The Lord’s Day: Final Visits with Partner Churches

Sunday, September 23

The day started a little slower because we were to be picked up for church service at 9:00. We were able to enjoy breakfasts with our host families. The ladies of the travel team were wearing their new inikinyaros (high ceremony gowns), and host mamas helped them prepare appropriately. Our host families were able to attend worship with us at the Birembo Church of Mpushi, partner of Mt. Tabor, Marienville and Miola.

As we approached the church, joyous sounds of praise and worship, and people were streaming along the small dirt road, heading towards the sound of the music. Betty Grunstra, our official traveling greeter, called out muraho (hello) to all the passers by.

We made our way to the side entrance, and the modest office of Pastor Leonard Byenda, where all the leaders (and there were many), who were to participate in this special worship service were gathering. After coordinating and a quick prayer, we opened into the sanctuary were the music was going strong. This was our first true jump and dance service of the trip, and the worshipers did not disappoint.

After several choirs, prayers and introductions, Rev. Boyd Edmondson delivered the morning message with Pastor Eugene Rubanda translating. The congregation listened attentively and clearly understood the message of how good things can come from bad situations. This was a message of encouragement to these humble people who have been through so much. It was a message of hope and faith.

The offering was interesting in that several bags of produce, eggs and a basket of peanuts were placed on the Communion table, in lieu of monetary offering. Pastor Leonard then held up the individual items and offered them for sale to those who had cash to pay for them. The cash when then placed in the offering basket.

Next was time for the exchange of gifts. Birembo members gave us each a gift of honey and presented a gift basket to be taken to the partner churches in Kiskiminetas. Pastor Boyd presented Leonard with the banner that the women in Mt. Tabor and Marienville. Pastor Leonard and Pastor Boyd, joined together immediately to hang the banner for all to see.

After the final benediction, the people gathered for the traditional drinking of the Fanta soda that occurs after every social gathering.

We were invited to the home of the Partnership Chairman for the afternoon meal. We made a quick and fortuitious stop at the Presbytery office and it was a good that we did stop there. While we were there, Pastor Beatha and a congregation member from the Birembo/Ruhango church, partner of NICLP churches Rochester Mills, Gilgal, Plum Creek and Washington appeared at the doorstep.

 

If you remember, we were never able to cross the bridge to meet their congregation, and they were unable to give us the gift they had planned to send to their partner churches. We were able to take this time together to receive this gift and wish them farewell.

Going on to Chairman John Baptiste’s home, we all gathered to extend our final words to each other. It was an emotional exchange, for us as well as our host families and friends, as we all expressed our love and caring for one another. The afternoon ended with a final photo of all these wonderful people gathered on the veranda overlooking one of the most beautiful mountain views in Gitarama.

It is the end of our time here, for tomorrow we head to Kigali to visit the Presbytery office, visit our Compassion children, and the Center for the Love of Children (CPAJ). Our departure will be early. For some of us, this will be our last time in this beautiful city. But with God’s blessing, this partnership will last throughout our lifetimes.