Conference Day 2

06/07/2012

Today was the second day of the Pastors Conference in Byumba, and once again began with prayer and praise before Andy delivered another Bible study. After a short break, the three pairs from the team again taught their seminars to a different group than they did yesterday. Pete and Lucy did not get a translator until half an hour late, but after that all went as planned for the team, with interesting discussion being had in all seminars (and a bit of dancing for Pete Ellis and Heather!). 

We then had time for lunch, and took this time to interview Pastors Wilson, Jonas and Joel for their respective SAP partners, and give them letters and gifts. Also during the day, we gave gifts from partners to Pastors that we had not had a chance to visit at their homes, and all were very gladly received; the Pastors were encouraged to hear about and receive from their supporters. 

The team then taught their last seminars, and Andy taught his penultimate Bible study. We headed off for dinner, and were surprised that all the Pastors appeared to have completely vanished – we thought they might have gone home! Fortunately, they all reappeared in time for the evening meeting of prayer, praise and sharing, and there was again much singing and dancing. It is noticeable that EVERYONE dances in Rwanda, no matter if you are a ‘cool’ teenager, a Bishop or an elderly man – whoever you are, you WILL dance!

Whilst this was happening, Pastor Robert handed Stephanie and Hazel a large orange bag of new glasses that he had had in his house for years! This was an answer to prayer as we had had to turn some people away who needed reading glasses the night before, but now there were more than enough glasses for everyone who needed them. God is full of surprises!

The evening then finished with a talk from a retired Pastor named Frederick. Usually in Rwanda, retired pastors are no longer involved in leadership, but Bishop Emmanuel has appointed Frederick and a few other retired pastors to certain Parishes where their wisdom and experience can be helpful. Frederick gave his testimony, which was very eye-opening. Frederick had been brought up as a Pagan, with his brother and father each having eight wives. Frederick was miraculously saved whilst he was still single, and so did not follow his family’s pattern, but he did fall in love with a woman that he therefore wanted to marry. The woman was very ill however, and his father told him not to marry her as she was sick and not worth anything. Frederick did not follow his advice, and said that he loved her so much that he would do all of the cooking and cleaning and would care for her no matter what! He married her, and shortly afterwards his father was admitted to Gahini hospital, where he heard the gospel and the Christian message. His father turned from his pagan religion and gave his life to Jesus. Whilst he was still in the hospital, he was baptised and asked that Frederick and his new wife would be his Godparents. What an encouraging testimony!