Celebration Day!

Celebration Time!

Today we said goodbye to the pastors.  What a bittersweet time of parting prayers of blessing and thanksgiving for all God has done in the last two weeks.  Shane concluded the pastor’s teaching on the Gospel of John.   He covered chapters 20 and 21 in just over an hour.   Imagine explaining the Resurrection of Christ, the crowning truth of our faith in such a short time!  Afterward, Shane invited the pastors’ questions and comments.  One pastor from the south, Nicodeme said, “we have many problems and we worry about many things, but Jesus told his disciples not to worry!  He is our answer.”  Another said that chapter 15 was so moving to him because  Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches.   And also, He calls me friend!”.  Another pastor said, “chapter 8 was very sweet to me.   Because I know that before Abraham was born, Jesus was there.”  There were many other comments indicating that their knowledge had deepened and all promised to teach these Gospel truths to their church members.

Each year the two weeks of teaching culminates in a wonderful celebration time and the expression of thanks through gifts and words.  John, Shane, and Neal each received a mosaic glass cross.   Bishop Theophile explained that in the cross, all things are put together.   In the cross, though we live far apart, we became one!  Speaking for all the pastors, Pastor Deo thanked Neal, Shane and John for blessing them, teaching the word, and giving to their physical needs.  He said, “this shows the good heart you all have toward us.”

Neal then summarized the mission of Good Rain from 2 Timothy 2:2.  And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Neal told the pastors they are a worthy investment, encouraging them to be faithful with all God has taught them and to teach it well to their people. 

What a sight to see 61 pastors boarding buses with their bags of belongings, rice, beans, and solar panel kits.   Tomorrow we will drive about 2.5 hours to Kinigi (near the volcano mountains) where we will spend Saturday afternoon with Pastor Immanuel’s church and worship with them on Sunday morning.   We will return to Kigali Sunday afternoon, then fly out that night to return home.  Thank you so much for reading the blog, praying for and encouraging us!   God is so good. 

Christina