From Prisons to Preschools the Lord is at work!

Just up the road from Ntarama Genocide Memorial site where 10,000 people were massacred in a church is this prison with about 3000 prisoners, 1200 of which are Genocide perpetrators. This was my second visit with Pastor Deo, Director of Prison Fellowship Rwanda, and as is the custom, we delivered some sugar and soap for the sick. Many people remembered me from the previous visit.

I preached on the need for repentance and the need to become followers if Jesus. I stressed that they are loved by God and valuable in His sight. They may be imprisoned physically, but if they become followers of Jesus, they will be set free spiritually. We spoke to them about forgiveness and the hope they have in Christ.

What really touched me was how many of their countenances changed from darkness to light as we spoke. It was like lights going on in their eyes and they started responding to the message. We could feel the heaviness lifting. People started smiling, clapping and just generally turning positive. The women, who were allowed to join, were especially responsive, some of them obviously Jesus followers already.

When we called for repentance and to become followers of Jesus, several hundred responded and followed me in a prayer. There was spontaneous applause and singing burst forth when We came to the “Amen.” The Holy Spirit was powerfully present and working in the hearts of people.

The director of the prison called Pastor Deo the following day to say the prisoners asked for a follow-up visit ASAP. We felt totally encouraged. Fortunately Prison Fellowship has prison chaplains as well as trained disciplers who are converted prisoners to do the follow up with their captive audience.

Byumba Diocese

My visit to Byumba was spent meeting with Pastor Justin of our Colorado Springs sister-Church in Kibali to finalize projects we are doing with them: Water tanks ( huge need for clean water), continuing development of a health clinic, animal husbandry, etc. This very impoverished community has responded so positively to the hand up we have been giving them that some are already giving animals to their neighbors, sharing manure and one can see how the people are moving out of abject poverty to being able to look after their own families. What a privilege for our church community to be involved in such an uplifting project!

I also visited Hannah Ministries who serve very poor HIV infected Children and women (see photos below). The children are receiving medication each day and have to eat at least two solid meals to keep healthy. Hannah ministries provide this. They also teach the women to weave and sew, so they raise some funds for themselves and the ministry. Currently there are no outside sponsors and they are in urgent need of new partners. Your donations will be tremendously appreciated. 100% of donations made to ministries to the poor in Rwanda are passed on to them.

Support Hannah Ministries by clicking this button or by sending a check to The WordFAN, P.O. Box 51304, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

Bible School

Pastor Elson Mageza informed me of the great need they have to train catechists and lay leaders for their 9 parishes serving 75000 people in a very poor area. They lack the resources  (financial & human)and we discussed ways to assist him in this nearly overwhelming task. I heard God say: “don’t get overwhelmed, take one step at a time.”  We are working on a proposal to evaluate what is needed and where we could start. Please pray for Pastor Elson.

King Salomon’s Academy

The new pre-school started by Vicky ( Bishop Emmanuel’s wife) for the Diocese is called King Salomon’s Academy and is filling a huge need in the community. Even 13 Compassion International Children are enrolled there. The needs are also huge and we are working with them to connect people in the USA and elsewhere to help them become sustainable. Please pray for this venture.