Rwanda Ministry - 2022

Muyumbu - Pastor Patrick

August 13

Upon my arrival in Kigali we traveled to the Silver motel. Room 203 was very familiar as it is the same room that I have had for 3 trips now. The next morning I met with Bishop Augustine to discuss our 5 weeks together. His driver took us downtown Kigali to a Christian banker where we exchanged US dollars into Rwandan francs, $1 USD = 1,047 francs. With francs in hand our first purchase was 65 Bibles, all that the Bible Society had in stock. We then traveled to preach at our church in Muyumbu, where13 people gave their lives to Jesus!

Kigali - Bishop Augustine

August 14

It is Sunday! The church has gathered for their Celebration of Christ which was 4.5 hours short.  I preached on Luke 13:6-9; the landowner came for figs but found none on his tree, in his vineyard. So he wanted his tree removed from his vineyard. His vinedresser asked for more time/mercy and stated he would work the tree, its roots, by hoeing, fertilizing, watering and pruning for one year. Then if no fruit he would cut it down and thrown it to be burned. We, His church, must bear His expected fruit for we are His trees in His vineyard/kingdom.

Nyabweshongwezi - Pastor Eldad

August 22

Today we began our two week village tour. We traveled for over 3 hours to Nyabweshongwezi – this church is literally on the border of Uganda. There is a small river separating the two countries. I could have walked to Uganda in 5-10 minutes. We are now in the plains of Eastern Rwanda where it is flatter, yet still beautiful and green. It is hard to believe that I am where I am right now. It is the grace and mercy of my Mighty Father Who has brought me here!

We ate at pastor Eldad’s home near the church. He is an older pastor and larger in height and stature than most Rwandans. He walks with the attention of his cane but he walks with a smile and confidence. I was impressed at how well he navigated his steps as the terrain was steep with loose soil and stones. I was watching him closely thinking I may have to take a dive and keep him from falling. This was not necessary as he had his hinds feet well placed. His home was a bit rough but they showed great hospitality. The inka/cow was very tender, I enjoyed the fact that I did not have to tug and pull as usual with Rwandan beef.

This church joined the ministry in 2021. We have been sending money for them to be able to complete their building so it could be opened. I brought additional money with me to complete the building. Since my arrival in Rwanda they had been working that entire week on it. The windows and doors were there and ready to go in.

Here we were at a church that G-D was bringing together involving two continents of believers. I preached at the church, even though it was under construction. I preached on Luke 9:12-19, Jesus fed the 5,000 men plus their wives and children. I spoke of how Jesus will take what we give Him, no matter the amount or size, bless it and multiply it. He will also ask us to get involved by doing the things that we can do while He does the spiritual things that we cannot. 11 teens and 1 father gave their lives to Jesus! This is a young and enthusiastic church! Led by an older pastor named Eldad. I can see we may need to expand this church building in the future.

I had brought money for them to buy a goat for someone in need in the church. Pastor Eldad received with a warm smile and a strong handshake.

We left to travel to motel/room costing 8,000 francs - the old saying, “you get what you pay for", is SO true”! An African bath and only a toilet which does not flush! My room was attached to an active bar. I didn’t think anything about how shady the place was until Bishop was so concerned that he stayed in the room next to me! It’s all good I belong to G-D. Oh no, forget the bar and the characters hanging out there, I’m now in my room and can hear the shouting from the mosque of the umugi/town. Ugh – satan!

Nyarupfubire - Pastor Bosco

August 23

We purchased this amazing piece of land 3 years ago. It is now worth 3 times what we paid for it. There is a new collection of homes built next to it – almost like a subdivision African style. Leaving the land we went and had lunch at pastor Bosco’s house. He invited Ester from the District Land Dept., it was a good lunch and a good time to get to know her.

After lunch we arrived at Calvary Temple church at noon, Ester went with us. There was singing and dancing for 3 hours. Then I taught/preached on forgiveness for 1 hour – Matthew 6:9-15, the Lord’s Prayer, and how following the prayer Jesus states “that if we do not forgive that we will not be forgiven”. Then onto Matthew 18:23-35, on the slave with great debt. How unforgiveness binds us like a rope around the neck of an ihene/goat which is not free to move about.  4 people gave their lives to Jesus! Then they sang and danced for another hour. We finished at 5:00, total of 5 hours!

