I have avoided writing a blog about my current ministry in Rwanda. Not because it’s terrible. Wow far from it. Honestly, this is by far one of the best months on the Race for me. I’ve avoided writing anything because this place has become so near and dear to my heart and to try an explain what I feel is overwhelming. But I’m going to try my best.
I asked the Lord before Rwanda, to give me childlike faith, joy, and dreams. Jesus exceeded all of that.
When we first arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, we went to debrief the past month at a hotel. A couple days later, my team and I were met by our hosts: Dad and Mama Africa. These two have become my second parents. I don’t even know how to describe their kindness and joy. Not only that, but they are some of the funniest people. I find myself laughing constantly in their home. Dad and Mama Africa are both pastors of two different churches.
I have yet to hear Dad Africa preach. But Mama Africa preaches like a QUEEN!!! She is elegant and graceful but she speaks with absolute authority. It’s beautiful.
They have three children: Joshua, Innocent, and Prince.
Joshua is 15 years old and a handsome young man. He is very soft spoken and his English is very good. He has been our translator when we preach.
Innocent is 12 years old and is handsome as well. I see a lot of myself as we are both middle children. He wears his heart on his sleeve and he loves to hold my hand when we walk places.
Prince is 10 years old and is spit ball of fire. He says what is on his mind and he is incredibly intelligent. He seems to never run out of energy but once in awhile, we find him passed out on the couch.
Dad Africa has decided what his children will do already. Joshua will be President of Rwanda, Innocent will be a preacher, and Prince will be a doctor. And I believe him.
These boys have absolutely captured my heart. I have always wanted a little brother and Jesus blessed me by bringing me 3 this month.
This family has revived my energy and given me a home away from home.
Our ministry throughout the month is to be very flexible because that’s kind of how life is here.
In the mornings, we go to Mama Africa’s church/school. It takes about an hour to walk and get to the school. On the way, we have plenty of people scream “Muzungo!” which means “white.” And along with that, we have people ask to touch our skin and children run up and hug us. It really makes sense why Jesus loved children and said they would inherit the Kingdom.
We spend two hours singing, dancing, and talking with children in a village. They have greatly impacted my heart to have childlike faith, joy, dreams, and love.
We walk back home and spend some time with our brothers’. Whether that’s watching a movie, playing cards, or dancing.
We are preaching almost every night at one of the churches. So far I have talked about forgiveness and the Good Shepherd. I have fallen in love with the community. I remember, one day after just preaching, I walked out of the church to head home. A bunch of children ran up to me, they grabbed my hands and hugged me tightly. I went inside to change and came right back out and taught all of them how to play American football.
Let me tell you, I have never had so much fun in my life. We laughed, we hugged, we high-fived, and we danced.
I remember telling Jesus I would never forget Kevin, Kevi, Fabrees, Abooba, and Abys. Let me tell you, I haven’t and every day they ask me to play football.
Another encounter I had we door to door evangelism. Honestly, it’s not my favorite thing but in Rwanda, I have fallen in LOVE with this ministry.
I have met Marianne, Judith, and Brandine. These three live together and are believers. Their lives are hard. Marianne has stomach pain constantly and Brandine is the only believer in her family. Her family are all Muslims and they have disowned her.
Then I met Esther. Esther lives with her Islamic family. Her father has told her that she isn’t his daughter anymore. Every day, they judge her for following Jesus. She can’t get to church unless her father is out of town (which is rare.) Esther lives boldly for Christ and is constantly fighting for her family in prayer. Esther very much resembles Esther in the Bible because of her boldness. Multiple times I have seen her while walking home and she gives me the biggest smile because she knows she isn’t alone.
We met Frank next. He is a 24 year old studying engineering. He is a believer and lives on his own. He asked for prayers for his business he is starting. He wants to become successful but wants to keep Christ at the center of everything he does.
Finally, we met Shakira. Shakira grew up being Catholic but then married a Muslim man and converted to Islam. She asked us many questions and we tried our best to answer them. She didn’t understand the reason for Jesus and believes we have 3 Gods. We are returning to Shakira’s house on Thursday at 10pm when her husband comes. Please pray, followers, that Shakira and her husband see the goodness of God! Pray that He visits their dreams and gives them visions! Pray for their salvation in Jesus’s Name!!
Today, me and two of my teammates went to Mama Africa’s church. It starts at 8:30am and ends at 1:30pm (aka I will never complain about how long your sermons are again dad.) For the first two hours, we danced and danced. I was brought up on stage in front of the entire church and danced with another family. I have never laughed so hard or had that much fun in church. It was so so fun. Honestly, Rwandans KNOW how to worship! It was absolutely beautiful watching them and hearing them sing to the Lord. Also, their language is breathtaking.
Oh, did I mention that a man came to our home one night and asked me and my team to be the bridesmaids in his wedding?? Yeah, I’ll be attending and be IN an African wedding. Pictures coming soon!
That’s all I got for now. Thank you all for following me and keeping up with this incredible journey.
Xoxo,
Marianna
P.S. I did not read through this so I’m sorry if grammar was an issue hahaaaaa
