Greetings from Sunny Rwanda,
Today we saw off three of our team members at the airport to head home to Massachusetts, Christina, Tom, and Lisa. Neal and Theophile saw them off this afternoon. We had a good time of prayer together after a breakfast of fresh pineapple, bread with honey and coffee. David and Frank went to Masaka for the first time to begin their teaching. David had a particulary restless night last night and was only able to sleep about 45 minutes all total. The music from the outdoor bar next door kept him up until 3:00 and then the misquitos after that. The team prayed for David to be able to concentrate as he would be teaching all day the book of Colossians. Frank and David arrived at the pastor's training center in Masaka and were greeted in typical Rwanda style as celebrities. The teaching went very well and the pastors had some very good questions very similar to the kind of questions that we discuss back home. After a good meal of rice and beans with some meat with sauce and spinach we tried hard to keep the pastors from dozing off. When Neal arrived with pastor Theophile around 4:00 the Rwandan pastors honored our team by giving each of us a suitable Rwandan name. Neal was honored first given the name Mugiraneza which means good labor. Neal was honored as the good laborer that he is in organizing the trip and calling together this team and in planning future return trips to Rwanda. David's new name is now Micomyiza and it means kindness. I thought they might have chosen either grumpy one or sleepy one from the 7 dwarfs but they assured me that this name suited me well. Frank is now called Rukundo which means lovely one for his love for God and the Rwandan people is so clearly shown. Lisa, John, Tom, and Christine were no longer here but they wanted to honor them and give them Rwandan names as well. Tom is now Umuhuza which means Ambassador. Christina is now Gisubizo which means Answer to our prayers. John is now Kwizera which means faith. Lisa is now Mugisha which means blessings. She has been such a great blessing to the Rwadan midwives. I think of the movie Dances with wolves where Kevin Costner received his new native american name. Except our names were chosen by these deeply appreciative servants of God who celebrated our ministry with them with a special dance and song in a ceremony of new name giving. We finished our time of ceremony with a special toast of Fanta sodas outside the meeting hall under a beautiful cloud filled skies as the local children spied from behind the bushes. I thought that I'd try to learn a little kinyrawandan and pointing to a papaya tree said in English this is papaya what is it in kineyrandan? The men said with a smile, Papaya. Hey I'm learning some Kinyarwandan. Thank you for your prayers for our whole team. We stopped on the way home to get some fresh papaya for our breakfast. why not? The house is so quiet now as just Frank, Neal and David are here. Frank is getting ready to teach Ephesians tommorow. David hopes to meet with Eric and Bonita tommorow, two friends of the coopers back inHarvard, Mass. Frank also was planning to meet with Eric from the Peace Team to play another trip of his own with his wife this June. He might be teaching either the purpose driven church or purpose-driven life teaching in June. Better sign off before I fall asleep on the key board zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Whoops too late.
Grace and peace for the whole team,
David Smith
Micomyiza
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
February 27
The team in Rwanda Trinity Church in Bolton , MA ) and myself, Frank Reynolds (Manchester Christian, NH) arrived in Kigali Weymouth , MA ) along with Christina Davidson and Lisa Aubin (Hope Chapel, Sterling , MA
Today we divided into three teams. Neal Davidson preached at Harvest Christian Church in Kinyinya. Tom preached for Harvest Christian in Masaka. David and Frank shared God’s Word at Harvest Christian in Kigali
After lunch, the whole team experienced the Genocide Memorial. It is difficult to explain the contrast between the beauty of worship in Rwanda Rwanda
Keep us in your prayers.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February 26
The training of the midwives exceded any expectations. All 40 midwives were present over the 4 days, and each received delivery kits consisting of baby blankets, gloves, soap and gauze. The government has now provided cell phones to the midwives in attempts to mobilize local transportation for women in labor, but sadly do not provide latex gloves to them to prevent transmission of HIV/ disease. Many of the women in labor don't make it to the health centers, and do deliver in their homes by these midwives. We requested the director of the health center provide latex gloves to them. So God willing, they will. Christina and I learned many Rwandan words, like " push" and the "baby is coming" but I don't know how to spell them.
The directors of both health centers requested that we come back soon, because there are many more midwives that need training. So please keep that in prayer.
