Sponsored kid’s party in Kigali:

New Life Family Center Women’s Graduation in Kigali:

Sponsored kid’s party in Kayonza:

Final day with the street kids:

Saturday, Nov 14^th – Today the entire team was together for the Kigali sponsored kid’s party.  We arrived at the Dream Center a little late but the children were waiting patiently and ready for the day.  We started off with Dennis leading the team in sports and games.  We broke into small groups and had so much fun playing outside with these wonderful children.  We then proceeded into the sanctuary where we were led into worship. The kids sang and danced and we all worshiped our awesome God.  A few of the team members were pulled out of the audience to go up and join them in the traditional Rwandan dance.   We muzungus are not very graceful!  The skit team performed Noah’s Ark  and once again Tracey as the Dove was a big hit.  We also taught them the Chicken Dance and the room was filled with laughter.   We served them a wonderful lunch along with a special treat of Fantas and cake.  Once the kids headed back to their homes the team got changed to attend the Family Center women’s graduation.

 66 women completed the tailoring and hair dressing training program and we were there to join them and their families to celebrate their graduation.  These women worked very hard to complete their studies so this was a very proud time for the women and their families.  Ili shared her testimony about how God provided for her and her family after her husband passed away.  She was such an  encouragement to these women as she shared with them not to look back but to look forward to what God has in store for their lives.  Mike and Cindi met their sponsored woman, Agnes, and her husband.   He was very proud of her and her great accomplishment.   What a privilege and a blessing it is to be a very small part of these women’s future.   The evening ended with a special dinner and of course, Fantas!   

Sunday, Nov 15^th –   The team, minus Brad, Lee and Loraine who were flying back to the U.S., attended church service at New Life Bible Church in Kayonza (about a 1 hour drive from Kigali).  We praised and worshiped God and were treated to an impromptu message from Dale followed by an hour and a half long message from the associate pastor.  It was a very long service but a blessing to be worshiping our incredible God alongside the people of Rwanda.   Three people accepted Jesus which was a blessing to witness.   After the service ended we mingled with the congregation then walked over to the Grace Children’s Home orphanage where we had lunch, and changed clothes in preparation of an afternoon with the Kayonza sponsored kids. 

We started the afternoon with the Noah’s Ark skit, teaching the children the importance of trusting and obeying God.  This was followed by a humorous skit then the entire team joined in to teach the ever popular Chicken Dance.    Dancing…laughing…dancing….laughing….laughing….laughing!! This dance has been a real hit with the kids and adults alike.  We also taught them the Macarena.   I must say, they are quite the dancers.   After all the dancing, Dennis split us up into several teams to play a few more games.  Later, there were many smiles as Bibles were handed out to the older students who were ranked at the top of their class.  The afternoon ended with a special meal, Fantas and cake.   As we were leaving to go home, the kids lined up to receive hugs and a single piece of candy.  Many would have given up their piece of candy for an extra hug.  This truly was a special day!!

 Monday, Nov 16^th -  Our last full day in Rwanda was joyfully spent with the street kids in Kigali.   The medical team (Kristi, Karen, Coleen, Cathy, Cherie, Liz and Dale) once again ministered to the children suffering with maladies ranging from open wounds to those in need of some extra TLC.     While some of the team served the children their breakfast of porridge others played and loved on those waiting in line.  

During the morning chapel time we joined them in praising,  dancing  and worshiping God.  Riley and Will shared their testimonies which the boys listened to intently.  They were surprised to know that Americans have struggles and need God too.     

Steve, Joe and Mike met with the young men in the carpentry program where Steve shared a message exhorting  the merits of hard work, honor and integrity in their endeavors.  He then presented a Bible to each young man and encouraged them to read it daily. 

Finally, we served them another special meal of beef and said our goodbyes.  We left the Dream Center filled with mixed emotions.  We know God is providing and taking care of these special children, but our hearts ache for them as we know their only hope is Jesus.

