As this is being posted, I am already in Rwanda, having left Colorado Springs on July 1st, with plans to return on July 29th. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for me and all those I will be working with during this time. Please hold my family in prayer as well while I am gone.
This trip will be packed with a lot of activities including preaching on reconciliation and forgiveness inside the prisons and also at Villages of Reconciliation. I will also be following up on the sewing and animal husbandry projects we have been a part of setting up over the last few months and years.
On my last visit, hundreds of men in the prisons became followers of Jesus as they listened intently to my story of transformation from a life of hatred and prejudice. These men who responded to the same God, offering the same grace and forgiveness that I had received, are now being discipled by prisoners who previously came to know Him or chaplains from Prison Fellowship and the Anglican Byumba Diocese.
Another upcoming project is to set up a wood-working teaching centre inside the prison to prepare prisoners for life outside and integration into a Reconciliation Village.
One of my main purposes on this trip is also to continue to help plan and start the Reconciliation Rallies in major cities. The Wordfan will continue to be a Resource Partner (fundraising in the US & South Africa) in addition to helping develop the curriculum, which is in an advanced stage and has been implemented in some areas where trainers are being trained and speaking in churches and at Rallies. Our role is always to assist rather than take over, and we are privileged to be a part of helping to bring about transformation in this nation.
As you can see, the ministry continues to grow. Reconciliation in this wounded society also means the healing of all the wounds inflicted by the ethnic conflict – wounds in body, mind and spirit. It is important to engage communities in upliftment projects such as sewing, woodwork, carpentry, and animal husbandry which help them to provide income for themselves and their families. God is doing amazing restoration in this society and I love working amongst the people.
Our partnership with Prison Fellowship is also growing and our reconciliation work will soon also be established in the East Congo and Burundi. Please check out our website (www.thewordfan.org). We’ve updated some items on the home page and will be sending more news items soon!
Will be praying for your ministries in Rwanda as well as for Celeste and family here in Colorado. Good health, safety, guidance, and Divine energy will be prayed to enfold you and your family during July. Bountiful blessings!
Gerrit, I had the opportunity while on vacation to offer something that I learned from one of your presentations at a Winter Conference some years ago. While visiting the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Missouri Susie and I were looking at a wax figure display of slaves being sold and a family being broken up. While we we looking at the display a young black family came alongside to look also. Here was a father trying to explain the display to his kids. I believed that the Lord was urging me to speak to the father. I told him I was sorry the white people had done this to black families. Taking a page out of your ministry I told him, “on behalf of the white people in this country I want to apologize that this was done to your people.” He received it well and I believe his family heard it as well. I will never know the impact of this act but I pray that it helps. Thanks for your teaching and ministry. in Christ. Larry
Our love and prayers are with you and Celeste during this time of ministry.
We miss seeing you in person, but just know our hearts are with you both, whether in Colorado or Africa.
John and Nancy
Praying for you in Rwanda, and the family in CO! Blessings on your ministry there!
We pray the Holy Sprit fills and empowers you to the Lords work everywhere you go. Our paths probably won’t pass in Rwanda, we arrive 7/25.
Virginia and Mike Foster
We will be praying for you, the ministry as well as Celeste and the kids. May He annoint your lips and prepare the hearts of the people for His message. Expect the unexpected.
You will be in our hearts and prayers as you go. You know we will also
be praying for Celeste, Josh, Mia and Lucas especially while you are gone
You carry such a message of hope for our Rwandan brothers and sisters
Rick & Sandi
We are praying that your trip will be a great success, of the kind that God desires. You and Celeste and your family are all encircled by angels who will guard you every step.
Blessings!l
(((((((Gerrit)))))))))
Missed seeing you at church this morning!!
Praying for you and your precious family as you do your wonderful work in Rwanda!!!
Love in Christ!
KDB
PS 89.18:”Dit is ons sterkte:dat ons u guns geniet”
Groenis,broer.
Praying for God’s glory to fall on these dear souls…that many will come to Christ.
Also asking special grace and mercy for the family in your absence..and that you will be surrounded by an army of warrior angels to protect you, as the Holy Spirit guides your steps, dear Bro. We love you!!