. Thanks for yours.
From Frank - While Neal was sightseeing in the city today with Pastor Theophile :-) I was attempting to teach 1 John under a tin roof in the pouring rain. At one point the rain was so loud I could not hear myself talk. But once the pastors realized what John was actually saying in this letter they were rejoicing. They get excited when Jesus is glorified. One of the things that has impressed us the most is how eager these pastors are to study the Bible and yet their lack of any study tools. They work hard, get little to no pay, have great hearts, and desire to serve faithfully. It has been a humbling experience to serve them. As you pray for us, don't forget these pastors.
From Frank - While Neal was sightseeing in the city today with Pastor Theophile :-) I was attempting to teach 1 John under a tin roof in the pouring rain. At one point the rain was so loud I could not hear myself talk. But once the pastors realized what John was actually saying in this letter they were rejoicing. They get excited when Jesus is glorified. One of the things that has impressed us the most is how eager these pastors are to study the Bible and yet their lack of any study tools. They work hard, get little to no pay, have great hearts, and desire to serve faithfully. It has been a humbling experience to serve them. As you pray for us, don't forget these pastors.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 9
Another day, another good day. The teaching time on 1 and 2 Peter went really well. And as usual there were many good questions and a few questions that take you by surprise. One of those, when speaking of Peter's teaching on women in 1 Peter 3, asked me why Adam was created before Eve? I hadn't gotten that one before. So I will just add it to the list.
I would ask you to pray for a man in Masaka named Victor. I met him in the local mini, mini market where I get a somewhat cold drink after lunch (Rwandans like them room temperature or hotter), I met him He was having a cold beer. He told me he wanted to stop drinking and asked for my advice. I told him he needed a changed heart to go along with a change in behavior and recommended the local church we are meeting at. I asked him if he read the bible but he said he didn't have one. I will give him one on Friday and have already introduced him to the local Pastor. Hopefully, a new birth in Christ will be the result.
We also busy making preparations for our final day on Friday. While Frank teaches 1, 2 and 3 John tomorrow, I will run errands with Theophile. As a part of the closing celebration on Friday each pastor will get a certificate of completion (we typed in all their names tonight into our template...spell check was having a fit), a new bible, a 25kg bag of rice, and 10K rwanda franks (about $15) to buy beans when they get back to their village. It should be a precious time.
Today they also hinted they would like to go a 5th week, but I told them that I was more than ready to get home to my "weaker vessel" (1 Peter 3:7). They laughed! They have truly become brothers in the faith.
Keep up the prayers so we will finish strong.
Neal
I would ask you to pray for a man in Masaka named Victor. I met him in the local mini, mini market where I get a somewhat cold drink after lunch (Rwandans like them room temperature or hotter), I met him He was having a cold beer. He told me he wanted to stop drinking and asked for my advice. I told him he needed a changed heart to go along with a change in behavior and recommended the local church we are meeting at. I asked him if he read the bible but he said he didn't have one. I will give him one on Friday and have already introduced him to the local Pastor. Hopefully, a new birth in Christ will be the result.
We also busy making preparations for our final day on Friday. While Frank teaches 1, 2 and 3 John tomorrow, I will run errands with Theophile. As a part of the closing celebration on Friday each pastor will get a certificate of completion (we typed in all their names tonight into our template...spell check was having a fit), a new bible, a 25kg bag of rice, and 10K rwanda franks (about $15) to buy beans when they get back to their village. It should be a precious time.
Today they also hinted they would like to go a 5th week, but I told them that I was more than ready to get home to my "weaker vessel" (1 Peter 3:7). They laughed! They have truly become brothers in the faith.
Keep up the prayers so we will finish strong.
Neal
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 8
Today brought a host of changes. David Smith departed this afternoon for the USA. Despite a down computer system at the airport, he managed to finally get his bags checked and begin the 24+ hour journey back to Boston. I didn't get to be with him since I was teaching all day out at Masaka. From the reports I got, he had a nice day snagging some great photos around the city and finally picking up his altered shirt. As I write this, he should be in Addis Ababba waiting on his flight back to Washington with a fueling stop in Rome.
The day at Masaka, as always, was crammed packed. Teaching the New Testament over a 1 month period sounds like a long time, but with the translation it seems you are always cramming in everything you can. Today was James and Jude. I (Neal) taught James from 8:30 to 4 and Frank picked up there with Jude and finished at 5:30. As has become the norm, there were some great moments of insights for the Rwandan pastors. For instance, we only got through the first two chapters of James by the time we stopped for lunch at 1:30 PM. They really took to the spiritual truths of growing through trials, how we are to respond to God's Word, and James idea of justification by faith in contrast to Paul's. It was a rewarding time.
