We were heading off into the countryside along some horrendous, dusty, corrugated roads congested with bikes laden with bananas, people carrying all and sundry on their heads. Stuffed to capacity, the pick up truck struggled up the gradients and Andy negotiated the hairpin bends with terrifying skill - performing 3 (or more) point turns above a sheer drop as Heather and Isobel winced from their cosy pole position. squashed onto the front seat.
Our mission was to visit two isolated parishes, set in beautiful terraced hillsides where daily life continues to be a struggle. We received the same warm welcome in both parishes, where the pastors and their families shared abundantly of the little they had.
As if the trusty Toyota was not straining enough, 'passers by' frequently jumped aboard only to drop off (literally) as we continued along the bumpy road. Eleanor, Alan and Pastor Placide were somewhat dismayed to find another pastor being shoe-horned into join them on the back seat, as he wished for a lift down into the valley far below to take a wedding ceremony. From their groans there was a substantial degree of discomfort and this reached a crescendo soon after we'd delivered Pastor Onesime to his destination and Pastor Placide's cramp caused him to spring from the vehicle and have his leg massaged back into life by Alan, in the presence of an ever increasing road side audience!
Give thanks - for Pastor Onesime's recovery from a motor bike accident 4 days ago; for seeing that our visits make a difference to the parishes, letting them know that we care.
Please pray for the challenge of providing education for the children in these beautiful yet remote locations; the responsibility on the shoulders of the pastors for coordinating and encouraging their church leading teams; safety of transport for the church leaders in their rural parishes.
Father, we lift up to You Pastor Onesime and thank You for his recovery from his recent motorcycle accident. We thank You Lord for the DT Team and their discipleship in the parishes they visit, and as they carry with them the Holy Spirit into these areas, may peace come upon everyone they meet and throughout the communities they visit. (I have a picture of Peter’s shadow as I write this – Acts 5:15)
ReplyDeleteFather God, our teacher and encourager, and the Provider for all those who seek You, help the men women & children in the remotest of locations of the Rwandan provinces and districts where more & better quality education and healthcare are so deeply needed.
Lord God Almighty, send Your Holy Spirit upon the Pastor’s who serve You so willingly and faithfully, that they may by the power of the Holy Spirit upon them, encourage and lead with confidence the teams within their churches. May the Holy Spirit give them wisdom and knowledge and a discerning heart, so that their leadership is always honourable, just and with integrity. Lord, as the church leaders move & travel about the rural parishes we pray that you would protect them & guide them by whatever means of transportation is available to them.
Lord, in Your mercy & love, hear our prayers.
Amen
Hi Andy, Isobel, Heather, Eleanor & Alan,
ReplyDeleteJust a short message to say "hello" from St. George's church, to let you know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our love. Please be assured of our prayers for the church leaders and parishioners too and thank you for the prayer pointers, they are a great help and encouragement.
As you go out in Christ's name, have a Spirit filled week, and may God continue to abundantly bless you and all those whose minds, hearts and lives you touch throughout the days ahead, in Jesus' name.
God bless,
Terry