Sunday, May 2

We are safely in Kigali. Amazing trip...the better part of two days. Before leaving Oregon Sue contracted a cold which I managed to take from her last Wednesday. I am now sick and hoping to recover by tomorrow. Yesterday (our 29th anniversary) we had the privilege of meeting the leader of Prison Fellowship Rwanda, Pastor Deo, and his assistant, Rachel. What can I say except I am truly grateful to be able to be even a small part of this movement. What a way to celebrate 29 years together!

Deo explained to us over lunch that he originally (around ten years ago) felt a strong need to reach out to the offenders in prison. He believes the origin of this to have been from God. He personally began that ministry without any support. People would ask him how he could possibly care about the people who had attacked his friends and loved ones. The only answer he could give was that God has placed the belief in his heart that He loved these people just as He loves us. He then went into the prisons where he would be confronted by prisoners who would ask him why he cared about them. His answer was that he was sent by a "big boss" who cared about them and loved them. From that beginning a movement has developed that has gone into the government of the country and from there to the neighboring countries suffering from the same human trauma. Today he leaves for a month long training program in Toronto on the subject of restorative justice. I guess I won't see him again on this trip but consider it to be a true high point of my journey to have spent time with him yesterday.

Tomorrow I am planning to spend the day with the staff who have much of the next four weeks planned for me. It sounds like I will go to two prisons for two days and nights, will spend time with ministries directed toward misplaced youth who have no families and have developed drug problems in part because they are so hungry. Additionally I will participate in the reconciliation process in at least one village and will see the ministries to HIV women who are attempting to develop an economic foothold for themselves and their children.

Sue begins her work at the medical school tomorrow and will share her experiences later. I think it is fair to say both of us are deeply moved by this experience and feel somewhat odd about sharing it through this vehicle to our families and friends. Please bear with us as we learn how to not seem too self absorbed. Please also pray for health and for open spirits to God's ministries in the lives of His beloved children.


dlm