Preparation for our closing day on Friday are well under way. We have purchased 55 25kg bags of rice to give out, bought each of them a new bible, secured enough Rwanda Franks to give them money to buy a bag of beans in their how villages, and finalize arrangements to bind up all their handouts into a booklet they can keep, complete with a harmony of the Gospels. We are also arranging transportation for them back home.
Pray for them. They are eager students but are physically fading as a result of the long days, long weeks, sleeping conditions and the heat. Sometimes they spirit is willing but the flesh is sleepy! Also pray for the translation. We have had several different translators over the weeks (Theophile can't be in two places at once) and some make things go better than others.
Tomorrow is 1 and 2 Peter taught by Neal. Thursday is 1,2,and 3 John taught by Frank and then Friday we finish with a bang in Revelation supposedly taught by Neal. So as you can see, prayer is definitely needed.
Thanks for following along. Seeing the volume of people who have checked out the blog is encouraging!
The day at Masaka, as always, was crammed packed. Teaching the New Testament over a 1 month period sounds like a long time, but with the translation it seems you are always cramming in everything you can. Today was James and Jude. I (Neal) taught James from 8:30 to 4 and Frank picked up there with Jude and finished at 5:30. As has become the norm, there were some great moments of insights for the Rwandan pastors. For instance, we only got through the first two chapters of James by the time we stopped for lunch at 1:30 PM. They really took to the spiritual truths of growing through trials, how we are to respond to God's Word, and James idea of justification by faith in contrast to Paul's. It was a rewarding time.
Preparation for our closing day on Friday are well under way. We have purchased 55 25kg bags of rice to give out, bought each of them a new bible, secured enough Rwanda Franks to give them money to buy a bag of beans in their how villages, and finalize arrangements to bind up all their handouts into a booklet they can keep, complete with a harmony of the Gospels. We are also arranging transportation for them back home.
Pray for them. They are eager students but are physically fading as a result of the long days, long weeks, sleeping conditions and the heat. Sometimes they spirit is willing but the flesh is sleepy! Also pray for the translation. We have had several different translators over the weeks (Theophile can't be in two places at once) and some make things go better than others.
Tomorrow is 1 and 2 Peter taught by Neal. Thursday is 1,2,and 3 John taught by Frank and then Friday we finish with a bang in Revelation supposedly taught by Neal. So as you can see, prayer is definitely needed.
Thanks for following along. Seeing the volume of people who have checked out the blog is encouraging!
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7
Monday March 7
The Lord continues to lead us and guide us in every detail of the day. We thank you for your prayers and support as the work of Christ's kingdom is advancing here in Rwanda and around the world. Today Frank tackled the book of Hebrews in teaching from 8:45 to 5:30. The pastors had some good questions from Hebrews 6 for Frank along with Mechizadek. Frank enjoyed the teaching and prepared well for the day. To God be the glory for the teachings of His Word to the pastors in Masaka! David enjoyed a day of travel around the city picking up some souvenirs and seeing the business district of Kagili. David and Neil enjoyed lunch with Eric the national director of the PEACE plan through Saddleback Church in Rwanda. Pastor Theophile also joined us for a 4 some at the Africa Bites Restaurant. It was an inspirational time of sharing how the Lord is working in Rwanda to care for the poor and needy especially thorugh the microseeds program that Pastor Theophile started called Africa Hope. We praise the Lord for some negotiations to purchase 55 twenty five KG bags of rice from Tanzaniia for the pastors today. We got a really good price and saved over $150 on this purchase. We were able to purchase 55 really nice Bibles for the pastors from the Rwandan Bible Society today 54 in kenyrwandan and 1 in french for the pastor from the Congo. Everyone continues to be in good health and David and Neal were able to get out yesterday and go for a two mile run. Tonight is my last night in Rwanda and last blog. Tommorow afternoon I'll start the long trek home from Rwanda to Ethiopia to Rome and Washington DC to Boston. I willl not be getting out of the plane in Rome just stopping for fuel. Please continue to pray for Neal and Frank as they finish the New Testament this week and head home next Sunday afternoon. Yesterday all three amegos (Neal, Frank,David) preached in a couple differnt churches. The welcoming of our team by the precious Rwandan believers is overwhelming. I've never been greeted before by a troup of dancing girls before coming into church. It is impossible I was told for Rwandans to show joy and happiness without dancing. Its the end of a full and blessed day. We just finished our dinner and time to turn in at 10:30 PM . Tommorow starts another day. Thanks for reading these blogs. We have had over 2,000 visits on our blog site. Thanks for taking the time to read them and especially for your prayers.