At the closing, the local pastor of the church told the people that they had just heard the Word of G-D taught! Ester then got up and shared how she did not bring her purse or any work to Bosco’s home from her office. When we invited her to attend the church service she felt she could because she had brought nothing with her. She shared that the message had touched her heart and now she understood how to forgive, which she said she did not know how to do. She also said that she had been changed and knew now that Jesus was her Lord! We ate supper at the church. We then took Ester to see the land. She liked it. She is going to help us get our permits to build! She said that this day had been ordained by G-D! Boy, was she right!

Cayarubare - Pastor Felician

August 24

They joined the ministry in 2019. Their church was closed because the building was incomplete, The CROSSing Rwanda paid to enlarge the building by over 50% and accomplish its completion. We finished the building with windows, doors, glass, stucco, painting the interior and 3 toilets. At the time of our arrival the church had then been open for 2 Sundays.

We also purchased the adjoining land which is very large. It has a type of tree that grows straight and upright. They harvested many of these trees for the construction of their trusses. The land conatins a large hillside, they hope to farm it with casaba.

The church gathered at noon, one hour before we arrived (due to us following the wrong dirt road to the wrong umudugudu). After our arrival they continued for another hour of praising and dancing. 130-135 attended. I taught/preached for 45 minutes on Luke 10:1-11 & 17-20, the 70 who were sent out by Christ and how Jesus taught that what is of most importance is not casting out demons or healing people but having your name written in heaven! 58 people gave their lives to Jesus! Hallelujah. Their church just doubled! Then they sang and danced for another 30 minutes. I witnessed a beautiful sight, which I wished I had caught on film, of a mother in the choir with her little baby wrapped to her back. The choir was full on. They were singing loud, clapping and moving about. That baby slept through it all! As the mother moved about that baby’s little head bounced back and forth and up and down. I could not believe what all that baby went through and never woke up. Whiplash!

Then a government official from the district spoke. He shared how powerful the Word was and that the people need to quit sinning and follow Jesus. He said as the church grows in Christ that they impact the umudugudu and the problems that the local government officials have to deal with at the district office decrease. Divorces go down. Problems among the people go down. Thieves stop stealing. Trouble is reduced. He was challenging and encouraging. I was able to pray over him and thank him for his support of this church. We ended at 3:00. It is amazing how G-D has been giving us favor with so many government officials!

We proceeded to the Pastor’s home along with the 2 choirs that sang and we all ate lunch together. There were a lot of people and food. The choirs ate in 2 different shifts as there was not enough room for them all.

We returned at 4:15 and the choirs sang and danced for 30 minutes. I taught/preached on Luke 20:1, Jesus was teaching in the Temple and it wasn’t even Sabbath! He was always teaching. I taught how Jesus prophesied that the Temple would be destroyed, and it was, showing He is always the Truth and when He speaks it is finished. I shared with them how their body is now the Temple of G-D and that He is always teaching us so that we may become what He desires. Then I led into Luke 21:1-6, on the widow’s offering and as a widow with no one to care for her how she gave all the earthly resources that she had because, most importantly, she loved and had Yehovah Yireh. Therefore she had all that she needed. I then challenged them to give all of whatever God asked of them to Him and to trust Him. Maybe it meant being in the choir, teaching, sharing their faith, sharing the Gospel, their offerings. Whatever it was He asked to be willing to give all, knowing that He will take care of them.

Following we gave out 10 of the little girls dresses. That was a swarming!

**Important follow-up note - the following we we heard from pastor Felician and he shared how the normal church attendance had been 30 but that the following Sunday there were more than 90 people present!

Nyabigega - Pastor Baptiste

August 25

The first piece of land we bought. Church was full with about 200 people. Their Celebration began at 10:00 with their choirs. We arrived at 10:45. After the choirs had sung they introduced all the officers in the church and what each individual/group did.

This church asks that everyone give 300 francs per month and this offering is used by a burial team to take care of their deceased. They cover the costs of the church member's burials, ceremony and meals. They also have a ministry team for trouble in the church. Any disputes are taken before them so they do not appear before local officials – this is Biblical, if they cannot settle the dispute it is then taken to the pastor.

