Rwanda Mission Trip Team Blog-Day Five
Beautiful faces in Batima, Rwanda!
Written by: Stephen Henrich
JOY!
God's goodness and grace was as real to me today as the hug of a tiny Rwandan boy or girl. Our day began with great concern over an errant covid test taken the day before. Clearing up that issue and testing the entire team again just to ensure safety for the team and for the people of the village, took some time, much prayer and great faith. We were praising Jesus when all were cleared and we were enroute to see our friends in Batima!
Our time in the village was brief. We were greeted in song by the little ones. We played a lot including a great game prepared by Shema (Chet), Gisubizo (Deb) and Byishimo (read on to learn more!). The game was meant to teach caring and supporting not unlike the men who dug through a thatched roof to lower their friend to the healing hands of Jesus (Luke 5:17-26).
Before we left, Pastor Nicodem prayed for us and then came an amazing gift. Our interpreter Angel, Sandrine, and Nicodem had spent some time considering each of our team members who did not yet have a Rwandan name and the results were perfect!
John is now "Byishimo" meaning "Happiness"; Carl is known as "Mugwaneza" or "Humble"; Kayla received the name "Umukunwa" which translates to "Beloved".
Angel was given "Mutabazi" or "Rescuer"; Patricia, known to many already as "Momma P" was blessed with a Rwandan name (after many years) - "Umubyeyi" meaning "Mother"; and Jenn is now officially "Mutimukeye" which translates to "Calm Heart".
It was a moving tribute not to ever be forgotten. Then, in a flash we were off to Kigali for a touch-and-go before leaving for the Akagara National Game Preserve!
This day has been filled with God's blessings, some heartbreak at leaving the children and our dear friends in Batima and the excitement of what God has in store for us tomorrow and the rest of the week! It was a good, good day!
PS: By the grace of God and the outstanding driving skills of Patrick, we arrived at the Akagara gate at 5:58 pm. The armed guards allowed us to enter the park which has a strict gate closing time of 6:00 pm! Another testament to the power of prayer because that's all I was doing for the last 16 kilometers! Praise the Lord!