Our final evening was spent at the mission house.  We were joined by Brian, Robert, Emma, Moses and Jean Claude (Hindurwa).  They performed their wonderful music and danced for us.  We even taught them the Macarena.    

Another wonderful day in Rwanda!

 

Our mission team made it safely to Brussels. We ran into the Saddleback crew, who was also returning from Rwanda. Rick spent a few minutes with us to explain how Saddleback is serving in Rwanda through missionaries and partnerships with other churches.

Today was a special day for me.  I met Harriot and her sister at the church fabric shop for the fittings of their dresses today.  I recently began sponsoring Harriot who is 6.  Harriot and her sister were both very excited to be wearing their new green dresses.  They both picked out the fabric several days ago and were so excited to see the finished product.  I received a big hug and a thank you from both girls.  It was a special moment for me as I will always remember these girls. 

Miss everyone, big hug,

Love,
Will aka WBG6th

Thank you everyone for your prayers for our mission team. They are being answered every day. Our team has been blessed with safe travel. Everyone’s health has been restored. Gods hand has been with us in all service we have done. The people we have met here in Rwanda have shown us so much love that it is evident that God is working on us through them. I think most of the good work that comes from this mission may come after we return home.

Last Thursday when our team was apart and in three locations we all had very close calls with transportation. Again Gods hand was with us. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we begin our trip home on Tuesday night.

Today we had our third meeting with the street kids and again our hearts were broken as these kids display a strong hunger for love. We had a great time that ended with us serving them a large plate of food. There is nothing better!

*Couch Potato Advisory*

This article contains graphic physical activity language.

16 of us made the long trip to Volcanoes National Park to see the gorillas.  We were transported to the park in four wheel drive jeeps, also known as the “tilta-hurl”.  The road was in such disrepair that those sitting in the back row were tossed like a salad.

After three hours on the “road run”, we made it to the park, where we were divided into three groups, depending on the degree of difficulty climbing we wished to experience.  I took the “easy” route.  What a misnomer!

Our group left by the same jeep to drive to the climb starting point.  I thought to myself, this is great!  A nice jeep ride to see the gorillas.  However, this road made the first route seem like a super highway!  It was bumpy, muddy and narrow.  Unfortunately, we never made it to the starting point with the jeep.  We got stuck in the mud and no amount of pushing could get us out.  Several of the locals came out, mostly to laugh at the muzungus, but some tried to help.  It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes more than a village to get a jeep out of the mud!

After walking precariously on the road, trying not to get stuck in the mud ourselves, we must have walked miles to get to the climb start.  Actually, it may only have been a few hundred feet, but remember the couch potato advisory (will be known as CPA) at the beginning of the post!

My bubble soon burst when I realized that we would have to go to the gorillas, and not vice versa.  Looking upward, I quickly estimated that we’d have to climb at least 5,000 feet!  (Again, recall the CPA).

We trekked through farmers’ fields, climbed over a rock wall, sidestepped water buffalo poo (there’s a poor buffalo wandering through the mountains in need of a heavy dose of immodium!), and slipped and slid our way up the mountain.  Several times we heard a slurping, sucking sound – our shoes getting stuck in the mud and then trying to pull them out.  For the first hour, my breath came in snorts and wheezes.

We finally reached the bamboo forest.  The trees were spectacular, and tasty, too.  The gorillas like to eat bamboo, especially the shoots.  After eating the shoots, the gorillas actually get intoxicated, and that’s when the real fun begins!

Anyway – we climbed through the forest, onward and upward.  By this time, I had asked to stop about 4o times, and begged to stop and sit on a boulder while the rest of the group climbed on.  No such luck for this C.P.!  I had been warned about certain plants, that when touched, they would sting for a few minutes, but no one warned me about the stinging ants.  They somehow made their way up my pants, so the only option I had was to stick my hand down my pants and pluck the ants off my thighs, who were quickly making their way up my body.  It wasn’t pretty, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

After about 1 ½ hours of climbing (seemed like days to me) we finally hit pay dirt!  Gorillas in the mist!