Beginning our time of teaching Pastor John Marie preached on Zacchaeus for 30 minutes, and the children’s choir sang a couple of songs – about 20+ kids. The kids also quoted Psalms 100! It was amazing! The youth choir sang a couple of songs and then did a song with a drama in it. It was very good. Then the adult choir sang with the drums and it also was good. Total in the youth and adult choir is 92!

Following their lead I taught/preached on John 15:1-10. I spoke on abiding in Christ and bearing His fruit, bearing more fruit and bearing much fruit. What was amazing was that right before I spoke the choirs and church sang the chorus “Abiding In The Name of Jesus!” That’s a G-D orchestrated moment! I taught for about 40 minutes.

The choirs sang again. Following, they gave gifts.  First, to the Bishop. Then to a person who helped them get the church started. Then gifts to a Government Official who is head of the Land Dept. for the District. Each recipient of gifts followed with a speech of thanks. They then thanked The CROSSing Rwanda for all that it has done, also for allowing me to travel and preach to them. They gave me cologne, called “Let’s Imagine”, telling me to continue to “Imagine” all that G-D will do in and through me. Both deacons who had presented me the cologne took turns spraying me! Yes, you can only imagine! Upon completion of my "new baptism" I proceeded to go up and down the center aisle waving my shirt at them so they could “Imagine” with me. Needless to say, the church was a bit taken but realizing it was a crazy muzungu they soon filled the building with clapping and cheering. I was also awarded a gold necklace with a small belt buckle with Africa on it. I put on the bling and let them see that I was now a part of Africa.

The choir did a couple more songs and pastor Baptiste ended with announcements. The total Celebration was 5 hours, yes 5!

Ruhanga - Pastor Innocent

August 26

Mid-morning Celebration lasted 2.5 hours. 1.25 hour singing. I taught/preached for .75 hour on Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walked on water, revealing Himself in the storm of their obedience and reveals Himself in a new way. This was the first time the 12 disciples stated, “He is G-D’s Son!”  Sometimes it takes a storm in life to see more of Jesus! I reminded them that obedience may place us in a storm but not to pray to be taken out of the storm but for Jesus to lead us through it!  1 young woman gave her life to Jesus! Then another half hour of singing.

I asked to be returned to room as my stomach was not feeling well and I was very tired. I slept for 1.25 hours when I was awakened by Joelfred, the nice young motel manager, to alert me that they had returned to gather me so I could go back and preach again.

I returned to Ruhanga to speak at a crusade. Over 360 people present. 4 hours long. 2.25 hours of singing with several different choirs. I preached for .75 hour on Mark 5:1-17. The possessed man delivered from a “Legion” of demons. I preached that Jesus is more powerful than all the demons and that Jesus can set anyone free. I taught that demons do you no good they only bring torment. This is a tough truth for many of them to hear as there are practicing witch-doctors, idol worship and the use of spiritual powers throughout their culture. I taught that Jesus can and will set you free from sin and bondage. Your freedom may costs others also, like the swine herdsmen who lost their swine to the demons cast into them. 6 people gave their lives to Jesus! We prayed for half an hour for those to be saved and then for those who wanted healing. Then a half hour of singing and praising Jesus!

Rusumo - Pastor Mark

August 27

We held a 6 hour crusade – 240 people present. We arrived after a meal at pastor Mark’s, one hour late. The chiors sang for 3 hours then pastor John Marie preached half hour, then they sang for an hour. I preached. 38 people gave their lives to Jesus!

A drunk man came up and gave me a hug. I began praying for him and rebuking the spirits in him. The pastors led him to a chair beside us where he fell into the chairs. He began to sober up and remained there peacefully for the completion of the crusade.

A woman who had prayed to receive Jesus gave her testimony. She told us that for 3 weeks her son had been in a hospital in Tanzania. She prayed and told G-D if He would heal her son that she would give her life to Him. He was healed and that day she came to the crusade, heard the Truth and gave her life to Jesus! It was amazing, the people jumped with joy and shouting.

Later a drunk harlot showed up mocking the singing and dancing, calling out trying to disrupt the crusade. But one woman invited her to join in and she did for a few minutes. Then Mama Solomon’s daughter reached out to her and ministered to her. They sang for almost an hour.