We also had a great opportunity to pray with the midwives, and tell them that we were here because we are servants of the Lord and we came to show them Christ's love. The midwives would break out in song when the day came to an end. A song that wished us " God's blessings" and that we would " come back soon."
I thank God that everything went pretty much as planned, and I pray that the training will be effective, both spiritually and physically. God Bless, Lisa
From the Pastoral Training
The week ended very strong. As expected, the issue centered books of 1 and 2 Corinthians provoked a firestorm of questions for Tom, who did an excellent job fielding them I am sure it felt like to him that he was riding a bucking bronco and we pretty tired be the end of Thursday. He is headed out to Masaka, tomorrow, Sunday, to preach. Should be a great day.
Friday finally saw the arrival of the shorter books with Galatians being first up. It was great to spend the whole day going verse by verse with the Pastors. They gleaned a lot of new background information as well as depth of understanding, which was a joy to see. God has been good.
Today, Frank Reynolds and David Smith arrived, and just like all of the rest of us, they were pretty tuckered out. Tomorrow they will be off to the church in Kimirunko for worship. I think they are still discussing who will get to preach and who will have to do the dancing. On Monday, David will launch out with Colossians. Should be a great week for them both.
Blessings. And thanks for the prayers!
Neal
The directors of both health centers requested that we come back soon, because there are many more midwives that need training. So please keep that in prayer.
We also had a great opportunity to pray with the midwives, and tell them that we were here because we are servants of the Lord and we came to show them Christ's love. The midwives would break out in song when the day came to an end. A song that wished us " God's blessings" and that we would " come back soon."
I thank God that everything went pretty much as planned, and I pray that the training will be effective, both spiritually and physically. God Bless, Lisa
From the Pastoral Training
The week ended very strong. As expected, the issue centered books of 1 and 2 Corinthians provoked a firestorm of questions for Tom, who did an excellent job fielding them I am sure it felt like to him that he was riding a bucking bronco and we pretty tired be the end of Thursday. He is headed out to Masaka, tomorrow, Sunday, to preach. Should be a great day.
Friday finally saw the arrival of the shorter books with Galatians being first up. It was great to spend the whole day going verse by verse with the Pastors. They gleaned a lot of new background information as well as depth of understanding, which was a joy to see. God has been good.
Today, Frank Reynolds and David Smith arrived, and just like all of the rest of us, they were pretty tuckered out. Tomorrow they will be off to the church in Kimirunko for worship. I think they are still discussing who will get to preach and who will have to do the dancing. On Monday, David will launch out with Colossians. Should be a great week for them both.
Blessings. And thanks for the prayers!
Neal
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 23
As usual God is good. We had another satisfying day being of use to God here in Rwanda. I heard from the Lisa and Christina that they had a great time with the 10 mid-wives they trained today. All the ladies showed up early, were very eager, and asked many questions. I understand that Christian gave birth 11 times...10 mid-wives, 11 births, must have had twins! Afterwords that got to visit in the homes of several of the ladies and meet their families. They were very pleased.
Here in the Kigali area (we have actually been teaching in Masaka) it was another day of challenges. I completed Romans 1-11 today and then Tom marched into 1 Corinthians. As always they are full of questions. Here are a few examples: Why would God harden Pharoah's heart? Why did God hate Esau and love Jacob? Who did Adam's sons marry and where did they come from? What do you do with a person who comes to faith in Christ who already has two wives? Should you baptize in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Can a Christian lose their salvation? If a Christian dies while they are in sin, do they go to heaven? Should they let a woman who would gets pregnant outside of marriage stay in the church or should they kick her out and never let her back in? Why don't we worship on the Sabbath? What laws do Christians have to keep to keep their salvation? And some other easy ones like that. No wonder were are tired at the end of the day!
Keep up the prayers!
Here in the Kigali area (we have actually been teaching in Masaka) it was another day of challenges. I completed Romans 1-11 today and then Tom marched into 1 Corinthians. As always they are full of questions. Here are a few examples: Why would God harden Pharoah's heart? Why did God hate Esau and love Jacob? Who did Adam's sons marry and where did they come from? What do you do with a person who comes to faith in Christ who already has two wives? Should you baptize in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Can a Christian lose their salvation? If a Christian dies while they are in sin, do they go to heaven? Should they let a woman who would gets pregnant outside of marriage stay in the church or should they kick her out and never let her back in? Why don't we worship on the Sabbath? What laws do Christians have to keep to keep their salvation? And some other easy ones like that. No wonder were are tired at the end of the day!
