During the last week of June my dad (Gerrit) and I traveled to Byumba. While Byumba is only one and one-half hours away from Kigali, the two places are truly worlds apart. Kigali is a city; Byumba is a rural area where goats, cows and chickens are often seen on the roads. Be careful though— if you see a chicken run across the road, it means someone is trying to catch it for dinner and you might want to slow down the car so as to miss both the chicken and its human “predator.”
When we arrived, Bishop Emmanuel and his wife, Vickie, greeted us. They are both amazing followers of Christ and very kind.
The next day (Sunday) we went to a church in Mukuno, another one-and-one-half hours away from Byumba. It was a Thanksgiving service because a new school had been built, so the entire church was completely filled. I was warned that it would be a long service, but I didn’t realize that it would be five-and-one-half hours! Dad preached to the congregation and they were extremely attentive to everything he said. Afterwards we saw where the new boys’ dormitories will be built for the school. It will be a major undertaking for the town, but it is a necessary addition as the school continues to grow.
On Tuesday I had the privilege of going to Muhuro Primary and Secondary Schools with a woman in Rwanda by the name of Heather. While at the school we observed an English lesson in both of the schools and an Entrepreneurship class in the Secondary School. The teachers here are doing an exceptional job, but they also seem overwhelmed with so much work. It is hard for them to teach English when they are often learning alongside the students. Some people may be surprised, but remember that Rwanda changed from French to English LITERALLY over night about 3 years ago. (Authors Note: Entrepreneurship is the same as Business and Economics)
Wednesday we were able to meet with Pastor Justin in Kibali about the “Run for Rwanda” 5k that is held in Colorado Springs every year and simultaneously in Kibali. We were able to make sure that our days and times were synced up so that we would all be running together, and also finalized plans for awards, shirts, and runner numbers in Rwanda.
Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the prisons due to a shift in management positions. Hopefully Dad will be able to visit them upon his next arrival. Overall Byumba has been an amazing place to be.
I am so glad both my sons got to meet the wonderful people of Rwanda and get a sense of what their dad does in this part of the Lord’s vineyard.
This is lovely…that both the “boys” can see firsthand their father walking out his faith. I’m sure the Lord will use this in many wonderful ways….
It has been too long since I set foot in Rwanda and was blessed beyond imagination. So glad you got to see/feel this special country, and with your dad!! I too was overwhelmed by kindness and faith as well as beautiful countryside. I thank our Father for you and His healing Hand in Rwanda, love, joy, peace, barbie
What a wonderful priviledge to be able to share God’s work first with Thabo and now with Josh in wonderful Rwanda. May it be the beginning of big things to come for both Josh and Tabs and may they spread the message as they share their unique experiences with friends.