HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT AFRICA?

I met a man in church today who was from Africa. I'd say he was in his late 20s. He wanted to know if I would help him find a small group or Bible study. I asked him where in Africa he was from. He was hesitant to tell me. He asked, "Do you know Africa?" I said that I did. He asked me, "How do you know Africa? Have you ever been there?"

I said I had just returned from Africa two weeks ago. He looked shocked (of course). And then he smiled.

I am still in shock that I was in Africa two weeks ago. Still in shock that I walked amongst people who'd suffered from a horrible horrible genocide that took the lives of 1 million people in 100 days. I am still in shock, in awe at the beauty of the land and of the people of Africa.

So, my question for you, my readers (and I hope I still have a few out there because it's been nearly a month since I really blogged or read your blogs...but I have been praying for you...)...My question for you is,

DO YOU KNOW AFRICA? AND MORE SPECIFICALLY, RWANDA?

Do you know that it is predicted that the Rwandan population will increase to 16 million by the year 2020 and that the country is roughly the size of Maryland?

Do you know the current life expectancy is 44? And that the average annual income is $250?

Do you know that the food is simple and yet delicious? That the people are kind and generous? That their hearts beat for Jesus the same as yours and mine? Do you know that between Kenya and Rwanda, I heard Kenny Rodgers', "The Gambler" song at least half a dozen times!?

Here are just a few photos, as promised that I was able to upload tonight (PRAISE GOD!!!!)


MEETING WITH LOCAL SECTOR LEADER

It was here where we met and discussed the problems in the sector we were chosen to serve. This public official was generous enough to allow us to stop by and ask a few questions about the healthcare, education and commerce/agriculture in our area. He was educated in Kenya and India. I was impressed that he had returned home to Rwanda to serve in this poor community. His office was dark and cramped. I don't believe the building had electricity and I doubt there was any running water. And although this man was not completely forthcoming about the problems his Sector is facing in regards to care for those with HIV/AID and education, he was there. He was serving and he was kind enough to speak with us.

By "forthcoming" I mean that he told us that HIV testing was occurring and that medication was free. We found this was not the case when we visited the clinic. And he mentioned that the law forbids parents to keep children home from school. Of course, it is the law, however, it isn't one of those laws that isn't being enforced. (below are some photos of the clinic)

But I would be foolish to guess why he said the things he said. I couldn't imagine myself in his position. The pastor we were working with appears on the far left. The younger man in the white shirt is the official.








BEAUTIFUL WOMEN FROM THE VILLAGE WHO HAD GATHERED TO PREPARE A MEAL FOR US...

These people were amazing. I mean, their hearts were warm and their love-language, friendly. The area in which we served had no running water and no electricity. Many of the children were without shoes or proper clothing. But the smiles...the joy...it was most humbling.


MARKETPLACE

When I spoke to the people, I really felt the Holy Spirit was guiding my words. I said to them that I appreciated their authenticity. I was grateful they held little back about their pains: their hungry children, their need for books for the schools and medicine. I was grateful they told us these things without shame and then embraced us and fed us. They loved on us, when we were sent to love on them. That reciprocal love crushed me on the inside. I felt so unworthy of it. It was as though they were Christ Himself, loving me without condition. Loving me just because I was there to love.

I remember telling them that Jesus had showed the disciples the wounds in his hands and feet. He showed them he'd been pierced. To show them he had died and been resurrected. I said to the people, that Rwanda had died and was now resurrected.

As you read my post, please stop and say a prayer for Rwanda. Thank God for their witness to us as a nation renewed by the blood of Christ.