It is hard to believe, but our final Saddleback Kids PEACE Trip is wrapping up as the team rejuvenated and reflected in Akagera to then be whisked away onto their two flights home. Everything has been smooth thus far with travels with on-time and even early flights from Kigali to Entebbe and now the team is in Amsterdam. Pray for the final leg to be smooth and easy as we eagerly anticipate the team's touchdown at LAX via KLM 603.
It is hard to believe, but the SK Rwanda 2017 PEACE Team is fast asleep after their FINAL day of ministry. They can hardly believe all that they saw, experienced and felt. Most of all, they can hardly believe it is all coming to an end in the next 48 hours. With that, first and foremost, pray for these next crucial 48 hours. They are honestly some of the hardest as the team rests and reflects on all that God did in Rwanda and even leading up to Rwanda. Big things!
Before the team embarks on their debriefing process, their last day of ministry was special. The morning was spent with adorable preschoolers learning about the incredible friendship Jesus has with them. Then the afternoon took the team to some home visits. Hearts were deeply humbled as the homes belonged to were young families whose mothers are fighting deadly diseases and have been mamas since their teen years. God taught the team members SO very much through these special interactions and connections.
We'll keep you posted on the team's safe travels to and from their debrief destinations but we won't have many more pictures and stories as the team takes time as 15 to connect and debrief. Can't wait for them to return home on Friday afternoon to hear all the stories and see all the pictures. It will be AMAZING!!!
The team had an adventure-filled day as they started off bright and early to make a longer trip to the district of Ruhuha. It was a time for the team to reflect as they saw the beauty of Rwanda surround them on the road trip. There were met by our brothers and sisters at CGF Ruhuha as the team embarked on a children's ministry leader training and then later afternoon Bible study. All in all the team had a great time teaching the leaders the basic principles and purposes of a children's ministry; then of course putting it into action with the children of CGF Ruhuha was pure joy. Grateful for a more rural day out in the countryside of Rwanda. Such a blessing as the team prepares for its final full day of ministry.
It is hard to believe, but the team has reached one full week of being in Rwanda and is sadly but surely winding their ministry time down with only 2 full more days left. They can hardly believe it as they continue to process each person met, ministry completed and experience felt.
On this 2nd Rwandan Sunday the team spent all morning with friends and family from CLA. This church is truly something special as the team got a true flavor for Saddleback in Rwanda. Such fun! After attending service the team dove right in to serve in the children's ministry for 2 services. What a joy-filled time the team had as they taught on Abraham and Sarah and the Lord's prayer. The team broke up to teach in the different age groups, but a job well done indeed.
Sunday afternoon was then perfect timing to rest and prepare for the remainder of the journey. Pray for the team as they go out today (Monday) to Ruhuha for a full day of ministry to children's leaders and kids. Pray for these final days in-country to be powerful. Pray that each team member gives their best to the Rwandans. Pray for the debriefing process to slowly but surely begin.
Sadly the Internet connection is not great in Rwanda so no pictures for today :( But here's the update on what the team did:
The team started off the ministry day with incredible questions and discussions about children's ministry. The conducted a training hosted by CLA who in turn invited several local churches to attend. Amy and Alaina led the training that focused on the concentric audience circles and the discipleship process to take ministry to children beyond weekend services. What an incredible start to the day.
Saturday afternoon took the team back to CGF for a time of Bible study with the children. The kids learned about SHAPE directly from our kids as each shared their definition of, experience and personal story related to each letter of SHAPE. Nothing better than kids teaching kids about their SHAPEs. Their next step challenge was to take their service outside the church to reach more for Jesus. Each child took home a bag of rice and a bag of beans as a gift to share with another family or friend; the goal would be this would be a gift/offering along with an invitation to join them at church. Great things to come as the CGF kids reach out into their neighborhoods to expand His Kingdom.
Continue to pray for the SK Rwanda team's hearts and minds. They are on the "downhill" as it relates to their time in Rwanda. Help them to stay focused on God's plans and purposes for them. Challenge each team member to "step up" in whatever area they need to be stretched in. May they leave parts of their hearts in Rwanda in these final days of ministry.
The team had another full day of ministry. They started off at ADEPR doing an introductory children's ministry leader training. And it was a crucial, eye-opening experience as the leaders were challenged to move beyond outward appearances and attire to invite any and all of God's children into His family to worship, grow and belong. Rich discussions came from this morning of training.
After a nourishing lunch the team was back on the field back to Christ Church Embassy where the children eagerly returned to see their new muzungu friends. Gabby, David and Daphne shared their heart stories; Alaina tied it all together in seeing how everyone has a story and God uses each of our unique stories to bring beauty out of ashes. Of course, the day could not be complete without some revitalizing Rwandan worship with dancing and singing. And yes, the kids continued to teach the Rwandan children "American" things like dabbing and Jigga Puff.
Finally, the team was honored to be invited to Simon's graduation celebration. And what a celebration it was. Not your typical college graduation party but quite the ceremonial recognition with praise, worship, prayer, honoring and celebrating. The team was honored to be a part of Simon's journey; Simon has been a blessing to the Saddleback Kids teams since we started coming in 2007 as a friend, translator, pastor, brother and so much more. Well done, nshuti!
What a GREAT day of ministry the team had today. First, energy & health was restored for two team members who needed to take the day prior off (Emma & David). But lift up Erik who now had to sit out due to a stomach bug. Pray for his complete healing as he is already feeling a TON better just not 100% yet.
