July 30, 2013

Good Morning from Rwanda, 

by Leslie Yoder

WOW! There truly are no words to describe the way I feel.  I am amazed everyday as we walk by faith how God begins to open doors for the team. Though I have heard stories from Arlene back in Oregon, nothing can prepare you for what you come to here in Rwanda. I have been surprised from the moment we took off in our first airplane, how I was overwhelmed by peace. 

 Terry, Warden, Arlene, Alfred, Leslie, Irene, Jerome, Peter

Brian, Philbert

I thank you for your prayers; they are felt by all of us.  

The drive to the new prison, Gicumbi, was a long bumpy(African massage) three hours to be exact. The team enjoyed each others company. We had many laughs, followed by a spontaneous songs of worship and talking about how we have been seeing the Lord work in ways that just amaze, even our beautiful Rwandan partners are in awe of the doors the Lord has opened and the favor that is upon our team. I am so honored to serve alongside and serve the leadership of IRM.  Once we got to our new prison, we met with the Warden.  She was a beautiful women and it was amazing to watch Arlene, Alfred, and Pastor Peter as Arlene communicated her heart and why we were there and what the ministry was all about. The Warden extended her welcome to us and permitted us to do the crusade, along with the Spiritual Leadership Training and Women’s ministry. 

We entered the prison area for the Crusade and before us just a few feet away, tightly packed in were 1690 prisons. It’s always overwhelming walking into the prisons, not because I feel afraid, but because of what you see on the faces of the prisoners. You see the hard life they have lived. The anger, the sadness and hopelessness, you see the spiritual strongholds and your heart breaks. You usually walk in to a song being sung. Oh, the joy that wells up inside of me watching the way the Rwandan people but their whole self into worship, song and dance. And in those few moments of singing, you see on most of the prisoners a brief moment of where they are able to not think about where they are, but clap their hands and sing out and tell stories about God with much joy.

Then Arlene steps up. Again, not a word to describe what it is like watching her do these Crusades. She connects with the prisoners in a way that is so unique and it is clear why God has her here. Her testimony is a light in these dark places. Gods free gift of salvation. Watching those who when you walk in, with such hardness in their eyes, to prisoners receiving the  Lord as there Savior and seeing a look of hope and light in their eyes is indescribably a miracle that takes your breath away, puts tears in your eyes and makes you want to leap out of your chair in worship.

After the Crusade we walked up the hill to the women’s area and spent an hour with them, and the men went to work with the Men. We again were in close proximity with them, never fear. More than anything a love that wells up inside of me. It was the second time giving my testimony in sharing about the Lord. Unfortunately, Toni was not feeling well and stayed back at our guest house, so it was Arlene and I. I had the opportunity to see the Holy Spirit bring many of these women to the Lord. I knew the Holy Spirit was guiding me to lead them in a prayer of salvation. My heart pounded as it was a unique moment, and I prayed…LORD HELP. I have led people in the prayer of salvation. But this is a different situation. It’s not like sitting with a friend, or sharing Christ with a child as you look up and see the barbed wires above the walls. The armed guards, and the warden and you remember you are in a prison. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, lives were changed and it was hard to say good bye to the women. The day before last was amazing too and I feel such peace (after the first few moments of heart pounding out of my chest) with the ladies and sharing. I am looking forward to Thursday, as we will be doing a day of teaching with the women of Pastor Jerome’s church.  OH MAN!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!! There is not enough time to share every detail with you, and it feels impossible to convey all that He is doing.

Thank you again for your prayers. It means the world to us. We are so so so thankful. Please continue to pray for our team’s health, and travels and that the Lord would continue to bless us with favor. We are off to breakfast.  

We love and appreciate you, our faithful prayer partners.

In His Name- Leslie