Keep up the prayers!
Tom Teaching and Pastors playing with Soccer Ball we bought.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
February 22, 2011
This Word From the Mid-Wives Training near Kinigi
We had a great day today. Lisa was in her element. We had 10 midwives and 1 social worker. The women were receptive and excited to do the training. Lisa went over childbirth basics and steps to prevent bleeding and infection. There was alot of learning and laughter. At one point it rained and hailed violently and water was coming down the wall and collecting in a big puddle on the floor, but Lisa never skipped a beat. :) one day down, three to go! Please pray that they will practice and teach other midwives in their villages.
From the Pastors Training
We had a good day today. All the Pastors were back after some of them went home for Monday to participate in the national elections. Due to the elections, we only had a half-day yesterday, even though we taught to 6:30 PM and finished in the dark. Tom Dagley finished up Acts by 11:30 AM (we started at 8:30) and I launched into Romans. By 5 PM we had made it to Romans 5:11 and we called it a day. It seems they are picking up the fundamentals of salvation theology as they are even asking how they can correct their prior teaching to their churches.
Our translator has been a young Pastor named Allen. He pastors a church in a neighboring community and is filling in for Theophile as he is with the Mid-wife excursion. We went to Allen home today after teaching and met his family. They live in a very small home made out of mud block. It didn't have any windows or running water or toilet facilities, but it did have a a few electrical lights and outlets. His parents who are ill, along with his younger sister and brother live with him, his wife and two children. It is a busy home. He has a serving heart and it has been nice to work with him. We are clearly building relationships, which is a real blessing.
It is a real challenge communicating complex theology across a language barrier, especially when the translators grasp of English is less then complete. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to provide clarity.
One little tidbit. The pastors were delighted today when we bought them a soccer ball to use when class is over. It is nice to see folks delight in simple pleasures.
From the Pastors Training
We had a good day today. All the Pastors were back after some of them went home for Monday to participate in the national elections. Due to the elections, we only had a half-day yesterday, even though we taught to 6:30 PM and finished in the dark. Tom Dagley finished up Acts by 11:30 AM (we started at 8:30) and I launched into Romans. By 5 PM we had made it to Romans 5:11 and we called it a day. It seems they are picking up the fundamentals of salvation theology as they are even asking how they can correct their prior teaching to their churches.
Our translator has been a young Pastor named Allen. He pastors a church in a neighboring community and is filling in for Theophile as he is with the Mid-wife excursion. We went to Allen home today after teaching and met his family. They live in a very small home made out of mud block. It didn't have any windows or running water or toilet facilities, but it did have a a few electrical lights and outlets. His parents who are ill, along with his younger sister and brother live with him, his wife and two children. It is a busy home. He has a serving heart and it has been nice to work with him. We are clearly building relationships, which is a real blessing.
It is a real challenge communicating complex theology across a language barrier, especially when the translators grasp of English is less then complete. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to provide clarity.
One little tidbit. The pastors were delighted today when we bought them a soccer ball to use when class is over. It is nice to see folks delight in simple pleasures.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
February 20
This is Pastor Tom from Community Baptist - stepping in for Neal today. Christina, Lisa, and I arrived yesterday tired but ready to go. After bailing Neal out of jail, we proceeded to the imiruno, a district of Kigaili, where we are all staying in a local house. It has a great community feel to it, as we share meals and prepare for our different ministries.
Today we were able to attend Harvest Christian Church which is led by Pastor Theophilius, who is serving as our host and guide. The service was amazing, with singing and dancing going on for over an hour. At one point they pulled us out of our seats and made us dance, bringing back horrific high school memories that had taken years to repress. Neal's dancing caused the pastor to think that he was having a seizure, and emergency crews were called. After order was restored, we were asked to preach. I think the main reason was to get us to stop dancing.
I had never spoken through a translator before (unless waiting for my mother to explain what I just said to my father counts) and it was a great experirnce. Although a little unsettling at first, once we established a rhythm things seemed to go well. Neal preached a great message from John 2, one in which the local pastors struggle through as to the relationship of Christians and wine. He redirected them nicely to the main point of the passage that the old way of the Law was passing, and He was offering the new wine of life through Him through grace. It was very powerfully received.
