On the Road Again.

I was going to head down to Iowa late Wednesday night to stay with my pastor friend John before we head out Thursday morning. But as the weather was coming in I left earlier and I'm very thankful that I did. Not that it was a huge decision but I think it was the right one and I'm thankful for your prayers as we make simple decisions. We got to the airport 2 hours early and I think we were at our gate in less than 15 minutes. Uneventful flight to Chicago and now about five and a half hours here while we wait for our overseas flight. We've been able to do some planning and that's been good. Also great to catch up. We also were able to see Damien and his wife last night. You might remember that Damien went with me last time. 

Pastor Nicodeme mentioned that we will be at some church far out of the city on Sunday morning. I assume one of us will be preaching. 

We fly to Brussels and have a few hours there and then on to Kigali. Friday night at 7:30 we should land in Kigali and then Saturday at 9:00 or 10:00 we will take a bus up the mountain and get to Musanze. Thanks for praying

I have a slight headache and my nose is running a bit.

Pray that I sleep a good bit on the plane. 

First 24 Hours In Rwanda

We have been here 24 hours now and we're thankful for God's hand in it all.  It started off with a bit of confusion in Des Moines but the ticket agent fixed it.  Our flights were mostly uneventful, though we had some great conversations with those beside us and with each other.  We didn't sleep well and the last flight (8.5) hours seemed long.  We got through the airport quickly and safely to our hotel.  We both slept incredibly well and neither one of us were dragging today.  Damian is such a blessing to be with. 

Today we road up the mountain in a bus (2 hours) for less than $6 total.  We got to our hotel and then grabbed lunch.  We explored the area a bit and bought some water and salted peanuts. We ate supper with Pastor Nicodeme and his family (he is the pastor in charge here).  It was my first time meeting his family and it was a real blessing.  

I want to stay out of politics - so I'll be as simple as possible.  A law was passed a week ago that affects all religions in Rwanda - and it's about safety issue and such.  The result is many churches were closed down until they can comply, including those of many of our pastor friends here.  He found a different church that isn't closed yet that Damian plans to preach in tomorrow.  We don't really know if that will work.  Then Monday we start the training. 

PRAISE

- Travel mercies - it's a big deal

- the incredible blessing to be with God's people in another country

- feeling great

PRAY

- that we'd be able to have  real church service tomorrow

- For Damian as he'll be preaching from John 11 - the story of Lazarus.  This is his first sermon in Africa (and he'll be using a translator). 

- For every pastor to show up to the first day of training, and to show up prepared

- Health 

- Our families back home - especially moms 

- For our hearts to grow 

Ready, set, go

We are off (Damian Peasley is my partner) .  We fly out of Des Moines at least. Chicago is quick. Then a while in Newark.  Tye to Brussels and finally to Kigali - Friday evening.  They are 7 hours ahead of us. 

I'm hoping to buy a case of Bibles while there for the pastors.  It's a long story but Bibles have really gone up in price. 

Another interesting twist is that a week ago the govejernment decided to close religious buildings that weren't safe (mosques and churches).. Safe meaning a variety of things from structure, to permits, to qualified pastors.  Our leader there told us his church and many others in the area did not meet on Sunday.  I know nothing of the politics and will not guess.  We are continuing and can't wait to get to training.

I'm so thankful for this chance to share my love of studying God's Word with people from a continent I love. 

Top prayer requests for today 

Travel mercies 

Good prep time together as we travel 

For each pastor involved in the training that thy will be able to join us and for refreshment and encouragement for them today to prepare them for our time together. 

Blessing For my wife and family at home 

Texts are free for me.  I'd love to hear from y'all.