July 5th

Tea growing near the prison

Ministry Partners,

   Today's post will be a little different as it will be split into two parts.  The team split into two groups to be able to attend a local church service as well as return to the prison to work on men's ministry.  The first post will be from Chad and his experiences from the prison.
  It was nice returning to the prison today.  Things usually are so fast paced that we rarely get to visit the same place twice it seems.  The gate at the entrance is a simple painted roadblock pipe gate on a hinge.  For a counter weight they have welded a tire wheel well to the end and filled it with weight.  The guards recognize us and flag us through.  We walk through the same stages of smells as yesterday.  First is a smell of sewage, then as we pass the cooking booth the acrid aroma of burning charcoal wafts by us.  The inner prison walls are a few stories high and made from bright red brick.  Once the giant lock is removed they swing the gate open and the smell of many bodies in a very finite space is our final greeting.
  A few thousand faces are fixed on us as we enter and all our thoughts are drowned out by the singing and the clapping.  Pastor Aaron, and Pastor Innocent speak first to the group.  Then it's my turn.  Aaron interprets for me and I'm surprised by how intently people are looking at me.  I didn't expect them to want to hear me with such conviction.  Most prisoners are in street clothes and being Sunday they are all in their best shirts and ties.  The pastors from quite a few denominations sit to the side and behind us.  They are looking quite sharp in their suits.  When I ask Aaron how far the pastors travel to reach the prison to hold services he tells me I'm mistaken.  The pastors in the suits  and every single person inside the common area are prisoners.  We are the only people who are allowed to leave when the service is over, and it is over all to soon.  They give us hand made gifts and thank us.  They tell us they will pray for us.  I came with the hope of giving friendship and some comfort.  I ended up leaving with more than I came with.

Arlene's Post:

  There's just something special about waking up at the Anglican Guest House in Cyangugu.  We stayed here every time we come here and one of the things I love about it is that it's on the edge of lake Kivu.  Which means in the evening you see the many fishing boats with their outriggers set going out to the lake for an evening of fishing.  After dark each boat lights its own lamp so the lake is dotted with points of light.  Early in the morning as the sun is coming up and they prepare to return to shore you can hear them singing to each other.  Their song comes from across the water like a praise song to God. 
  After our breakfast of Spanish omelets, toast and jelly, bananas, pineapple and tree tomato juice.  We also had the option of plain warm milk, tea, coffee or African tea which is a hot milk and tea infused with spices.  Quite frankly it was only last year that I have acquired a taste for African tea and look forward to each cup.  We were invited this morning to go to the church Lemeck attends.  He is not a pastor there yet but that is his goal.  The church's name is Adeper, an associate of pentecostal churches.  We were warmly greeted by the head pastor.  The men's team dropped Alfred and I off then they proceeded to the prison to hold a men's conference.  It was my understanding later that they did an excellent job as they had many that rededicated their life to Christ. 
  Alfred and I had a wonderful time at the church and say many come to saving knowledge in Jesus Christ and many also made the choice to forgive.  I just can't help giving God praise when I see the Holy Spirit work int he hearts of so many It's a wonderful thing to watch.  When we were finished the pastor said some very kind words before taking us to his office where he served us Fanta and some samosas.  Since it was now after 2PM it was a welcome treat.  He then showed us the plans for the new church and took us outside to see the beginning of the exterior walls.  It really will be marvelous structure when it will be completed. 
  As we were finished before the men's team was finished at the prison we hired a taxi to take Lemerk, his wife, Alfred and I back to the Guest House.  Arriving a few moments later was the men's team and it was time for us to set off again.  This time, Jen,  our hostess in the Guest House Cafe had made special arrangements at her church,  Baraka (which is Swahili for Blessing) which was a pentecostal church.  For us to do a special crusade there at 3PM.
  After we arrived the pastors wife said that they had been praying for a muzungoo (white person) to visit.  To which I replied that they were actual an answer to our prayer since we had been praying for new unscheduled opportunities for ministry.  The pastors, wife, Jaquelin was prophetic and spoke some words over me before I began.  Once again a wonderful time of watching the Holy Spirit work.  I'm always blessed by the graciousness by the pastors when we visit their church.  As this pastor invited us into his home for an evening meal.  I must say Chad and I both agree that it was the best seasoned rice and meat with sauce that we had since we arrived in Rwanda. 
  By the time we left the church it was quite dark and we were all ready for bed by the time we arrived back at the guest house.  Yes, the lights out on the water of the lake provided a welcome greeting.

Fishing boats on the lake at night

That none would be lost

Arlene