After visiting with a woman who is involved in the MicroSeed program, we were able to go shopping and finally get back to our house to prepare for the next day. Tomorrow, Lisa and Christina are heading out to Kinigi to work with the mid-wives. They will be training them on delivery and post-delivery care (which is a major issue with these women).
We will also be visiting the Genocide Memorial and then Neal and I will be heading back to teach the pastors in Masaka. Please pray for me as I lead them through the book of Acts, one that is very timely for this country at this time. They have the fire, but need the context of Scripture to wrap it in. As Christ Himself said, "If you follow my teachings, you will be My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." These people need to know the truth so that they can be truly set free from old mindsets and ways of life.
Again - thank you for your support and prayers. I can tell you that Neal is very conscientious about every dollar that is spent. If you gave money, believe me, it is in good hands and is being used in a way that is truly helping the Rwandan church.
Today we were able to attend Harvest Christian Church which is led by Pastor Theophilius, who is serving as our host and guide. The service was amazing, with singing and dancing going on for over an hour. At one point they pulled us out of our seats and made us dance, bringing back horrific high school memories that had taken years to repress. Neal's dancing caused the pastor to think that he was having a seizure, and emergency crews were called. After order was restored, we were asked to preach. I think the main reason was to get us to stop dancing.
I had never spoken through a translator before (unless waiting for my mother to explain what I just said to my father counts) and it was a great experirnce. Although a little unsettling at first, once we established a rhythm things seemed to go well. Neal preached a great message from John 2, one in which the local pastors struggle through as to the relationship of Christians and wine. He redirected them nicely to the main point of the passage that the old way of the Law was passing, and He was offering the new wine of life through Him through grace. It was very powerfully received.
After visiting with a woman who is involved in the MicroSeed program, we were able to go shopping and finally get back to our house to prepare for the next day. Tomorrow, Lisa and Christina are heading out to Kinigi to work with the mid-wives. They will be training them on delivery and post-delivery care (which is a major issue with these women).
We will also be visiting the Genocide Memorial and then Neal and I will be heading back to teach the pastors in Masaka. Please pray for me as I lead them through the book of Acts, one that is very timely for this country at this time. They have the fire, but need the context of Scripture to wrap it in. As Christ Himself said, "If you follow my teachings, you will be My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." These people need to know the truth so that they can be truly set free from old mindsets and ways of life.
Again - thank you for your support and prayers. I can tell you that Neal is very conscientious about every dollar that is spent. If you gave money, believe me, it is in good hands and is being used in a way that is truly helping the Rwandan church.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
February 17
Greetings from Rwanda - Neal has asked me to put in my two cents. It has been a long and good day and I think Neal actually needs a bit of a rest so I will do the blog report tonight.
Neal took about two days to get into his rhythm, but he now has the Pastors spell bound.
As we have gone through this process, we have found that these mostly rural Pastors have a real heart for the Lord, but no formal training on the bible or how to read and interpret the text. They have developed no context for how the Jews lived, or history of the region, or understanding how to use the similar accounts in multiple Books to pull out new information. That is the challenge and opportunity. What the group confessed is that they simply avoid sections of the Bible that they do not understand.
Yesterday, we saw a monumental change in these students of the Bible - their eyes were opened to the new possibilities, you could palpably feel the growing hunger/thirst for seeing how these the stories and words that they love, contains so much deeper meaning, and in fact sometimes a totally different meaning than they had previously held. There were also unexpected challenges: during one question we found that there are translation errors in their bible.
Neal is aggressively telling these folks that they have a responsibility to God to make sure that what they are teaching is correct biblically - and being a Pastor is a job of life long learning. Let me tell you, they are responding to the Good News that Neal is presenting. This morning they were firing off questions - hard questions - they are engaged. And frankly, Neal is having a blast, he is in his element!
The teaching area is about 40ft long and 20 ft wide. The day starts with Bishop Theophile and Neal sitting at a front table There are six rows of students, 10 chairs across. When there is a breeze, it is quite pleasant, without the breeze + humidity, it deadly - water dripping, but no one seems to mind. Of course there is evidence that the Pastors are discussing what they are learning long into the night - there have been a few people nodding off during the day. But I must tell you, Theo and Neal are quite the show - both excellent preachers, very lively and animated. When they both get going the place rocks - people don't sleep when this team is on fire! As I said, the teaching starts with both Theo and Neal sitting - that does not last long, they are up on their feet, emphasizing the messages with their hands and arms swinging with passion. The only thing more energetic are the songs that start each session - I will bring you a short clip next Sunday, it is a wild thing to experience is all I can tell you now.
