Breakfast was at a leisurely 8.30am after a good night of sleep. Porridge, omelettes, fruit and toast, and a variety of drinks was provided. Drinks include hot water with ginger, Rwandan tea (very milky) and coffee. After that we spent the day sorting out arrangements and finalising plans for the week ahead.
One of the great joys of coming to Rwanda is the welcome we get from the pastors and wives. Despite the many challenges they face on a daily basis, their smiles and hugs are such a blessing and they seem genuinely pleased to see us. We have known some of the pastors for many years now, as part of the Support A Parish programme, and a good relationship has developed through the SAP updates as well as our visits. It’s good to have time with them and to pass on greetings, letters and photos from their UK partners.
As part of our visit we will be reviewing the SAP programme with Bishop Emmanuel and our SAP coordinator Revd Placide. The main aim of the programme is to provide temporary financial support for the poorer parishes so that they will be able to benefit from having a full-time pastor, As a result, we hope that the growth of the parish during this time will result in the parish being self-supporting. This has happened for some, but others continue to struggle. Please pray that this will be a useful meeting and that we will be able to make any necessary adjustments to keep the programme fresh, relevant and productive.
Tomorrow we have the day-conference for all the pastors and their spouses. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to touch our lives and empower the ministry of each one present.
Thanks for reading and please keep praying.
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