Ministry Partners,
I am so pleased to tell you that I have started working on plans for the next trip to Rwanda that will begin the last week of May. This trip will be somewhat different but especially exciting as it appears I will see God implement the program he gave me a vision for a number of years ago.
The prisons are communities themselves and many of the ministries needed in the village communities are also needed in the prisons. Ministries like Pastors Training, Womens Conferences, Childrens Ministry (up to age 5), Youth Ministry, Sports, Medical and the list goes on.........
A former Pastor and his wife have made a long term commitment to IRM and to the ministry IRM is doing in Rwanda. On this trip he will begin the teachings for the "Prison Pastors Training Pilot Program", a training program for pastors who are currently prisoners themselves. The prison pastors have asked for training and this is so very important when you know that only 1 to 2% of pastors in Rwanda have had the opportunity for any formal biblical training. Being grounded in the "Gospel" and the fundamentals of "Faith" will allow them to be more productive shepherds while in prison and outside, if and when they are released.
I would appreciate your prayers for this effort...that the Holy Spirit would give us wisdom concerning what teachings to cover in this "Pilot Program" and for the hearts of the pastors to be open and receptive to the content. Currently, the plan is to start this program in three of the prisons IRM has previously done ministry in.
I am so pleased to tell you that I have started working on plans for the next trip to Rwanda that will begin the last week of May. This trip will be somewhat different but especially exciting as it appears I will see God implement the program he gave me a vision for a number of years ago.
The prisons are communities themselves and many of the ministries needed in the village communities are also needed in the prisons. Ministries like Pastors Training, Womens Conferences, Childrens Ministry (up to age 5), Youth Ministry, Sports, Medical and the list goes on.........
A former Pastor and his wife have made a long term commitment to IRM and to the ministry IRM is doing in Rwanda. On this trip he will begin the teachings for the "Prison Pastors Training Pilot Program", a training program for pastors who are currently prisoners themselves. The prison pastors have asked for training and this is so very important when you know that only 1 to 2% of pastors in Rwanda have had the opportunity for any formal biblical training. Being grounded in the "Gospel" and the fundamentals of "Faith" will allow them to be more productive shepherds while in prison and outside, if and when they are released.
I would appreciate your prayers for this effort...that the Holy Spirit would give us wisdom concerning what teachings to cover in this "Pilot Program" and for the hearts of the pastors to be open and receptive to the content. Currently, the plan is to start this program in three of the prisons IRM has previously done ministry in.
Pastors at Rilima Prison
Alfred ~ Pastor Steven ~ Arlene
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Please continue to collect and donate scarves and ties. They are tangible gifts of God's love to the very poor and provide an opportunity to share the Gospel.
A scarf and gospel tract for village women~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Because the average Rwandan christian does not have a Bible of their own, receiving one brings smiles, tears, singing and dancing.......
Please consider purchasing a Bible and Discipleship Booklet Set for $8
IRM will begin taking our own team with this trip. If you are interested in partnering in ministry with us on future trips, please contact me at:
arlene.tatum@gmail.com
subject line.........Rwanda Ministry Trips
That none would be lost,
Arlene
