This morning we visited the Catholic church that was next to our guest house. We learned that 64,000 men, women and children were killed on this compound (including our guest house) during the 1994 genocide. It is impossible to comprehend that so many people were killed, some in the dining room where we had our meals, maybe even in our rooms. It is not a large compound so they must have been everywhere there. That was pretty sobering. The church was beautiful as it has been remodeled with moziacs but it somber inside.
The 2 hour drive to Karongi was gorgeous with the green rolling hills. I certainly understand why they call Rwanda the land of a 1,000 hills. I think they underestimated, there must be closer to 1,000,000 hills.
We stopped along the road and met with some members of the Justice Task Force who were driving back to the capital of Kigali. They have been training across the country and had very successful results. We stopped at a beautiful waterfall surrounded by banana trees and small farms laced over the hills. We enjoyed the changing light as the clouds moved across the valley.
The views of Lake Kivu as we approached Kibuye were awe inspiring. We checked into the PEACE House then went into town for lunch overlooking the lake. We visited the Kibuye Hospital and had a great tour by the head doctor. Much progress has been made since I was there 2 years ago. They are looking forward to building a new hospital on the nearby compound.
This evening we are having a relaxing time so we can be refreshed to begin our 2 day senior pastor CR introduction meeting tomorrow. Dave is teaching our translator, Jean Baptiste, how to play pinball on his PDA. We are having a great time of fellowship with Jean Baptiste and Maurice.
Please pray for the pastors that will be attending the meeting. Pray for us that we are the Muppets that when we open our mouth we speak God's words. Pray for my health as I have a cold. My throat is better but my sinuses are not so good.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Kenyan Pastor Joseph's "big heart, small head" advice comes to mind as you speak of the history of the Catholic church compound that you toured. May God continue to give you compassion and love for the people you meet. Sounds like God is refreshing you along the way as you traveled to Karongi. I remember coming across a verse about a "thousand hills":
ReplyDelete"The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth....for every animal of the forest is mine,and the cattle on a thousand hills." Psalm 50:1-2,10
I thank God for the relationship building time that you are having with your hosts, and for the God-incidences of people that He places in your path. I can just picture you, Dave, showing Jean Baptiste how to play PDA pinball. What's next retro PacMan?
Contuning to pray that you are sleeping peacefully as I type this, that Jana O's cold is healing, and that her sinuses clear up and are free from infection. May all of you worship the Lord in spirit and in truth as you begin your seminar tomorrow. May your personality and agape love for these pastors and church leaders shine through your faces and body language, and again praying for the interpretation to be solid and communicated well in their language. I am praying against the spiritual dark forces that would distract and set-up roadblocks; as you put on your armor, may you be united together as one team, one unit in total harmony.
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
Can't wait to hear how it goes. Thanks for blogging -- keep 'um coming!
You are my heroes! Keep up the great work as part of His messenger corps. Keep "puttin' on the Armor"!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of all of the terrible atrocities that you have learned of during your visit to the Catholic Church and your compound, I think of God’s never-ending compassion for all of His children.
You are truly the “right servants” that God has chosen to be on this journey.
Here are a few encouraging scriptures that you may find uplifting as you continue to explore a country with such a devastating history:
Psalm 102:13
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.
Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Zechariah 7:9
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
God continues to bless us with your “living journal” of your adventures and for the knowledge that you are sharing with us here. I know it must be difficult to put it all into words and we are all looking forward to your safe return and the affect that you will have on all of us when we hear your stories “first hand”.
We are praying for continuing internet access, for safe passage thru the country and for each and every person who you have reached out to, to be blessed, as you are all blessed to be a blessing.
We are praying for your “hearts to be filled with the compassion for those who live there” and for God to continue to open the eyes of your hearts as you travel.
We are praying that God will continue to protect your walk and your talk and that others will see, by example, the hope that there is in Christ Jesus.
We will continue to pray for your health and travel mercies and for the safety and protection of your driver as you proceed to spread the word that God has so richly blessed you with.
We are praying that your 2 day CR overview will go smoothly, that the translation goes well and that the message is clear.
God bless you saints.
John Brennan