We completed Day 2 of our 3-day Celebrate Recovery seminar and it is going very well. About 70 people from across Western Rwanda are attending. Today they learned about Large Group meetings and Open Share groups, and then they had the opportunity to experience them for themselves. They are very excited about how this ministry can help the people of Rwanda. Several people told me they believe this can be a process that can help them deal with the pain of the genocide.
Tomorrow we finish the training and teach them how to start Celebrate Recovery in their churches. They are excited to learn and they have so many questions. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen here in Rwanda through this ministry.
I have read several books about the genocide and survivor’s stories. It is very different to sit across from someone and here their story of survival. Wow! It is not my story to tell but I will just say that God must have a special place for them in heaven for the sacrifices they made.
John Brennan and Dave Lopez arrived home yesterday afternoon safely. I can only imagine the disappointment they must be experiencing from not being able to complete “our planned” mission. Please pray for them. We know God had other plans and will use this for good.
I am doing well, am very healthy and enjoying the company of my Rwandan companions, although I do miss John and Dave. It is very peaceful here at Lake Kivu and I am enjoying the beauty of Rwanda.
Please pray for our seminar tomorrow, that the pastors can see a way forward with starting Celebrate Recovery. Pray for the teaching, that it be clear and just what they need to hear. Pray for safe travels for Jean Baptiste, Claude and I as we drive back to Kigali tomorrow after the seminar. Pray for John and Dave as they transition back to being in the US and processing the early departure.
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Dear Jana,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your updates! It is so good to be able know how we can best support.
I have been praying for you and the team each day even though I have not blogged daily as is my usual M.O. :)
So glad to hear that you are well and that Jean Baptiste and Claude were able to be part of the team too.
John and Dave, it is a relief to hear that you are back safely to your homes; yet, I know that God will comfort, heal and make Himself known to you as you have experience a dramatic shift in "the plan". Romans 8:28 comes to mind:
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or as The Message translation says:
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....worked into something good.
That's what I'm praying for! I thank God in advance for what He is going to accomplish through this calling, through these events.
There is a great cloud of witnesses watching and cheering us on when we chose to be a follower of Christ above all else, above holding onto a past hurt, above all our doubts and fears.
I am one of many cheering you on right now. Remember, God is good....all the time.
May the wind of the Holy Spirit blow across Lake Kivu right into the hearts and minds and souls of these dear Rwandan pastors and lay-people and light an unquenchable fire of peace and agape love through surrendering all hurts from the past.
We serve the risen King!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
ReplyDeletein the Message: That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
I am excited to hear that all is going well and that you are met with excitement and positive comments on the healing that Christ brings through CR. We know that we can do all things through Christ.
ReplyDeleteYou are all fighting a huge battle. I know reading books and hearing a couple personal stories from the genocide pales in comparison to what the small groups are dealing with. My heart and prayers are with you. 2 Chronicles 20:12 "For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." and in verse 15 "the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's....You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you....Do not fear or be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you."
Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3,4
Enjoy and draw in the peace of God there at Lake Kivu. Share your heart, wisdom, and story with our brothers and sisters at the conference, and God will continue to do mighty things through all of you.
Thanks for mentioning you are feeling healthy. That's an answer to prayer, too. Pour out your heart to God. He is there with you, even though the team came home, supporting you and encouraging you along the way. He'll even help you remember things and have a pen at hand when you need one. We're all there with you, too, in spirit if not in person.
Safe travels.