Rocky, the silverback, had a harem of 6 wives and 5 children.  We asked our guide how Rocky got his name.  Apparently Rocky was quite the fighter.  He had to spar with other male gorillas for his women.  One of the females came up to him while we watched, grunted a few times and then sat down.  The guide told us she needed some “lovin” from Rocky.

We had exactly one hour to watch the gorillas and take as many photos as we could in that amount of time.  The baby gorillas could have been on the set of Tarzan, or maybe even Magilla Gorilla.   Swinging from branch to branch, occasionally falling from a tree, their antics were hysterical to those of us watching.  Every now and then Rocky would grunt and the young gorillas would settle down for a minute or two, and then back to fun.

I did have a near death experience, however.  Apparently we got too close to the babies and Rocky had to act the protector.  He beat on his chest and started toward the group.  Because I was closest to him the guide pulled me back rather quickly.  As my husband always says, “I don’t have to be the quickest, just faster than the slowest guy.”  That day I was the slowest guy!

Cindi and I were watching the gorillas playing, swinging and eating and we were oblivious to the fact that one of the mothers was behind us, waiting patiently to move on through.  She was approximately 2 feet behind us.  Thankfully, no one shot a photo of the look on our faces!

As if he had a watch and could tell time, after one hour Rocky started to move, with his entourage following behind.  He’d had enough of posing for the humans, and it was time for us to leave before we overstayed our welcome. 

So quickly our time with the gorillas ended.  Reluctantly we left, with a lifetime of precious memories and enough mud on our shoes to sell mud masks at the most exclusive spas.

I had to admit, watching the gorillas was worth the stinging ants, heavy breathing and dirty shoes.

Now, to get back down……..

We apologize for the delay in posting.  Once again the internet has been sporadic so we are posting when we can.

Wed Nov 11th -  Today the team split into two groups.  One group headed to Kayonza for day two of painting classrooms at the school.  They painted a total of 4 rooms and even left with a little paint on themselves.  Once they were finished with this task they headed out for more home visits.  Meeting the families of our sponsored children is such an incredible experience and such a privilege. 

The second group stayed back and rested at the mission house then went shopping with Dave Crosswhite before he headed back to Oregon. 

Thurs Nov 12^th -  Today the entire team and the Esther Home girls went to the resettlement camp in Kageyo to deliver 5 tons of food.  We all were very excited for this day.  It’s a 2 ½ – 3 hour drive with 1 ½ hours on a bumpy dirt road but so worth it!   When we arrived there were children and adults eagerly waiting to greet us.  There were lots of smiles and hugs.  Before we started distributing the food, the people all gathered around and Mike gave a message.   Then those with sponsored children made home visits and met the families.  Dale, Lee & Loraine , Cathy & Steve, Kristi & Larry, Karen & John and Mike & Cindi all had such a blessed time sharing gifts and  loving on the families.  Those who didn’t have sponsored children stayed back to play and love on the remaining children.  Once we all were together again we began to distribute the food.  The people stood in long lines in the hot sun waiting patiently for their share.  There were four stations set up for the four villages that make up Kageyo.  We scooped four cups of corn maize flour per person in each family into buckets or bags.  They were so grateful that God had provided.  The food truck will be back again in a month or so to distribute more food that will be purchased with the funds raised by one of our churches in Oregon.  What a blessed day!   Jehovah Jireh! 

Fri Nov 13^th – Today most of us had a day off to visit the mountain gorillas or the Akagara Game Park.      Chris, Ili & Brad spent the day in the dental clinic, once again ministering to the people of Rwanda.  Three of God’s faithful servants!!!

We’ll have more stories and photos to follow at a later time.

Thank you again for keeping us in your prayers!

