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 by Bishop Emmanuel to accompany him to a Liberation Day celebration, commemorating the liberation of Rwanda after 100 days of genocide in 1994. Thousands of these small Umudugudu (village) meetings were held all over the country to celebrate their new freedom and the progress the country has made in the past 17 years, which is quite considerable.
People were reminded that liberation is ongoing and that everyone must work hard, study hard and work together for the further development of the country. I was surprised and delighted when called upon to give my views of the country as an outsider. I told the people that I believe President Kagame is probably the most effective and humble leader in Africa, and that I admire the peace, progress and security in the country. The clean streets and safe environment that allows visitors (and locals) to walk around at night without fear, were other factors to admire about the country. I also mentioned the zero tolerance for corruption in the country that makes it attractive for investors to invest here. I ended by saying that while I celebrate their liberation with them, the greatest gift of liberation we have ever received came from Jesus Christ when he liberated us through his death and resurrection from the bondage of sin and brought us out of darkness and into light. I told them to repent of their sins and to follow Jesus to receive spiritual liberation. To my amazement, there was applause! Glory be to God!
Around Kibali
In the afternoon we visited the church in Kibali, seeing Pastor Robert and the health clinic, which is now almost complete, thanks to the help from IAC, their sister church in Colorado Springs.
On the way we again became aware of the poverty of so many people and the children suffering the most. Robert proudly showed us around the parish, particularly joyful to show us the healthy vegetables which are grown on the parish property and also shared with the community. He shared bout his vision for a church building and the need for a secondary school for the community’s children. We all believe that the combination government/church school system serves both the community and allows the church to have an influence on the education of the students. This combination requires the church to supply the building and the government to provide the furniture and teacher salaries. Pastor Robert agreed that the need for a building master plan is crucial.