After the Crusade, we looked at a new building that was almost completely built. It is on the land adjacent to the 2 small pieces of lands that we had purchased. It is completely walled with an iron gate. There are 2 bathrooms and 3 buildings built separate from the main building. Main building is 9 meter by 19 meter. They want 8,000,000 francs for it all = $7,640 USD. This is an amazing deal considering its adjoining land is already ours. Most of the work and costs have gone into it, plus it has electricity. This building is in a perfect location.  G-D's provision!

Butezi - Pastor Chantal

August 28

It's the the official opening of their completed building – finished and painted! Last time I was here the building was 1/3 the size. You can see on the floor where the original exterior wall was. We sent money to do the expansion. The foundation was set for the expansion when I was last there. I walked on all the foundation, the church gathered and we prayed in faith for G-D’s provision to allow the expansion of the building and the church. G-D is faithful!

230 present at the AM Celebration. Plus the Secretary of the District, another official! 2 hours of singing. I taught/preached for .75 hour on Matthew 5:13-16. The church is the salt of the earth, explaining the uses of salt, and the light of the world – a city on a hill, explaining to them the importance of their faithfulness to G-D and their life lived in the world bringing light into the dark place. Then I helped them see that the very building that they meet in is on a hilltop and how we had to travel up to it and how the umudugudu lies below it – it should shine as a city on the hill. During the message I asked the Secretary of the District if he had seen any changes in the district since the growth of the church and he said, “Yego! There are less thieves and bad people that they are having to deal with. Jesus is changing the people and the umudugudu is changing!” 12 people gave their lives to Jesus! A couple of those giving their lives to Jesus were choir members, this shows that there are people in the church who are not saved. Secretary of District spoke for .25 hours. Our time was finalized with .5 hours of recognizing people and the Ordination of their Pastor – the church gave gifts to their pastor.

We had lunch at the Pastor Chantal’s home. Several local pastors were there also, it was a tight fit.

We moved to the umugi/city to set up for the crusade on Main Street. Upon our arrival there was no power. After some time they went to a neighboring home and borrowed their home battery and set up our equipment. 500-600 attended! The Secretary of 13 Umudugudus was present! We talked and he asked for my email. The Crusade was over 3.5 hours long. 2.25 singing by choirs. Secretary and other pastors spoke for .5 hours. I preached for .75 hours on Matthew 15:15-20, how our heart is the source of sins and only G-D can change the heart. Then on Luke 12:4-5, how not to fear man for the worst they can do to you is take your life but to fear only G-D who can take your life and send you to HELL! 49 people gave their lives to Jesus!

Gashongora - Pastor Leonidas

August 29

Their building is now complete and nicely done. 200+ people present.  Their Celebration was going 3 hours before we arrived. We were late because Peter and Bishop washed the car. While I was in the cleaners dropping of some laundry, the cops required that they remove the tint from the car’s windows or receive a ticket. They removed the tint and we departed with a clean car without tinted windows.

Upon our arrival, the choirs continued for another hour. I preached .75 hours on Luke 17:1-4, on the role of the church/every Christian member of the body of Christ. 9 people gave their lives to Jesus! The church gave Bishop a rooster & me a bag of grand nuts, my favorite!

Butama - Pastor Manase

August 29

Leaving Gashongora we drove further up another hill/mountain to another umudugudu/village. We arrived to a frenzy of people and very excited children!  It was high octane!  Some of the kids had never seen a muzungu (white man), some were afraid, others intrigued.

The CROSSing Rwanda bought this land and unfinished bldg. We then paid to complete the building. We've also built toilets and purchased benches for the people.

At our arrival the Celebration was well under way. An hour into it a heavy African-rain storm hit and lasted for over an hour. So we prayed, they then went into singing and dancing with the drum until the storm ended. At the ending of the storm, the choirs began again for another half hour. I preached .75 hours on Matthew 7:24-27, on building on the Rock and when storms come, as they will, our lives will not fall - using the current rain as an example.  Then I went onto Matthew 11:28-30, on how we “Come/gweeno to Jesus and only He can give us true rest”. How we can learn from Jesus and His Holy Word. 39 people gave their lives to Jesus! (There were probably 15-20 more little children but not sure they were paying attention).

