Monthly Archives: July 2011
Two a half hours from Kigali, tourists on the way to join gorilla-watching safaris unknowingly pass by a miracle in the making. Kimonyi Reconciliation Village (population: 360 adults – children are not included in counting populations) was started by Rwanda Prison Fellowship, with the challenge from the government to bring the victims and perpetrators from the genocide together and help them to be reconciled and to develop their communities together. On a previous visit, the village leaders shared that the village would greatly benefit if each family had a goat. Friends accompanied Gerrit on his second visit and donated funds for…
On the visit to the vocational school in Byumba, in buildings that are sturdy, we once again became aware of the need for teachers and project coordinators. The Vocational School, under the covering of the church, was started by some who had great vision, but, unfortunately they left before the program was on solid ground. However, the current staff is trying their best to keep the sewing, computer, welding and agricultural programs running. Gerrit is hoping to connect them with the trainers of a very successful vocational program in South Africa. It is also apparent that there is a great need for plumbers…
On a previous visit to Rwanda, Gerrit was approached by a bishop who has a congregant with two deaf children. Sadly, the father believed that God was punishing him for his sins, by allowing his children be born deaf. Prince (15) was recently fitted with hearing aids during a mass hearing aid campaign, by well meaning people from the USA, with little effect and no support. Even though Prince now owned hearing aids, it was meaningless, as he still could not hear. In fact, he “told” Gerrit on a previous visit that the device only made a ssshhhh noise in…
Miyove Prison. Gerrit had visited there in April, but due to the heavy rain, he could only address 200 prisoners in a very cramped area. He promised them that he would return. (Often promises are made and broken and we have become very aware of the value the people here attach to promises). The commissioner of the prison wanted Gerrit to spend a whole day there as he claimed that after the previous visit, a calmness descended on the prison and it lasted several days. Reverend Elson Mageza, the sub-Dean of the Byumba Cathedral, accompanied us. Attendance is voluntary but word…
The needs in education are massive and by the time you read this, the first school we visited (Kigali) has already received enough pens and pencils from a donor to last them the rest of the year. Imagine this scenario: a student’s pen runs dry but class continues with him/her not being able to write; he or she doesn’t have a second pen or pencil. Celeste observed this several times. But now the teachers will have some supplies, and for this all are grateful. Gerrit and Celeste were invited to meet with the minister in charge of primary and secondary…
We left early for Mukono Secondary school in Cyumba. This is a combination government/Byumba Anglican diosece church school. It is the highest performing school in the province and is known for its science and technology. We were humbled: after being welcomed by the headmistress, Consolata Mukahakuzimana, and the traditional tea and “tribes” of Fanta sharing (any product made by Coca Cola is called Fanta) , they showed us around the school. The teachers are doing a remarkable job: they have increased the student population from 126 in 2004 to 520 in 2011. Eighteen teachers teach under incredibly difficult circumstances: they…
July 3rd: A Big Sunday Celebration We were formally invited by a delegation from the church, the evening before the celebratory Sunday. The church leadership hosted a breakfast at the crack of dawn, and during the next eight hours we saw 91 children and babies baptized, new church wardens inducted, and 15 new church members welcomed. The sermon was powerfully delivered by Victoire Ngendahayo, representing the Mother’s Union; several choirs praised the Lord, a few hundred enjoyed a scrumptious lunch cooked by the church ladies, and, of course, the dancing…!!! July 4: Liberation Day, Byumba Umudugudu (Village) Gerrit: I was invited…
Refugees – Congolese and Rwandan On the way from Kigali, our hosts shared with us the challenge Rwanda faces with the numerous refugees entering the Byumba area from the Congo. The government is trying to first teach the refugees skills to enable them to become viable participants of the nation. On the other hand, the church is spearheading the government’s efforts to lure the Rwandan refugees from the forests in the Congo, where they have been hiding since the Genocide 17 years ago. (Two bordering countries with refugees from each other’s country!) There are thousands of Rwandans too scared to…
Ed. note: Last week Celeste was able to train some teachers at the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) centre in Kigali, Rwanda where they have developed a pre-school and primary school. She sends the following report: The East African YWAM leaders, Mary and Method Kamanzi, have been friends for many years. We met them in Kenya and they later assisted the YWAM base in Muizenberg, South Africa, where Gerrit was the campus director. Now living in their homeland, Rwanda, they lead an exciting and very effective ministry which includes: discipleship classes; a vocational school where street children get trained; a…
