March 6, 2011

The last several days have been full here in Rwanda. On Friday, David taught 1 Thessalonians in the morning and I (Frank) started 2 Thessalonians in the afternoon. Since they have very little in the way of Bible maps, I created a map of the 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, and we gave out the Proclaimers. These are an electronic device that has the New Testament in Kinyarwanda on audio. Proclaimers can run on solar power and can be heard by up to 300 people at one time. They are to be used in listening groups, as many people here cannot read. The pastors were extremely excited to receive this ministry tool.

          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. It was a great day for an African safari it was slightly overcast and a pleasant breeze. We saw a number of amazing birds: Fish Eagles, White-browed Coucals, two Crowned Cranes, two Bare-faced Go-away Birds, many African Open-billed Storks, Cattle Egrets, and Great White Cormorants. Then there were the antelopes: Bushbucks, Topis, Water Bucks, Elands, and hundreds of Impalas. We also saw zebras, Cape Buffalos, hippos, Vervet Monkeys, baboons, crocodiles, warthogs, two turtles and one giraffe. Other than that, we didn’t see a whole lot.

          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.