We have done so much since we got here. It seems we get up….- go- go- go- then go to bed. The people here are wonderful and full of joy. I have made some great friends. The girls at the Esther house are amazing.We want everyone to meet our sponsored boy, Nathan. He has the cutest smile and was warmed up to us the minute he met us. He continually held my or Larry’s hand and every time we looked at him he smiled. We Americans have so much and we are so depressed, these people have nothing and they are upbeat and cheerful. Makes a person think. hmm. I want to especially thank Deborah, Doreen, Sonya and Esther. You have made this trip so much better.

Many on our team have sponsored children in Rwanda through Africa New Life.  During our busy ministry days we make time to visit these kids in their home with their family.  It is truly a humbling experience as most of them have so little-mostly tiny huts, little or no furniture, no beds, and especially food.  Health and education are also primary concerns.  The families are always so thankful for help and exhibit a kindness and a joy that is quite astounding.  It has been heart warming to all of us to see the difference sponsoring a child can make over a period of time.  The picture is of Habineza Shema, who my wife Sharon and I recently began to sponsor.  He is 7 years old, although as typical he is much smaller due to the lack of proper diet.  He lives with two older brothers and his mother in Kayonza.

On a separate note for those of you who do not know, you can reply to one of our posts if you create your own account.   Do this at http://wordpress.com.

We miss you all!                     Dennis

Monday, November 9^th the team traveled to the Dream Center for a second day with the street kids.  After a porridge breakfast, approximately 450 boys ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old were separated into age groups to play games.

Sounds of laughter and excitement filled the air as the boys romped and played.  Heather’s group played Red Light-Green Light; Roger and Dale supervised a soccer game and then held a mini clinic; Cherie, Ili, Chris, Cindi and Liz were involved with different relay games, ranging from hopping relays to back-to-back relays to running with a tennis ball perched on a plastic spoon.  Jeff, Denise and Will entertained their group by playing beach ball volleyball; Tracey and Lee manned the parachute while Loraine’s group played kickball.  Cathy’s group played Duck, Duck, Goose which quickly turned into the Cat and the Rat, a Rwandan game similar to The Farmer and Dell.  Mike and Riley rounded up the squads with Tug-of-War and then jump rope.  Dennis, our fearless sports team leader, moved from game to game encouraging the teams and jumping in where needed. 

After approximately 45 minutes of playing, the boys were then sent to worship.  The older boys settled under a tree and were entertained with Riley and his guitar.  Roger, Cindi, Chris and Riley gave the testimonies and were then peppered with questions.  Riley, close to the same age as the street kids, answered the most questions.  The boys were really curious about his life in America.  Meanwhile, the smaller boys met in the brick chapel for their worship service.

The skit, Noah’s Ark, performed by members of the team (starring Jeff as Noah and Tracey as the Dove) was the highlight of their worship service.  The animal parts were given to some of the kids, and each pair of animals growled and roared, louder and louder, to the delight of the audience.  They were hilarious!!

While most of the team was having fun with the boys, Larry, Kristi, Karen and Coleen (with Jeff’s help) set up a medical triage area to minister to the boys’ various injuries. They treated approximately 45 boys, with conditions ranging from scrapes and bloody noses, to bedbug sores and infected fingers.  Because they live on the streets, without sanitary conditions, the smallest scrape or cut has the potential to turn into something serious.

That day, lunch was dubbed “Cow Day”.  The team purchased beef, a rare treat for the boys.  Lunch consisted of potatoes, rice, meat or beans (some of the boys are vegetarians) and a banana.  The boys ate ravenously, as most only get to eat on Mondays and Thursdays when the Dream Center provides them with breakfast and lunch, as part of their feeding program.

After serving the boys, we ate our lunch and rested for a bit from that morning’s activities. 

Despite the heat, most of the team went shopping for souvenirs for their loved ones back home and for clothing for their sponsored kids in Kageyo.

We missed Brad, Joe and Steve, who left Sunday to Lake Kivu to a leadership conference for the benefit of ANLM’s staff.  They started the conference by clarifying the organization’s vision, mission, strategic objectives and core values.

On Monday 22 more ANLM staff joined the senior staff for specific training in general leadership, team building, communication, motivation, time management and stress management.  The training was enthusiastically received by the ANLM staff.

