Our new logo

Sorry again for the long silence. Our latest newsletter is posted on the news page and explains some of our unexpected adventures over the past 6 months. We do expect to be updating this blog page more regularly from now on.

We want to get things off the ground again by introducing you to our new logo. It was designed for us by our friend Aaron Babcock and the concept is based on the traditional Rwandan art form that was created by Kikara, the son of  King Kimenyi in the early 19th century as a way to beautify his house. It is made from a mixture of cow dung and dirt mixed into clay. Usually the colors are black and white

This logo integrates the symbol of Christ - His cross at the center of the art that is Rwanda.

The 3 rings of the spiral represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who lead us to the foot of the cross, and the design itself is meant to represent the desire of the Son of the King (Jesus) - that the people of Rwanda beautify His house by being present there.

 

Antoine speaking on Sunday morning

We had a good meeting on Sunday with 7 visitors joining us. Pat continued his series on family with a sermon on 'Being part of the local church' emphasizing the importance of small groups which bear a closer resemblance to the early church than our Sunday meetings do.

We have agreed to a request by the local authorities to start a preschool at our building. They will start with about 100 children and will teach from 8.00 to 12.00 on weekdays. The owner of the building that we rent is making many improvements and has put in concrete floors, plastered the walls, put in ceilings, installed wiring and plumbing. We signed a contract with him for another year so this gives us space to plan for building on our own land nearby. We are also giving some thought to starting a tea house in the evenings as an alternative to the many bars in the village that offer the only social life.

Some 'Small Group' leaders making a presentation

Church was good this morning. Pat began a 3 part series on 'Family'. The emphasis today was on the responsibilities and rewards of being a member of the family of God. Two ladies gave their lives to Jesus and we had much rejoicing. We prayed for all the students returning to start a new school year especially those traveling. The small group leaders meeting had a present for Pat. The presentation was done in typical Rwandan style. They sang then gave a little speech. It was quite moving and Pat cried. God is good and we are so blessed.

Joel and Brendan on Lake Kivu

Many blessings in 2009 to all our supporters. We had a welcome break at the Kibogora Free Methodist Mission Hospital between Christmas and New Year. We enjoyed the company of the many missionaries to Rwanda and Congo who were there also. The boys loved swimming and boating on Lake Kivu with their friends.

We had a planning meeting with Antoine this week and it looks like a busy time ahead. We have rented premises for the sewing project that is sponsored by the Almond Vineyard in Edinburgh. We will buy 2 machines to start with and find a tailor to begin work and training shortly. Pictures and story to follow.

The proud owner of a goat signs her contract

Brendan and Antoine with the 9 people who received a goat today

Today in the village of Muyange we presented 9 goats to members of our congregation. Funds were donated by friends of the Takeley Christian School in the UK. All who received goats today are members of farming projects that are run by 3 of our home groups. The last few harvests have not been great due to rain failure so the goats are compensating greatly for the poor harvests. We are using some of the 'Send a Cow' rules for example the first female kid born must be passed on the another person. There are 2 people waiting in line for each goat to deliver and it is also their responsibility to see that the animal is well cared for. 2 of the goats are already pregnant. Each recipient signed a contract laying out the rules. Thanks to all our friends in and around the Takeley area who made this possible and blessed so many this Christmas.

Goat project gets under way

Here are 2 of the 9 goats that will be presented to members of the Kigali Vineyard next Tuesday. We will be having a little presentation ceremony at our church building to launch our 'goat project'. More pictures and the full story to follow.