Fred Mitchell, Kay Smith and Mark Phoebus traveled to Rwanda from June 29 until July 06, 2023.
They visited the people of Gitarama, Nyarubuye, BUHA, Nyaruguru, Huye, Mugombwa, Nyarusange, Nyamata and Kigali.
There was much talking, hugging, praying and singing, a joyful and spirit-filled learning experience indeed.
Fred, Kay and Mark were very grateful for your daily prayers as they traveled halfway around the world, serving in a way that many of us cannot.
Click on pictures to see possible captions.
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 1
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 1
Friends,
We safely arrived in Brussels, had a nearly 4-hour layover then a 9-hour flight to Kigali. The flights were packed, but pleasant.
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 2
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 2
What a joyous reunion of friends in Rwanda. We were so thankful and to be in Rwanda. The flights were long, but comfortable.
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 3
Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 3
What a powerful and joyful day July 1 was. What a privilege it has been to be sent as your representatives here in Rwanda. The beauty of the day was beyond words.
Dresses…Day 3 we visited Gitwe Parish. What a beautiful congregation full of life and hope and wishes to serve their community. We were able to give out a number of dresses and shorts. The pictures will tell you of the beauty of the moment.
The women were in the middle of their 48-hour prayer and fasting…prayer for us and for Kiskiminetas Presbytery.
If only you could be here to experience it!
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to represent you with our partnership friends in Rwanda.
Celebration!Rwanda Mission Trip, Day 4
We spent the morning at our partner church in Nyarubuye. What a joyful celebration, and dedication of the new Sanctuary. Kay delivered the sermon about the Parable of the mustard seed. Mark spoke about the importance of partnership on both Calvary/Nyarubuye level as well as on Kiskiminetas Presbytery level. We also handed out some more dresses. Wonderful, joyful, exciting morning!! The final of the three photos taken are outside the front door of the church. You can hardly imagine the beauty of that place!!
Continuing
Visiting Nyakizu sub-Parish. Mudding the interior walls side by side with our brethren and exchanging greetings. Also visited Mugombwa sub-Parish, partnered with Apollo United Presbyterian Church, another Kiskiminetas Presbytery congregation.
We inaugurated their new church.
On Sunday, we visited Buha Parish. They received a water well through the Kiskiminetas Partnership. They struggle with renovation of the manse.
Rwanda Mission Trip -July 4.
We traveled along bumpy roads and AMAZING vistas to visit Nyarusange Parish to see a water well paid for by Kiskiminetas Presbytery. It was another joy-filled day. Simply amazing! Nyarusange Parish is looking for a partner church.
Rwanda Mission Trip, July 5, 2023
On July 5th we solemnly visited the Nyamata Genocide Memorial where 10,000 people were slain, and 45,000 are buried. There are no words to explain what we saw and felt here.
Rwanda Mission Trip, Our final day...
We will remember the fresh fruit, and the tamarillos and passion fruit.
Breakfast. Potatoes, egg, tamarillo, pineapple, Papaya, watermelon, pineapple, and a piece of French toast with honey. Fish stew was also available.
We arrived at the airport. We were all at once, sad to leave our wonderful friends, happy to soon see our families, and exhausted from our adventures. What a wonderful journey it was.
Rwanda Mission Trip – Team headed home.
As we passed through Kigali on our way to the airport, we were blessed to spend time with Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, leader of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda.
We were able to learn from several department leaders about the many projects and initiatives that the Presbyterian Church is doing for its members and the communities in Rwanda. Amazing!
Rwanda Mission Team – Home!
We arrived home Friday evening, exhausted but joyful. The flying was long, but easy, our hearts were so full! A shower and some rest completed our journey!