A lady in the church had handmade a grass prayer rug and presented it to me as a gift!

We ate supper there in one of the 3 rooms at the back of the church building. These additional rooms are unique to any of the churches that we have built.

Muyinza

August 30

pastor Fabian. We purchased this long skinny land several years ago and finished their new building in the spring before I arrived. They had set up an African tent in the church dirt yard but not long after starting another heavy rain moved in. The rain lasted 1.5 hours. There are many holes in the tinroof but no one cared. I just moved from my current location to a dry one, I did this a couple of times. They decide to fire up the generator in the building so they could get back to singing. I told them it was a bad idea but they wanted to sing. I had to leave because of the fumes, so I went and sat in the car with the A/C on and studied.

130 waited thru the storm as they sang for 2.5 hours, half of it during the storm! I taught/preached for .75 hour on Matthew 6:25-34 sharing how the Queen of Sheba, the famous African queen (I asked who knew of the Queen of Sheba and almost everyone raised their hands), was blown away by all that Solomon had accomplished. She was amazed at how he and his court dressed, and with his wisdom with which he answered all her questions. She was moved by the power of his G-D, the G-D Most High, El Elyon. Then I encouraged them to not worry and that worry was sin. I shared how their church was built during covid when things were tough in the USA but the people at The CROSSing continued to give faithfully trusting in El Elyon. And because of G-D’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of His people in the USA this church was built! 31 people gave their lives to Jesus!

The church then recognized Fabian’s graduation from the Bible School and his ordination. Then they brought food into the church and fed the pastors and then the rest of the church! Ifi – fish! Not sure what kind of ifi but it was good. Little bones, almost swallowed one.

They are building offices next door.

I gave pastor Fabian money for 1 goat today. The church has planted casaba trees on the land and hopes in 2 years to harvest them, which will help the ministry.

Kumurenge

August 31

Pastor John Marie. We began by dedicating their new building. Bishop cut the ribbon and we prayed over it. 120 were present. Inside we began with the kids quoting Scripture and then they said, “Good morning Pastor John!” in English! So sweet! Their worship was very worshipful the best I’ve experienced, including the sound mix! I was blessed by it! Their choir director is amazing. The Celebration was 3 hours total. They sang for singing 1.25 hours. Then I taught/preached for .75 hour. During my preaching I demonstrated how hate, anger and unforgiveness towards others is murder in G-D’s eyes. When these build up in us we can blow which hurts others. To demonstrate I took a full 2 liter bottle of water squeezed it hard on both sides. The result, it shot out like a geyser and hit a man on the second row – plastered him in the face & all over his clothes! I got on my knees and asked for his forgiveness. I think everyone got the message. 2 people gave their lives to Jesus!  We prayed with music to “All to Jesus I surrender”, then an additional .5 hour singing. We closed with .5 hour for dedication of the building and the giving of gifts. They presented me with a white pullover with the church name and location inked on the back.

Rains hit at 4:00 which canceled the crusade but we waited it out for 1.25 hours in the church building.  When it cleared they sang for 1 hour. Then I taught/preached for .5 hours, in the dark with one light bulb, on 1 Samuel 15:1-22 and how we must obey completely for partial obedience is disobedience and G-D delights in obedience not sacrifices.

We departed in the pitch dark night trekking in the mud.

Mushikiri

September 1

Pastor Venant. 130 were present of which one was the Local Official Umudugudu Leader and his wife, both muslim. 50 plus little kids quoted Matthew 5:7, John 3:16, Exodus 14:14 and 1 Kings 18:39. They began by one kid quoting the verse and then all the others quoted it again. They then  sang several songs. Next, 33 middle schoolers quoted John 17:3 and then sang a couple songs. Then a teen and adult choir sang several songs. Finally, a choir from Butezi (they wore blue) sang several songs. Then I taught/preached on Matthew 25:14-20 on the Master who gave His talents to His servants according to their abilities (I converted to francs at 1,000,000 francs per year or 15,000,000 francs per talent). Then how the “faithful servants” immediately went to work while the “wicked lazy servant” buried it. How when the Master returned that the faithful servants entered His joy and the wicked lazy one was thrown into darkness where “there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”. 8 people gave their lives to Jesus!

