Rwanda
Rwanda, once home to ethnic violence, is making aggressive efforts toward recovery. The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda is a driving force in this recovery through its education, health, social justice, and rural development programs.
Leonard Byenda is a faithful evangelist who receives nothing for his service and walks miles every day for the love of his congregations and God. The congregations that Leonard serves run a program called My Neighbor in the Mpushi area of the province of Gitarama. This program reaches out to people in need, such as to older people who don’t have children to take care of them. Using the little they have, members of My Neighbor provide food, clothes, and assistance. They are humble people serving humble neighbors in God’s name.
Zimbabwe
How does the church of Jesus Christ in Zimbabwe demonstrate the goodness of the good news? Part of the answer may be found in this story by the Rev. P. Chirongo of Chinhoyi, sent by regional liaisons Ted and Sue Wright: “In April I was going to a Holy Communion service at one of the eight rural outstations I serve. After waiting several hours for a lift, I finally caught a Scotch cart — a wagon pulled by oxen — so a fifteen-minute journey took me two hours. I thanked God as I offered the service. The people were very encouraging, but what encouraged me most was this inner voice saying, ‘Fear not; I am with you.’"
Partners/Ministries
Presbyterian Church in Rwanda: Dr. Elisee Musemakweli, president
Christian Council of Rwanda: Rev. Emmanuel Nkusi, general secretary
Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Harare Synod [Zimbabwe]: Rev. Joseph Juma, general secretary, Rev. Lebias Boloma, deputy general secretary
Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, Presbytery of Zimbabwe: Rev. Tinashe Chemvumi, presbytery clerk, Rev. Paul Neshangwe, moderator
Zimbabwe Christian Council: Rev. Densen Mafinyani, general secretary
Presbytery Partnerships [Rwanda]: Presbytery of Kiskiminetas
Presbytery Partnership [Zimbabwe]: Presbytery of Denver with Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Elder Rob Bullock, GAC
Cherrie Burch, FDN
Holy one, we pray for deliverance. But we thank you also that our partners have not forgotten justice. They continue to show mercy, and they walk every day — or sometimes ride in ox carts — while many of us want to run. Make us a prayerful people for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Ps. 42, 146 Ps. 102, 133
Isa. 58:1–12
2 Tim. 1:1–14; Mark 9:42–50
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