Rwanda for Christ

Well I think its about time we talk about Africa. Its been a crazy journey so far but I don't think the real adventure has even begun. The Republic of Rwanda is a small country in central Africa that is bordered by 4 much larger countries. Called the "Land of a Thousand Hills" Rwanda is a fertile and hilly country with a lot of international attention. In 1994 just under 1 million people were killed by there countrymen in 100 days. This was a tragic and devastating time for the people of Rwanda but the country has been heading forward and not looking back. A 4 year trade agreement between Rwanda and 3 leading countries will bring in 30 million dollars into the countries economy. This is huge for Rwandans because 3 out of every 4 people live below the poverty line of 1.25 US a day. You can't even get a large coffee at Tim Horton's for that amount. Yes, I admit I stole most of that paragraph off of Wikipedia but its very informative website alright!

Flag of Rwanda

Now that you know a little more about where I will be going on my missions trip, I want to tell you what opportunities for ministry and aid are available in Rwanda. For the majority of my 3 months overseas trip our team will being staying in the capital, Kigali and working with street children and orphans. There is also church run hospital and house building projects that need attention. I cannot wait to help the people there and really learn from them. To think of how much we have and still complain is amazing. I know this experience will be life changing and am counting down the days until we leave. Although most of our focus will be on Rwanda and its people, Uganda and Tazinia, both neighboring countries with there own story of disease and starvation are good possibilities to visit. The people of Smithers, B.C. have started a orphanage in Uganda that is in need of a fence being built. There are plenty more needs in Tazinia as well. Our team (a team photo is coming) of 7 has been praying God give us some direction into where and how we are to use are time and money.

Map of Africa

As for life on the YWAM base in Switzerland we are spending the next week studying world views and cross culture living with a speaker coming all the way from China named Ryan Weins. It should be a good week to really think about how we need to behave and act in a country so unlike our own. This weekend most of the class is going to France for an overnight trip while I am staying behind to take Nathan to the airport Sunday afternoon.

A very alarming film about Rwanda during the genocide is Hotel Rwanda and a interesting book written by a Canadian General is Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda.