Kids Small Groups

It is hard to believe but the "End of the Road to Rwanda" has been reached as we safely landed at 11:45 am on Thursday 7/9/15.  The journey was long after two 10+ hour flights but all were eager to return to the comforts of home and begin to share the life-changing two weeks.  Pray for the re-acclimation process as it is not an easy one after being gloriously ruined for God.  Thank you again for being a critical part of the 2015 Saddleback Kids Rwanda PEACE team.  We love you!

To say that our time of debriefing was powerful does not do the time justice. Hearts were broken and lives transformed on the 2015 Saddleback Kids Rwanda PEACE Trip. We are checking in at Kigali International Airport eager for the 22 hours in the air. Pray for timely travels, sleepy hours and pure joy as we anticipate seeing our loved ones soon. Pray that our lives back at home will be different because of our two weeks in Rwanda. See you Thursday July 25 at LAX!

It is with heavy hearts that we wrapped up our final day of ministry here in the Land of a Thousand Hills.  And what a special day it was as we ministered alongside our brothers and sisters from Christ Gospel Fellowship.  The morning began with 5 different teams visiting 2-3 homes nearby CGF Kimironko.  The purpose was to check-in and see how the sponsored children are doing.  What a special treat to spend some quality time with Rwandan families.

After a hearty lunch back at the guesthouse, the team was ready to end their time in Rwanda with a good old-fashioned football game.  The Rwandan teens, who were part of a league coached by a CGF member, were very kind in including Team Saddleback Muzungus in their drills, warm-ups and then a small scrimmage.  Everyone had a blast and got a good workout in to burn the endless carbs from the last week.

The hardest part of today was saying our good-byes to our driver, translators and friends.  We were truly blessed with some special quality time with them all over dinner and affirming them briefly.  We are eternally grateful for these lifelong relationships with Denis, Gratien, Rachel, Simon, Christian and Jean-Paul.  Looking forward to future adventures with these guys in Rwanda.

As we prepare to enter into our debrief process, this will be the final post before take-off homeward bound on Wednesday 7/8.  We'll keep you posted on our successful departure as we begin the LONG journey home.  Until then, pray for this debrief process as it is a critical time for the team to discuss, affirm and encourage one another.  Pray that each team member walks away transformed by what they saw, heard, experienced and felt over the last 12 days.

The Manila team has arrived home safe and sound. They are so excited for how God moved through their trip and can not wait to share with everyone. Thank you so much for your prayers!

The team had a SUPER Sunday dividing into 4 different teams for church services and afternoon ministry.  The team divided up to attend 4 key churches in Kigali.  It was refreshing to be renewed with an English-speaking service first and then diving into children's ministry alongside each of the 4 church's teams.  A fun-filled morning of church variety and power.

After a long lunch, the smaller 4 teams were back on the field to either visit homes of church families, visit a children's center where 36 HIV positive children are treated/fed or taught at a branch campus of one of the morning's churches.  All and all the team had a dynamic day filled with ministry and kingdom change.  Hearts were touched by the Rwandans and the Muzungus (our Saddleback Kids team).

Pray for tomorrow (Monday) as it is our FINAL day of ministry before we begin the intentional debrief process in preparations for coming home.  Pray that this final day of ministry is meaningful.  Pray for tired bodies, sore throats and weary hearts.  May each team member be rejuvenated in these final hours of ministry.  Amen.