I have met several of the Micro Seed women, they are truly blessed by this meager money. And don't tell Peggy, but I have purchase several baskets for her.
The suits have been distributed, they were all received with joy and thankfulness. I have taken pictures of the happy recipients to be shown at the church - your gifts were appreciated.
Neal and the teams that will be coming to Rwanda ARE a real blessing to these people. You should all be very proud of your support!
Neal took about two days to get into his rhythm, but he now has the Pastors spell bound.
As we have gone through this process, we have found that these mostly rural Pastors have a real heart for the Lord, but no formal training on the bible or how to read and interpret the text. They have developed no context for how the Jews lived, or history of the region, or understanding how to use the similar accounts in multiple Books to pull out new information. That is the challenge and opportunity. What the group confessed is that they simply avoid sections of the Bible that they do not understand.
Yesterday, we saw a monumental change in these students of the Bible - their eyes were opened to the new possibilities, you could palpably feel the growing hunger/thirst for seeing how these the stories and words that they love, contains so much deeper meaning, and in fact sometimes a totally different meaning than they had previously held. There were also unexpected challenges: during one question we found that there are translation errors in their bible.
Neal is aggressively telling these folks that they have a responsibility to God to make sure that what they are teaching is correct biblically - and being a Pastor is a job of life long learning. Let me tell you, they are responding to the Good News that Neal is presenting. This morning they were firing off questions - hard questions - they are engaged. And frankly, Neal is having a blast, he is in his element!
The teaching area is about 40ft long and 20 ft wide. The day starts with Bishop Theophile and Neal sitting at a front table There are six rows of students, 10 chairs across. When there is a breeze, it is quite pleasant, without the breeze + humidity, it deadly - water dripping, but no one seems to mind. Of course there is evidence that the Pastors are discussing what they are learning long into the night - there have been a few people nodding off during the day. But I must tell you, Theo and Neal are quite the show - both excellent preachers, very lively and animated. When they both get going the place rocks - people don't sleep when this team is on fire! As I said, the teaching starts with both Theo and Neal sitting - that does not last long, they are up on their feet, emphasizing the messages with their hands and arms swinging with passion. The only thing more energetic are the songs that start each session - I will bring you a short clip next Sunday, it is a wild thing to experience is all I can tell you now.
I have met several of the Micro Seed women, they are truly blessed by this meager money. And don't tell Peggy, but I have purchase several baskets for her.
The suits have been distributed, they were all received with joy and thankfulness. I have taken pictures of the happy recipients to be shown at the church - your gifts were appreciated.
Neal and the teams that will be coming to Rwanda ARE a real blessing to these people. You should all be very proud of your support!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February 16 - After Day Three Teaching
What a day. Yesterday we studied the Gospel of Matthew and it was a bit of a struggle. But today was such a different experience. They had talked the night before about Matthew and still had lots of questions for me. And then we dug into Mark. I could tell some lights were going on and that they were finding truths and insights they had never seen before. What a blessing to be a part!
At one point one the pastors, one you could tell who longs to be a good pastor, said he would not want me to come to his church because his teaching is very shallow. Then he asked me to come back again beyond this month, because he knew it was going to take more than this month to grow in his teaching as he should. In terms of their teaching, I could tell they were like sheep without a shepherd, and they are trying to be the shepherds! It is humbling and gratifying all at the same time. It made me feel just a shallow for wondering the other day if I could really take being here for 30 days!
John was great today. He organized the distribution of the suits. While I taught inside, he stood outside in the sun and patiently worked to make sure every Pastor got a well fitting suit. They were delighted. They came back into the room after their turn with big smiles on their faces. When we came back from lunch, they were all trying on their suits again. It was a pleasing sight. John has been such a great blessing to have along. A good friend, good insight and a servant heart.
And today, we learned God still does miracles. I drove the car that has been rented in rush hour traffic in Kigali and we all survived. Our assigned driver wasn't available this afternoon and by early evening we were without any driver at all. So since Theophile doesn't drive, and the Luke copies needed to be picked up, off we went. Actually, it wasn't all that bad!