The rest of team ended the day with a great time of worship and sharing the day’s events at the mission house. 

Tuesday morning started with worship music provided by Riley, and words of wisdom with “Dale-y-Devotions” by Dale.   We really enjoy the worship and devotion time and it’s an inspirational way to start each day.

Today our team once again went in different directions.  Part of the team went to Kayonza to paint classrooms, Chris, Liz and Kristi went back to the Esther Home to treat more dental patients, and a team of 11 led by Mike, visited two prisons.  Brad, Joe and Steve were still in Lake Kivu for the second day of the leadership conference.

Prison team #2, consisting of Dennis, Karen, Coleen, Denise, Will, Jeff and Cathy went to the minimum security prison, located in Kigali.  After a 2 minute conference with one of the prison wardens, we were escorted through the big steel gates, locked only with a single padlock. We walked, single file, through the prison compound, surrounded on all sides by prisoners.  The compound was filled with long, narrow tents, clotheslines crisscrossed the prison yard.  Approximately 5300 convicts overflowed the prison grounds.  We walked to an amphitheater protected from the weather by a series of steel poles and tarps.  Waiting for us were 400-500 men, seated quietly in rows of benches.  As we arrived, the praise band was in full swing.  Each member of the band had on a bright color shirt.  They rocked and danced to the praise music.

When the music ended, our team was introduced to the audience.  Will led the program with a powerful testimony, followed by an equally powerful testimony given by Coleen, and Dennis wrapped up with his.  The prisoners seemed captivated by their stories and listened intently.  Cathy ended the session with an altar call, and praise the Lord, 40 people accepted or recommitted their lives to Christ!  Our team distributed Bibles to those who came forward.  Several of the guards stopped us on the way out of the prison to ask for a Bible.  They were so excited to receive a Bible!

Prison team #1, consisting of Roger, Dale, Mike and Cindi, went to the maximum security prison located in Kigali.  This prison houses over 5000 prisoners, many of whom have been convicted of crimes related to genocide.  The day started with a series of delays.  We were scheduled to visit at 9am but as we were traveling to the orientation it was changed to 10am.  Upon arriving at the gate at 9:45 we were informed to come back at 3pm.  At first we were discouraged but soon realized this was God’s plan and we would patiently wait for His timing.

We arrived at the prison at 2:45 and were encouraged when we passed through the gates.  After the vehicle was parked we walked the 300 yards toward what resembled a mid-evil castle with armed guards carrying AK-47’s.  We were invited to the Deputy Director’s office and were further encouraged when we found that he too was a follower of Jesus.  We visited with him for 20-30 minutes and were then led to the area set aside for worship.  To our amazement we were greeted by 700-800 men and women anticipating our arrival.  The atmosphere was not what might be expected given the dire conditions of such a prison.  We truly sensed God’s presence.

The prison pastor shared a brief message, we worshiped with one of the prison choirs and then our team was introduced.  Dale began by sharing some of his personal story then shared the importance of repenting of our sins.  Mike then shared his testimony and emphasized that all of us have sinned and offended God but God has promised to forgive us if we accept his Son as our Savior.  Roger shared a message that emphasized no matter what we’ve done in the past, God loves us with a never ending love and wants us to follow Him.  We were then blessed with more worship as the choir sang a few very lively songs of praise to our God.  Roger concluded our portion of the service by inviting the men and women to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior or to recommit their lives to Jesus.  125 men and women came forward!! The angels in Heaven were singing as more of God’s children came into His loving arms.  Praise God!!  

We came to the prison hoping to touch the hearts of those we were visiting but God touched our hearts as well.  I don’t think any of us will ever be the same.

That night, we were treated to a special performance by Hindurwa, complete with dancing by some of our team members.  Brad, Joe and Steve arrived unexpectedly during the music, and then the team debriefed after a productive and inspirational day.

God blessed us all with another awesome day in Rwanda!!

 

By Cathy Hackett and Mike Gerkman for the team