They recognized pastor Venant’s graduation & ordination. Then the Local Official spoke (muslim man and during my teachings I specifically spoke the Name Yehovah as the True G-D Most High – El Elyon and that Jesus was not just a teacher or prophet as some believe but the Messiah and Son of G-D). They ate lunch with us.

Mushikiri center – crusade with over 1,100 present! I am the first muzungu/white person to visit Mushikiri since 1986. Choirs sang. A special singer came and used a prerecorded song to get the place into a “branch swinging frenzy”. I preached on Matthew 20:17-19 where Jesus prophesies of His betrayal, death and resurrection. I spoke of how someone may think they can fly and tell their pilot that they can fly. The pilot will assure them that they cannot but instead of believing the truth they jump out of the plane and learn that gravity is a law that cannot be broken. I explained to them that there is a spiritual law that says the wages of sin is death and that it cannot be broken no matter what we believe. Therefore only G-D can set us free from our sin and death thru the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Then I went on to Luke 19:28-30 where Jesus declared “it is finished!”  I declared that Jesus has finished what was necessary for them to be forgiven, to be born again and restored to G-D. Thus we can be living eternal life right now! Over 115 people gave their lives to Jesus!

Kavumu

September 2

This is the second piece of land we bought, it was a sawgrum field. I remember the first time we did a crusade here. I walked the boundaries of the land and asked G-D to make His presence known here. That He would take this land and use it for His glory.

I learned today that I’m the first muzungu to visit this village and this has been my 4^th time. 70 present at church meeting. 27 youth choir, 24 adult choir. Great piano player/choir director from John Marie’s church was here doing the music. 3 hours of singing.  I taught sitting down for .75 hour on 1Tthessalonians 5:12-18, G-D’s will for His church – us. Also taught on listening as major part of prayer. Then we had quiet prayer time to pray/listen. When we finished the pastor said she heard G-D clearly say that this church was built on the Rock. Pastor Baptiste heard that there was sickness due to idol worship and that the idols in the homes need to be removed.

Kavumu crusade – 350-400 present. 3.5 hours, singing & dancing for 2.5 hours. I preached .5 hour on Matthew 1:18-25 G-D’s plan to save us & to be with us, Immanuel. I spoke on how He accomplished this with the virgin birth, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. These proving Jesus to be the Way, the Truth & the Life. He accomplishes whatever He plans and no one, no one stops Him! 38 people gave their lives to Jesus! It tried to rain before, during and after the preaching but I prayed for G-D to hold back the rain and reveal His harvest which He did. We then prayed for healing for 8-10 people. Then they sang & danced for another .5 hour.

'Bush' for baptism

September 3

71 were baptized today in a location the Bishop called “the bush”! You’ll see my pictures and understand why he called it “the bush”. Members from 3 different churches in the area were baptized! Almost everyone there walked to the canal/stream that wound its way through the rice fields of Eastern Rwanda. There was singing and loving on one another before, during and after the baptism. It was beautiful and full of life!

Nyakarambi

September 3

Nyakarambi – Venerande. Church building was full and this is the largest church building that we have built. 18 kids in their choir.  16 middle schoolers in their choir. 19 youth in their choir. There was an older boy in the youth choir who so into it that he forgot to turn with the rest of the choir and just kept going in the other direction. He was not phased he kept singing and praising Jesus as if he was there alone with Jesus. There were three other adult choirs. I taught on Luke 5:36-38 and Romans 13:14, 14:7-8 and 15:4 for .75 hour. During the message I took off my shirt to reveal my white T-shirt representing taking off the old flesh and putting on Jesus! We are to be robed in Him. 1 man gave his life to Jesus! 

Following the altar call, they celebrated the 55 members who had been baptized earlier that morning.  They introduced a young couple who just got engaged. Then they recognized Chantal’s graduation from the Bible School. 3.75 hours total for the morning Celebration.

Nyakarambi – crusade held in the church’s front yard. Over 300 present. 8 choirs from several different churches! I preached on Mark 10:46-52 for .75 hour. Bartimaeus, son of the unclean, and this is not the first time Jesus delivered people from Jericho – I reminded them of Joshua and the falling walls. I revealed how Bartimaeus jumped up and left his cloak to follow Jesus! His cloak was who he was but after he met Jesus he was no longer the same! He threw down his past and jumped up to follow Jesus!  51 people gave their lives to Jesus! They closed with singing and praying for the sick at the same time, many children came for me to pray over them. 3.25 hours total.

