Victory Rwanda 2012 Day 8

Singing and dancing at Worship!

Pastor Isaac preaching the Word!

Fellowship following Worship services

Following this petrol truck from Tanzania: African "Michelin Man," "soccer" balls," and "Hatari!"

City of Joy (L to R): Emmy, Ed, John

Dr. Ed missing Nick!

Chris calms the beast!

Dancing and singing at our first Family Time

Kevin, Alaina,and Alisa "wrangling" their goats!

Goats wrangled: Mike shows Alaina his new friend

John speaks to the folks who will be receiving goat donations

Goat giveway gathering

Lauren and Leah  subdue their goats with womanly-charm!

This Sunday began with an incredibly powerful worship service at Victory Family Home of Champions.  If you have ever participated in an African worship time, you know what I mean.  The service begins with singing and continues praising God through singing, dancing, clapping, simply praising God with all we've got!  Following the opening of worship, a series of choirs serenade the congregation before the preacher leads a message.  Today, Pastor Isaac preached on Luke 14:15-24, The Parable of the Great Banquet.  Pastor Isaac has mastered the art of sermon delivery to children, while having to use a translator, too.  His message was, "spot-on."  He reminded us of how important God's call is to each person and that when we are called, we best not miss the invitation!  I continue to admire Isaac, Serena, and Henry's service to our Lord in Rwanda.  Their actions are an example to all who are Christians--wherever we serve--to honor God, have fun and look forward to impacting the world in ways we cannot even see!

Following worship we packed up the team from Victory and traveled to City of Joy in Gataraga.  The team serving at Victory is was now to serve at City of Joy and vice versa.  Before we traveled back to Victory Home we enjoyed lunch together--and with the team from Arizona serving at City of Joy, too. 

A few days ago we purchased goats, donated for a giveaway, from City of Joy.  Today, was the giveaway.  The team stayed to present the goats to the Rwandan's chosen by City of Joy and the local government executive secretary (working together).  The pictures above show some of our goat "wrangling."  Papa Isaac laughed as the "muzungus" played with the goats as pets and the Rwandan's looked upon the goats as a pathway to a better life and......FOOD!  What can I say.....American Christians abroad!  (No, we are not auditioning for the television show, "An Idiot Abroad!") 

It was an awesome experience enjoyed by all.

After a trip to the Gatagara Twa pottery barn, we departed for Victory Home. 

Serena regaled the team with a stunning dinner to welcome the team.  Then it was off to Family Time to introduce the team to the children.  Following introductions, spontaneous singing and dancing began with the team dancing with the children.  Yes, we FELT the presence of the Holy Spirit among us!!!!!!

Following devotions, we all reflected on the awesome day God gave us.  It is such and honor and privilege to serve our God in Africa.  Children who love us unconditionally, hug us whenever they see us, and want so much to know about America and each of us.  Glimpses of Heaven on the other side of our world.....Wow, God, You truly are AWESOME!

Ed