The morning started off at CGF's preschool. What a JOY the kids were in their sweet answers, involvement and laughter. The team taught them about Daniel in the lion's den, helping each kid make their own lion face to remember to trust God and follow Him no matter what. The kids loved the team's skit, craft and games.
After lunch, the team ministered to a newer church - Christ Church Embassy. There were between 30-40 kids in the older age range now of 8-12 years old. But Daniel in the lion's den still reigned true and was just as applicable just through different methods of teaching. The life application that came from this rich Bible story was powerful under Alaina's teaching. They even did the craft and wrapped it up with some energetic Rwandan worship and dancing. It was quite the scene to have a stage of muzungus dancing.
What a long but super fun day the team had. Continue to pray for health as Erik is on the mend and now Reece ended the day sick. Bind these sickness bugs from reaching any other team members. Keep everyone focused on God's plans and purposes for this trip.
The SK Rwanda team had an incredible and powerful day. Honestly, it was challenging as the kids were well out of their comfort zone in ministering once again alongside the school with disabled children. God truly had special plans to use the team! Erik, Julie, Reece, Amy & Daphne taught a solid yet simple lesson on Jesus being our BEST friend. They colored popsicle sticks making them into crosses to remember their forever best friend. Hearts were softened and thoughts were turning as the team went to bed deeply reflecting on all they saw, experienced and learned.
In the afternoon the team trained the CGF children's ministry volunteers on serving. Love when the team gets to use their own SHAPE for serving and their experiences to impact them. They shared from the Great Commandment and Commission as a foundation for serving. Neicy shared her heart of inspiration as she shared her call to serve and her commitment over the years she led. Nancy, Christian and Roxy shared their testimonies as well during the training.
Today, the team has done much better in physical acclimation just in time to now process a much more emotionally and spiritually draining day. Pray for the debriefing process in this powerful day of ministry. Pray for lives transformed in Rwanda and on the team. Pray for the team members who were not feeling well as they rested and recovered today that they are back to 100% tomorrow. Pray for endurance as they quickly approach the half-way point of their trip.
Happy 4th of July from Rwanda to America! Both countries celebrate their Independence days just days apart so it has been a fascinating connection for the team to learn about Rwanda's Independence Day amidst the US' 4th of July.
The team's Tuesday was fun-filled ministry as the team broke into smaller teams for home visits to kick off the morning. And what special home visits they were as there were 4 homes visited each with a special needs child. The Anglican church helps care for, educate and support these families and children so they are loved, valued and lifted up as children of God. This is such a beautiful movement by the Anglican church as so many children with disabilities are sadly institutionalized or ignored. In fact, there is a waitlist for the church's program because the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray for this church's staffing to grow to meet the needs of the community.
Then the afternoon took the team back to CGF Kimironko to lead a Bible study much like Kids Small Groups to the children. They taught about the armor of God, equipping the children with each mighty spiritual piece of armor to fight the good fight. On this note, pray for this same armor for the team. Pray for small tinges of sickness which are very typical on these trips - dry throats and tummy aches. Pray for rest and rehydration.
Here are snapshots from the FUN:
After a good night's sleep the team is starting off fresh and zesty. Slowly but surely they are acclimating to Rwandan time and ready to roll into day #2 of ministry. Just to prove how fresh and zesty they are, Christian taught everyone how to do this incredible trick at breakfast
The team was blessed to kick off their time in Rwanda alongside longtime brothers & sisters of Saddleback Kids PEACE at Christ Gospel Fellowship in Kimironko. As always, it was a true joy and energizer to begin their time in Rwanda worshipping alongside CGF. The team listened, learned, danced and fellowshipped like never before. After another traditional first SK lunch at the New Cactus the team departed for CGF Busanza where children were eager to learn and grow in their faith. The team taught about the transformation one undergoes as a believer and follower of Jesus. It was a fun-filled, action-packed first day of ministry. Pray for a good night's sleep as inevitably jet lag still hits. Pray for sweet Reece's lost luggage that should return tomorrow. Pray for ready hearts to minister tomorrow.
After 20+ hours in the air and ground, the 2017 SK Rwanda PEACE Team has ARRIVED. The team experienced all smooth travels from MO2 to Kigali. Praise the Lord! What an extra special 16th birthday gift to Emma to have smooth travels to Rwanda. How special that even KLM honored her birthday with a little gift. Happy Birthday, Emma!
After months of raising support, preparing and praying the SK 2017 Rwanda PEACE Team is officially in the air and en route to Rwanda. And those close to the team know that these final weeks to Rwanda have been TOUGH as Satan has done his best to discourage and distract. Despite the infections, travel delays, sickness, eye problems and MORE God was/is/always will be victorious and this team is ready to do some MIGHTY work in Rwanda. Pray for these incredible 15 warriors - Alaina Hart, Emma Nay, Monica & David Bailey, Nancy & Gabby Reed, Neicy & Christian Pioche, Amy, Reece & Roxy Thornton and Erik, Julie, Daphne & Koko Kirsch.
The SK Philippines Team had an action-packed weekend leaving their hearts overflowing for the people and places of Manila. On Saturday, the team visited an orphanage that Saddleback Manila serves at. They played, served and loved on these sweet kiddos as much as they possibly could. Here is a picture of the team with the orphanage staff (no other pictures were allowed for obvious reasons):