September 4

Sunday morning Celebration. 5 choirs – 5 hours long. Umudugudu/village Official Leader was there. They celebrated the 55 members who had been baptized the day before. They then took in 36 new members!

I preached .75 hour on Daniel 3:13-29 when the three Jews were thrown into the fiery furnace and seen dancing with Jesus! I taught we must trust G-D and fear Him only. Through obedience, and no compromise, we worship G-D and testify of Him to others! 25 people gave their lives to Jesus!

A woman from another church came forward and gave her testimony of how a woman from the church choir had led her to Jesus! She told how the pastor came by her home when her husband was sick and prayed for him. He was healed. The pastor gave her a Bible which she now reads. She shared how yesterday her daughter was one of the 55 baptized! Her family was on the platform with her. She said she was happy that the muzungu was visiting. She was happy he was taking pictures at the market (where I took her picture and did not even know who she was) and at the baptism.

Then Veneranda shared the history of the church. It’s founding with 7 people praying in her home. Then they moved to rental house, I visited this small home years ago. The following year The CROSSIng Rwanda bought their first piece of land. In 2018, she donated their own land while at the same time not sure how she would provide for her family but she would trust Him.  My visit the following year, 2019, The CROSSing Rwanda paid her for the land that she had donated.  She was now able to buy land and her husband farmed it providing for the family. She went on to share how after the land was secured how she went to the mountain for 2 days of prayer and fasting. There G-D told her He would build the church. In 2020, she learned that pastor John had become ill with covid pneumonia and she prayed and fasted with several other pastors for my healing. G-D told her He would heal me. And He DID! In 2021, The CROSSing Rwanda provide the money to build the largest church building in the ministry. It currently has 280 member plus almost 100 kids!

She shared several needs of the church. The ground that we purchased is good ground but a few feet under the topsoil it is rock. After completion of the building, when the rains come they run off the building quickly and move across the shallow soil. Once the soil is saturated the water begins to move quickly downhill towards their family’s home where it flood their home. It also floods the neighbor’s farm land. This has been reported to the authorities and they told the church it must be corrected. The answer would be the purchase, and placement, of a large water tank to collect the rain water to prevent the flooding. In addition, the tank would allow them to use the water for other needs. I had brought with me extra money from The CROSSing Rwanda account which I was then able to provide the $765 USD to buy and put into place the tank. The church went wild with praise and thanks to G-D!

The gift of my prayer rug from the church at Butama I gave to Mama Solomon for their Solomon. As I gave it to her I told her that I hoped he would become a great man of prayer. And that when he prayed on the rug to remember that he was praying to the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Pastor John.

Nyakarambi crusade – over 300 present. 3.5 hours. I preached .5 hour on Matthew 27:59-66 & 28:1-7, there is proof and many witnesses to the Truth that Jesus is the risen Messiah. Even when men try to stop or even disprove G-D He uses their plans to prove Himself true. 31 people gave their lives to Jesus!

The head of Social Affairs for the Sector was there. Another official! G-D has been giving us great favor with the government authorities! He thanked the church for all that they are doing to impact the umudugudu/village. The providing of goats with money from The CROSSing Rwanda, helping the poor with food and clothing, and helping care for the widows and orphans in the umudugudu.

Kigali

September 5

Today we taught, a group of 6 pastors that were ordained in the second class at our Bible school, on baptism, Holy Communion and marriage. We had some very good discussions on all 3! I got a bit heated once and turned over a table when pastor Emmanuel was concerned that he had wasted too many elements when not everyone took communion after he taught on 1 Corinthians 11! I shared with the students how holy and sacred communion is and that if they preach the Word of G-D, the Truth, and that they are NOT to be concerned with the waste of the elements. But to be glad that the people heard the Word of G-D and did not enter into sin.

Later, Emmanuel came and requested 70 Bibles, I committed to give him 20 Bibles even though his church is not under this ministry. He is a godly man who knows his Bible and has deep questions.