Two Thousand and Ten

New experiences seems to be the theme here in Rwanda since Christmas, anything from talking door to door with the locals  to performing skits and testimonies in front of large audiences.  On December 29th we held a special event for all the young people in the community to come play soccer, eat some food, and talk about Jesus. It was difficult to break the language barrier but through a translator we feel a few were  inspired. Before New Years part of our team had an opportunity to go and speak at an APRECOM support group.  About 30 widows that are HIV+ attended. Katie  from our team spoke a message of hope and we were able to pray for each women individually.

Benjamin, Deborah, and Svenja at the Support Group

New Years Eve we were invited to a special church service an hour and a half away from our base. We present some testimonies, dramas and the sermon.  I volunteered to speak for a half hour on the topic of my choice. With my limited public speaking experience I tried my best to convey the message of what it means to have a personal relationship with God. Along with  a few translation mix ups and a huge sigh of relief the audience seemed to receive some encouragement from what I said. It was a great experience for me and I’m looking forward to practice speaking in public again.

On more of the practical ministry side of things we have bought staple food like sugar, rice and beans in bulk. With this we are able to help out some families and widows that struggle with putting food on the table. A scouting trip to a refugee camp on the Tanzania/Rwanda border has shown us a huge opportunity to help and support the people there. We also have some smaller feeding projects and kids programs that we have been and will continue to do with our time here in Kigali (the capital of Rwanda).

Switching gears into the personal, I have a few thought I would like to express about my time here. Although the culture is very different and difficult at times, I have learned and changed so much in the short while I’ve been here. Because my perspective on life has been altered I can’t help but see things differently. I used to take so many things for granted growing up in Canada and I see know that if I continue to do so my life with not be as happy as it should be. I have begun taking photos to help remind me and bring light on so many of the simple yet practical gifts we have. The following is the first many things I want to appreciate more when I return home. 

A Washing Machine