August 5, 2013 - post by Brian Youd

Ministry Partners,

Words will not be able to describe our experience yesterday!

On Friday we traveled to Gisenyi Province, which is in the far northwest corner of the Rwanda. The last three days have been spent in a hotel literally 200 yards from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. None of the team had ever been to Gisenyi to do ministry before, so it was truly new territory. As part of our time here we worshiped with our brothers and sisters in the Mahoko Foursquare Church. We were warmly greeted by Pastor Telly who gave Arlene the privilege of preaching to the congregation of 100 plus worshipers. As has been the norm on this trip, God showed up in a big way and many of the churchgoers responded to Arlene’s call to faith and forgiveness. The worship and the smiling faces in the church are things I will not soon forget. Nor was the great joy on their faces as we handed out bibles to the people there.

Terry handing out Bibles

After church, Pastor Telly accompanied us to the local TIG camp to do ministry. TIG camps are filled with ex-prisoners who are in the midst of working out their sentences through community service. The local camp was located next to a refugee camp for people from the Congo who have been displaced by the war going on there. As we arrived, we were accompanied to the TIG camp by 50 or more children who were so excited to see “muzungus!” 

 

Beautiful children

 

TIG camp ministry is much different from prison ministry because though the people in camp are ex-prisoners, they have not yet been integrated back into society. As our program began, with singing, as usual, the people in the camp began streaming in. Literally, we were surrounded by all the people who showed up. It was a really eerie feeling to know that the people who had us ringed in were serving out sentences for crimes they had committed. Never once though did I feel unsafe or in danger. As I said earlier, the Lord showed up big time! Arlene’s dual message of reconciliation with Christ and forgiveness toward others of themselves was received with open arms and many responded in faith. We also had the opportunity to hand out bibles to all of the TIG campers. Their joy at receiving the bible in their native tongue was absolutely beautiful to watch. As we left the camp the smiles and well wishes accompanied us all the way back to our place of lodging.

What a full day yesterday was! I still cannot believe that the Lord’s hand of favor has been so strong on our group. Even though we had begun to face some physical ailments, the Lord provided healing and strength. As I write this we are in the van headed off to Ruhengeri Prison for the day’s ministry. I have absolutely no doubt that the Lord will continue to shower His favor and blessing on the work He has called us to do. Again, thank you for your prayers. They are like water to our souls and we need every one of them. As our trip begins to wind down our prayers are that we would remain fully here for the work ahead. Please join us in this prayer and rejoice with us as we continue to anticipate a great harvest for the Lord. As always, your comments are welcome!

Sincerely, Brian Youd

That none would be lost,

Arlene