What a blessed day at the retreat today to end our mission journey here in Rwanda. We arrived a little early to see everyone so excited at our arrival. We began right on time and some of the pastors wives ushered Christina, Peggy and Sue out a back door. While they were out Pastor Neal open the day with a prayer and a discussion on their commitments they had made with their wives. We were all so moved as to the growth in their spiritual responses to committing to biblical living. Being more receptive to each other’s needs and desires, to be more open in financial matters and coming to oneness in the eyes of God. We were pleased to see both men and women responding to the commitments. At the end of the discussion our wives returned to a great round of applause and excitement from all the pastors and their wives as Christina, Peggy and Sue were dressed in true Rwandan outfits. After the excitement subsided we moved on to the closing ceremony. Christina, John and Peggy and Sue and I expressed our gratitude for allowing us to be a part of their lives. Pastor Neal gave a final response of our gratitude and encouraged the couples to be more open in their marriages. A verse from the books of Romans came to my mind as pastor was speaking, from chapter 1:11-12. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. We came here to teach and teach we did but we as well have learned a lot about overcoming cultural barriers. We then moved on to Bishop Theo’s closing remarks. He expressed his heartfelt thanks for helping to organize this retreat and being a part of a kingdom growing mission here in Rwanda. Pastor Theo had several of the pastors present us with parting gifts and a few personal words of encouragement. We then presented them with their pictures that John has taken yesterday and they were accepted with great enthusiasm. We the broke for lunch and had our last meal with them. After we finished we said our final goodbyes.
John and Peggy receive a gift of thanks
Mike and Sue stand to receive a gift of thanks
The Team has gone Rwandan!
The Wives receive their fabric to make a new dress.