Keep us in prayer as we plow through Luke tomorrow and John begins his time with the MicroSeeds people here in Rwanda. Should prove to be another eventful day here in Africa.
Neal
At one point one the pastors, one you could tell who longs to be a good pastor, said he would not want me to come to his church because his teaching is very shallow. Then he asked me to come back again beyond this month, because he knew it was going to take more than this month to grow in his teaching as he should. In terms of their teaching, I could tell they were like sheep without a shepherd, and they are trying to be the shepherds! It is humbling and gratifying all at the same time. It made me feel just a shallow for wondering the other day if I could really take being here for 30 days!
John was great today. He organized the distribution of the suits. While I taught inside, he stood outside in the sun and patiently worked to make sure every Pastor got a well fitting suit. They were delighted. They came back into the room after their turn with big smiles on their faces. When we came back from lunch, they were all trying on their suits again. It was a pleasing sight. John has been such a great blessing to have along. A good friend, good insight and a servant heart.
And today, we learned God still does miracles. I drove the car that has been rented in rush hour traffic in Kigali and we all survived. Our assigned driver wasn't available this afternoon and by early evening we were without any driver at all. So since Theophile doesn't drive, and the Luke copies needed to be picked up, off we went. Actually, it wasn't all that bad!
Keep us in prayer as we plow through Luke tomorrow and John begins his time with the MicroSeeds people here in Rwanda. Should prove to be another eventful day here in Africa.
Neal
Monday, February 14, 2011
Post First Day of Teaching
John Scudiere and I have had a couple of truly meaningful days. Yesterday we had the privilege to worship with a local church here in Kigali. A group from the youth choir serenaded us as we arrived. We sat at the head table and took in a wonderful time of worship as choir after choir sang and danced. John shared a very powerful testimony from Matthew 5:3 about the pour in spirit, recalling a time in his life when he was especially aware of his need for God in his life and his families and how God had honored that. As I had a full view of the congregation, you could tell it was powerfully received.
I also had the privilege of sharing a Gospel message. And then, just like back home, got to participate in a baby dedication. It was cool to hold in my arms this cute little Rwandan child and pray for her and her family. There is certainly one thing we learned from Sunday and that is John in the better dancer!
Today was the first day of what we really came here for...teaching the Pastors. We think there were 56 allow we were expecting only 55. We are meeting in a small church building in Masaka. It has several lights, a cement floor, use to have some glass in the windows, and has a tin roof. It is made from mud block. And yes it has old fashioned outhouses. I made my first trip to them today. The pastors are an eager group. We started about 2 hours late as some of them had difficulty arriving, but then we got it going. They embraced the biblical background information eagerly and with tons of questions. It is a good sign...they have 4 weeks ahead of them. We delved into preaching the word, and they confessed they have difficulty in doing this with and depth...a nice confirmation of why God has brought us here. If I can figure it out, I will post a picture or two.
Pray for several things...1. That God would give us words when we get asked questions out of the blue, like the one today as to why Christians don't have Mosques like the Muslims. 2. These pastors are sleeping, learning and eating in the same place...alertness can be an issue as the room gets hot. 3. That they can absorb more information than normal...that God would heighten their learning capacity.
Blessings,
Neal
I also had the privilege of sharing a Gospel message. And then, just like back home, got to participate in a baby dedication. It was cool to hold in my arms this cute little Rwandan child and pray for her and her family. There is certainly one thing we learned from Sunday and that is John in the better dancer!
Today was the first day of what we really came here for...teaching the Pastors. We think there were 56 allow we were expecting only 55. We are meeting in a small church building in Masaka. It has several lights, a cement floor, use to have some glass in the windows, and has a tin roof. It is made from mud block. And yes it has old fashioned outhouses. I made my first trip to them today. The pastors are an eager group. We started about 2 hours late as some of them had difficulty arriving, but then we got it going. They embraced the biblical background information eagerly and with tons of questions. It is a good sign...they have 4 weeks ahead of them. We delved into preaching the word, and they confessed they have difficulty in doing this with and depth...a nice confirmation of why God has brought us here. If I can figure it out, I will post a picture or two.