Grace and peace,
David Smith for Frank and Neal
Bye Bye
The Lord continues to lead us and guide us in every detail of the day. We thank you for your prayers and support as the work of Christ's kingdom is advancing here in Rwanda and around the world. Today Frank tackled the book of Hebrews in teaching from 8:45 to 5:30. The pastors had some good questions from Hebrews 6 for Frank along with Mechizadek. Frank enjoyed the teaching and prepared well for the day. To God be the glory for the teachings of His Word to the pastors in Masaka! David enjoyed a day of travel around the city picking up some souvenirs and seeing the business district of Kagili. David and Neil enjoyed lunch with Eric the national director of the PEACE plan through Saddleback Church in Rwanda. Pastor Theophile also joined us for a 4 some at the Africa Bites Restaurant. It was an inspirational time of sharing how the Lord is working in Rwanda to care for the poor and needy especially thorugh the microseeds program that Pastor Theophile started called Africa Hope. We praise the Lord for some negotiations to purchase 55 twenty five KG bags of rice from Tanzaniia for the pastors today. We got a really good price and saved over $150 on this purchase. We were able to purchase 55 really nice Bibles for the pastors from the Rwandan Bible Society today 54 in kenyrwandan and 1 in french for the pastor from the Congo. Everyone continues to be in good health and David and Neal were able to get out yesterday and go for a two mile run. Tonight is my last night in Rwanda and last blog. Tommorow afternoon I'll start the long trek home from Rwanda to Ethiopia to Rome and Washington DC to Boston. I willl not be getting out of the plane in Rome just stopping for fuel. Please continue to pray for Neal and Frank as they finish the New Testament this week and head home next Sunday afternoon. Yesterday all three amegos (Neal, Frank,David) preached in a couple differnt churches. The welcoming of our team by the precious Rwandan believers is overwhelming. I've never been greeted before by a troup of dancing girls before coming into church. It is impossible I was told for Rwandans to show joy and happiness without dancing. Its the end of a full and blessed day. We just finished our dinner and time to turn in at 10:30 PM . Tommorow starts another day. Thanks for reading these blogs. We have had over 2,000 visits on our blog site. Thanks for taking the time to read them and especially for your prayers.
Grace and peace,
David Smith for Frank and Neal
Bye Bye
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March 6, 2011
The last several days have been full here in Rwanda Mediterranean outside on the ground and we walked through Paul’s second missionary journey. We stopped teaching about an hour early because the Rwandan pastors wanted to honor David before he returned to the USA
The Rwandan celebration of David’s ministry was special. We, including David, sang and danced. The Rwandan pastors expressed their thanks for David and gave him the gift of a Rwandan shepherd’s staff.
On Saturday we left at 5:45 AM for Akagera National Park Cape Buffalos
This morning we were preaching again in two churches. Rwandans are amazing in the way they welcome us, worship, and express thanks. They greeted us outside by dancing. Once we are in the church building, they continue to greet us with song, words, and dancing. After we preach they have an extended time of expressing thanks. Their exuberance of worship and hospitality is truly an inspiration.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March 3
March 3, Thursday
Hello again or should I say "Muraho" Today David taught the pastors at Masaaka 1st and 2nd Timothy and Neal taught the book of Philemon. Neal is getting ready to teach one of his most favorite books next week in 1st and 2nd Peter and one of his most challenging books in the book of Revelation. Today Frank met with Eric the national director for the PEACE plan and made arrangements to return in June in teaching pastors part of the purpose driven life book by Rick Warren. David had a lot of fun teaching today and pretending to be a televengelist who preached positive self affirming messages to go along with the 1st Timothy passage where in the end times people will gather around themselves the kind of preaching that their itching ears want to hear. Pastor Theolphile was his translator and he really acted the part well right down to the cadence of the voice of a man from America called Rev. Dollar. The pastors seemed to enjoy this part and clearly accepted the call of God to preach the Word in season and out preaching sound doctrine. The pastors love to fire tough questions at us and so we addressed their questions on what it means to be the husband of one wife. Can a woman be a pastor? what does 1st Timothy mean when it says that women will be saved by child bearing, What does it mean that women are to be silent in church? We enjoyed some great singing and the pastors tried to teach David to sing and to dance at the same time. He seems to have two left feet and is 2 or 3 steps behind everyone else but it adds some humor to the group. Neal