The last onsite-day of the 2012 BCC Rwanda trip was not
easy. Our love for the children and
staff of Victory Family Home of Champions, and our love for the community and
staff of City of Joy is overwhelming. I’ve
seen it every time the Lord calls me to bring a team to this little country—expectations and
anticipation—turned into witnessing God in action. Seeing Jesus Christ in the eyes of the people,
witnessing the Holy Spirit moving among the team and people whom God places in
our paths.
Again, this place has penetrated our souls.
As God’s appointed-team leader, I have witnessed my fellow
servants and seen great things—in some cases transformation of the Spirit. I am honored to have served with this team
and to have learned so much from each of them.
They departed America with hearts to serve and departed Rwanda looking
less like themselves, and more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
We laughed, we cried, we sat in awe, we were tired, excited,
and d-i-r-t-y! Yet, the light of Jesus was
allowed to shine through this team and I remain deeply humbled that God allows
me to lead teams in His name.
God enabled us to teach about Bible heroes, conduct Vacation
Bible School, teach Bible lessons, teach craft making, teach karate, play
football (soccer), conduct Bible skits, teach English, learn Kinyarwandan,
worship with fellow believers in Kigali, delve into Rwanda’s past—present—and future,
read to children in the community, walk 8 miles per day to/from school, talk
with average Rwandese, LOVE on people in the villages, have a “snowball” fight
in Central Africa, play baseball, paint a man’s roof, see piglets being born—experiencing
death in some cases, sing and teach songs to the children and staff, dig a
foundation for a new school building, carry boulders to build the foundation of
the same school, visit a typical African market for daily goods, visit and buy
pottery from a rehabilitation hospital, partake of cassava, banana pancakes,
goat brochettes, and, of course Fanta.
I’ve said it so many times before—it’s hard to return to
American after being in Africa. America
is the GREATEST, MOST BLESSED country in the world. If we don’t use the blessings God has given us to
help others in the world, I fear He will withdraw His blessings from us. Life in Rwanda is without the “clutter” of
most American lives.
A simple LOVE—a CRAZY love of Jesus is calling us! I thank God for allowing me to lead and serve
with this great team. I pray that those
reading this Blog post will consider their relationship with our Maker and
pledge to "de-clutter" their lives to focus more on Him. And, if you want to SEE Jesus……come to Africa
with us next year…..Matthew 28: 19-20…..Jesus does not make a request in this passage…He COMMANDS us!
Until next time, Murabeho!
In His Service,
Ed
PS….Serena’s Blog WILL make you laugh and give you another
look at our time at Victory Home!
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