This Tuesday began with the reading of John 14, which concludes with Jesus’ remark, “…but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” To “rise and go from here” is to gather ourselves and, in today’s case, journey into Northeastern Rwanda with the encouraging prospect of connecting with our African counterparts in Karangazi. With the most inviting of smiles and warmest of words, our reception was ceremonious and familiar. As I’m sure we had all hoped, our group quickly settled in to the Karangazi community. John Boscoe, the headmaster of Karangazi school, Foustine, the local priest, and many others expressed their love and gratitude through countless gestures of love and kindness. We discussed the importance of the bond between our two communities, reflecting on their loyalty to God’s will and our response to their steadfastness. They offered us a meal of nuts, eggs, and tree tomatoes, a token of their sacrificial nature, their Christ-like selflessness that compels us to travel here each year.
We then toured the grounds. We saw a church under construction that is one of the many fruits of our relationship. A new school building afforded by a hefty loan will be the subject of future aid regarding our support of their community. The structures seemed sturdy by Rwandan standards and served as evidence of God’s love and grace. Not only does He bless Karangazi, but he blesses our church community through the creation of these friendships.
It was a joy to meet the leading figures in Karangazi. From there we traveled to Rugendo for home visits. Repeat visitors shared stories of experiencing powerful moments of rich fellowship with the people of Rugendo during previous trips. My interest was piqued and the visits proved encouraging, just as in years prior. We converged on a small chapel and became acquainted with a few of its congregants. We prayed together and moved onward to two homes. They were welcoming, and provided a window into their precious lives. The language barrier posed problems, but being together in the name of Christ triumphed over what might have otherwise been a less meaningful time. From there we went on to the home of what seemed like a sizable estate in the Rwandan context. There we found a widow who headed a family of 10. Six have died, but four remain (one has gone to university, one still works the family’s land). Walking through the gorgeous farmland was almost as wonderful. We stumbled upon livestock and gazed upon rolling hills that extended off into the horizon. It’s a touching notion to consider the majesty of God’s creation as it surrounds these people. It’s only a glimmer of the fullness of God’s image that can be found in those who call Rugendo home!
The night concluded as tradition calls with a game of Werewolf and conversation. This day alone justifies the lengths at which we’ve gone through to make it here.
written by Jonathan White
No comments:
Post a Comment