Ipswich Christians support Rwanda
Ipswich Christians have done much over the last year to encourage and help the church in Rwanda, including the visit of Bishop Nigel in August. Secretary of Rwanda Direct, Jean Daltry, summarises an eventful year as follows:-
May – a visit by Phineas Zimulinda, CMS partner linked to St. Helen’s Church. Phineas heads up training for the pastors and church leaders in Byumba Diocese, NW Rwanda.
Rwanda Direct sent £1000 for printing booklets/teaching materials in Kinyarwanda for training pastors.
June – Louis Muvunyi was consecrated as Bishop, now Bishop of Kigali Diocese. Paul attended, taking our 2 printers, the robes and an Episcopal ring generously donated by our Bishop Nigel. The 2 Bishops met in August.
Rwanda Direct sent £677 for Bishop Louis’ robes, £1300 for 2 scholarships for theological training, £800 to Ceformi Anglican Technical College for tools and equipment, and £160 to cover the cost of the TWAM container space delivering water project equipment.
Paul Daltry also saw the cows at the Kigali Anglican Theological College (KATC), for which we fund-raised over Chrstmas 2009. There are 2 cows and now also 1 calf, plus milk for the College students and manure for the land – great value for money!
August – Bishop Nigel and Caroline, Paul Daltry and Jean stayed at Scripture Union (SU) Kigali on their way to Tanzania. Their luggage included a large keyboard and printer for SU.
Rwanda Direct sent to SU –
- Sewing and knitting machines for income generating project with widows
- £1000 for Youth Camps held in July
- A keyboard for use with Youth Camps
- A printer and cartridges
- £1000 to maintain the internet connection
Also in August elections were held in Rwanda and President Kagame was returned to power for a 3rd period of office (7 years). The country is still seeing rapid development, much of it in the capital. Pray for wisdom in government and fairness for all.
September – Antoine Rutayisire was appointed Director of KATC and has since written an encouraging 5 year plan to develop the training of clergy across Rwanda, both those who will study in English and those already in ministry who only speak Kinyarwanda.
Rwanda Direct sent 2 printers and cartridges, and £2,000 to help with student fees.
January 2011 – Emanuel Ngendahayo was enthroned as Bishop of Byumba. His wife Vicky is now helping lead the Hannah project there – great celebrations!
Rwanda Direct sent – £480 to the Hannah Project supporting their work with Child Headed families.
Bishop Onesphore Rwaje (some of you will remember his visit to St Luke’s) moved to Kigali and was enthroned as Archbishop of Rwanda.
So as you can see it has been a year of significant changes in the leadership of the Anglican Church in Rwanda and we have been able to stand alongside them in prayer and in helping in what small ways we can. We will never ceased to be amazed by how much is achieved by them. The emails that come back to us show how much our support means to them.
Antoine, Director of KATC wrote:-
“Thanks Paul. As the chairman of SU Rwanda, it is my great joy to hear you are raising funds to help us with a major investment. We are glad of the £2000 and the promise to keep praying for us. That is already a great encouragement.
For KATC this year will be a transition year when we will be working with the Dioceses to develop their leadership plans and from there we will consolidate that into a Provincial leadership development plan, and from there we will start implementing. Everybody seems thrilled with the idea and I’m sure that will help us serve the church on its own terms and realitied rather than just creating a college for the sake of delivering ‘degrees’. Keep us in your prayers and do support us with what you gate as the Lord provides.
With blessings and gratitude”
Antoine
Back on the Home front
Cliff Lane Primary School has started a link with Alpha Academy ( a Primary School run by Bishop Louis’ wife, Winnie, in Kigali) and letter were sent out in January. No news yet of any replies.
So what of the future?
There is so much that could be done but your support is essential. Please include Rwanda in your prayers. There is a Rwanda Prayer Meeting on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 13 Tovells Road at 8pm. Everyone welcome.
Scripture Union is in great financial difficulty as their sleeping accommodation is not up to standard so they are losing income. Andy Isles and Rwanda Direct are supporting them in trying to develop an income generating Sports Centre/Gym. If you have business knowledge and would like to help please speak to a Committee member.
Would you consider supporting Rwanda Direct either by a one off donation or by regular giving? If so Barbara Willingham, our treasurer, would love to hear from you!
Rwanda Direct is a charity set up by the Ipswich Churches of St Helen's, Holy Trinity and St Luke's working in Rwanda
For more information contact
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