and David enjoyed a great lunch with the pastors of rice, beans, fried potatoes, meat with sauce probably beef. And a tonic and sprite. David had some of the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes hopefully he won't pay for it later. David enjoyed playing some volleyball with the pastors after his teaching and before Neal taught on Philemon. Neal did a great job tying together the call for forgiveness and reconciliation from Philemon and the Genocide here in Rwanda. The pastors love to grab our bags and carry them for us saying that it is part of their culture. Pastor Theophile doesn't like it when we sit in the back of the jeep giving the front seat to him but that's what we did this time. It was fun giving him the seat of honor that he keeps insisting belong to us. I am amazed at the hunger these pastors have for learning God's Word. It continues to be a humbling experience to play such an important role of teaching them the Word of God and learning from them new applications of God's Word for our own lives. ITs now 7:45 PM Rwandan time and we are waiting for the cook to cook us some fish on the charcoal fire outside. Thank you so much for praying for us! We feel your prayers everyday in the teaching and in the details of this mission trip. Please pray for Neal as he is very much wanting to go to Florida after he returns to the States to join his wife and family to see his son play baseball for Gordon College. He is trying to find an affordable flight at a suitable time. Tomorrow Frank teaches 2 Thessalonians and David will teach 1st Thessalonians. One of the pastor's prayed for all our family back home and for our churches. They know that you are praying for us too. Bye for now, David
Hello again or should I say "Muraho" Today David taught the pastors at Masaaka 1st and 2nd Timothy and Neal taught the book of Philemon. Neal is getting ready to teach one of his most favorite books next week in 1st and 2nd Peter and one of his most challenging books in the book of Revelation. Today Frank met with Eric the national director for the PEACE plan and made arrangements to return in June in teaching pastors part of the purpose driven life book by Rick Warren. David had a lot of fun teaching today and pretending to be a televengelist who preached positive self affirming messages to go along with the 1st Timothy passage where in the end times people will gather around themselves the kind of preaching that their itching ears want to hear. Pastor Theolphile was his translator and he really acted the part well right down to the cadence of the voice of a man from America called Rev. Dollar. The pastors seemed to enjoy this part and clearly accepted the call of God to preach the Word in season and out preaching sound doctrine. The pastors love to fire tough questions at us and so we addressed their questions on what it means to be the husband of one wife. Can a woman be a pastor? what does 1st Timothy mean when it says that women will be saved by child bearing, What does it mean that women are to be silent in church? We enjoyed some great singing and the pastors tried to teach David to sing and to dance at the same time. He seems to have two left feet and is 2 or 3 steps behind everyone else but it adds some humor to the group. Neal and David enjoyed a great lunch with the pastors of rice, beans, fried potatoes, meat with sauce probably beef. And a tonic and sprite. David had some of the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes hopefully he won't pay for it later. David enjoyed playing some volleyball with the pastors after his teaching and before Neal taught on Philemon. Neal did a great job tying together the call for forgiveness and reconciliation from Philemon and the Genocide here in Rwanda. The pastors love to grab our bags and carry them for us saying that it is part of their culture. Pastor Theophile doesn't like it when we sit in the back of the jeep giving the front seat to him but that's what we did this time. It was fun giving him the seat of honor that he keeps insisting belong to us. I am amazed at the hunger these pastors have for learning God's Word. It continues to be a humbling experience to play such an important role of teaching them the Word of God and learning from them new applications of God's Word for our own lives. ITs now 7:45 PM Rwandan time and we are waiting for the cook to cook us some fish on the charcoal fire outside. Thank you so much for praying for us! We feel your prayers everyday in the teaching and in the details of this mission trip. Please pray for Neal as he is very much wanting to go to Florida after he returns to the States to join his wife and family to see his son play baseball for Gordon College. He is trying to find an affordable flight at a suitable time. Tomorrow Frank teaches 2 Thessalonians and David will teach 1st Thessalonians. One of the pastor's prayed for all our family back home and for our churches. They know that you are praying for us too. Bye for now, David
David and Pastor Theophile teaching at Masaka
Pastor Theophile's wife Miriam making us dinner!
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