Pray for several things...1. That God would give us words when we get asked questions out of the blue, like the one today as to why Christians don't have Mosques like the Muslims. 2. These pastors are sleeping, learning and eating in the same place...alertness can be an issue as the room gets hot. 3. That they can absorb more information than normal...that God would heighten their learning capacity.
Blessings,
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day Two
Somethings just take getting used to. You cannot imaging how long it could take to locate 55 hangers for the suits that we brought for the Pastors. It takes some time to get use to Africa time.
John and I had a chance to view the place where we will be teaching next week. It is pretty primitive. It is about 1000 sq ft with a tin roof, cement roof, three small light bulbs, and a combination of wood benches, plastic deck chairs and a couple of basic tables. The Pastors will learn, sleep and eat in the same room for the whole month. There are a couple outhouses as well as several stalls where the wash up using a bucket. It is a privilege to get to work with such folks.
I will preach tomorrow at a local church. John will also be sharing in some way. We will also get to go to the Genocide Memorial. Also, it seems we are going to help a local pastors kid who is going to attend school in Montana with an internet transcation...they don't have a credit card and that is all the US Embassy site will take.
Thanks for following along.
Neal
And its pouring here. When it rains in Africa, it really rains.
John and I had a chance to view the place where we will be teaching next week. It is pretty primitive. It is about 1000 sq ft with a tin roof, cement roof, three small light bulbs, and a combination of wood benches, plastic deck chairs and a couple of basic tables. The Pastors will learn, sleep and eat in the same room for the whole month. There are a couple outhouses as well as several stalls where the wash up using a bucket. It is a privilege to get to work with such folks.
I will preach tomorrow at a local church. John will also be sharing in some way. We will also get to go to the Genocide Memorial. Also, it seems we are going to help a local pastors kid who is going to attend school in Montana with an internet transcation...they don't have a credit card and that is all the US Embassy site will take.
Thanks for following along.
Neal
And its pouring here. When it rains in Africa, it really rains.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Safe in Rwanda
Well day one in Rwanda is over. John Scudiere and I made it in fine. All the luggage arrived safely, despite the fact we made a stop in Uganda that wasn't on our original itinerary. The travel was about 24 hours. We were greeted at the airport by Pastor Theophile, his wife and 6 pastors complete with a bouquet of flowers for each of us.
The house that was rented for us is fine. It is gated as expected. It is fairly large for Rwandan standards. When we arrived the power was out. There is as single, dull ceiling bulb in each room for light at night. The water works, but no hot water. We fill a bucket, heat it up with a heating stick that we place in the bucket and then plug in. When it is warmed up 10 minutes later, you pour the water over yourself one cup at a time to take a shower. It works. But sleeping is no problem. I slept twelve straight hours the first night after being up for 30 straight hours.
John is going to be great. He is very inquisitive, asking lots of great questions, and sizing up how he can serve. He will be great for the Micro Seed ministry as well as doing some of the teaching.
Our first day was uneventful. We did some studying, explored the city some, had a nice meal out compete with french fries, and began gathering materials for the one month seminar. We also bought a cheap Rwandan cell phone ($20) to communicate for the month as well as a data modem that we can use for our trips over the next few years. As I write, several women are making a meal for us in the outdoor kitchen. I think it will be rice, beans, and a bit of chicken. I am not sure I am going to lose weight on this trip as hoped.
More later. Keep the prayers up.
The house that was rented for us is fine. It is gated as expected. It is fairly large for Rwandan standards. When we arrived the power was out. There is as single, dull ceiling bulb in each room for light at night. The water works, but no hot water. We fill a bucket, heat it up with a heating stick that we place in the bucket and then plug in. When it is warmed up 10 minutes later, you pour the water over yourself one cup at a time to take a shower. It works. But sleeping is no problem. I slept twelve straight hours the first night after being up for 30 straight hours.
John is going to be great. He is very inquisitive, asking lots of great questions, and sizing up how he can serve. He will be great for the Micro Seed ministry as well as doing some of the teaching.
Our first day was uneventful. We did some studying, explored the city some, had a nice meal out compete with french fries, and began gathering materials for the one month seminar. We also bought a cheap Rwandan cell phone ($20) to communicate for the month as well as a data modem that we can use for our trips over the next few years. As I write, several women are making a meal for us in the outdoor kitchen. I think it will be rice, beans, and a bit of chicken. I am not sure I am going to lose weight on this trip as hoped.
More later. Keep the prayers up.
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