Gerrit reports from Rwanda:
On Sunday (August 1st), 23 denominations came together: there were hundreds of people and singing groups, and many powerful speakers. I need to be ready for when Bishop Geoffrey picks me up tomorrow at 4 am! We plan to go into the bush – and up the mountains. He needs to do confirmations and I will preach.
Monday (August 2nd): The ride was nerve-racking with sheer cliffs next to the road. It took us 3 1/2 hours to get to the top. I preached to a few hundred people. I am so touched: they work incredibly hard and are so poor, yet full of joy. I had the best meal in Rwanda but I am sure my back is out of joint. I could hardly walk when we returned. The syrinx in my spine is acting up and that affects my voice too.
Tuesday (August 3rd): My back is fine, my voice is fine!!! Another amazing day in Cyangugu jail. 2500 people surrounded us and another 2500 listened in over the intercom. I continued teaching on reconciliation and forgiveness and repentance. There were over 50 converts. Then I washed a pastor’s feet who lost 67 members of his family in the genocide, asking forgiveness on behalf of the USA & the international community for not intervening. He wept and the prisoners were astounded, I then washed a young woman’s feet asking forgiveness for how men treat women in Africa. I was demonstrating to them humility and proceeded to wash the feet of 3 prisoners, including a young man as a representative of the new generation who must bring healing, reconciliation & peace to Rwanda. I called those who want to participate in this process “Change Agents” and they loved the name. You could hear a pin drop in that crowded space.
I then asked people who want to be Change Agents to stand up so I could pray for them and 2500 stood up! We were just speechless. The deputy head of the prison was there (a lady) and she asked me to return. The prisoners with one voice asked me to return and of course so did Bishop Rwubusisi.
Wed and Thursday (August 5th and 6th): Spent two days at the IAC sister church and with Pastor Robert in Byumba. (2 hours from Kigali). Will leave for South Africa on Friday (August 6th) where I will join my wonderful friend and ministry sponsor, and attend his birthday celebration. God willing, I will be back in Colorado August 13.
Thank you for your prayers. I believe I need much prayer for my re-entry into the Western culture.
