Howdy,

Before I launch into a brief account of happenings here I want to again extend a sincere “thank you” to everyone on the other end of this email/blog entry. Your prayers, financial support, and encouraging messages are why I’m here and what enable me to keep on with the Lord’s work here in Kigali.

Since my last update I have split the majority of my time between tying up loose ends with my research data and assisting with a pastor training in a remote region of Rwanda called Cyangugu. I was able to report to these Anglican pastors of how the savings groups they were learning to promote in their communities had been powerfully impacting the lives of their fellow countrymen(women) in the region that I’ve been doing research. It was a true blessing to hear of their desire to help their church and community members beyond just praying for them. With these savings groups they see a tool to teach them about God’s love for them as well as to help them provide for themselves and their families.

In Cyangugu, which is on the southern border of Rwanda and Congo, I had the privilege of seeing the sun rise over fishermen bringing in their boats on Lake Kivu, and set on the majestic congolese mountains on the opposite side of the lake. I also heard the tragic tale of eastern Congo from many of the pastors at the training. This region has seen war and suffering for generations and is currently one of the messiest places on the planet. As it has been explained to me, significantly more people have died in Eastern Congo than in Darfur over the same period of time. This place certainly needs to be in our prayers.

I’m almost done with my research. Tomorrow I’m meeting with Urwego (a bank for the poor here in Rwanda) clients and then I’ll begin the tedious task of analyzing my notes to develop a final report. Next week I’ll attempt to complete the report and develop a presentation of my report for the Archbishop and many other staff of the Anglican Church.

That pretty much outlines the work I have remaining here. I find myself ready to be done and at the same time not ready to return to the world of Wal-Mart and Starbucks. There is a very therapeutic element to being forced to live slowly like I often am here.

Now for some prayer requests:

1. Pray that my time interviewing the Urwego clients would be fruitful and that they would be open in their sharing with me.
2. Pray for guidance as I try to determine what to include in my final report. I have a mountain of data to sift through and right now I feel overwhelmed by what I want to say while not sure what I should say
3. Pray that the reality of the gospel would penetrate my heart, my actions, my relationships, my attitudes, and bring me rely on the Lord for my strength and sustenance.
4. Pray for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as for the people of Zimbabwe. Pray for peace in these places as well as the spreading of the good news of the Kingdom of God.
5. Pray for the friends and family of my classmate Ben Entwistle. Ben tragically died of a sort of heart infection while in transit to get treatment. His passing is a reminder to us all that our days are numbered and I am encouraged the think about that as I live.

Thanks for your prayers, and as I’ve said before, please feel free to let me know how I can be praying for you.

Now for a top ten list:

The top ten reasons to not get a hair cut in Rwanda.

10. Jesus probably didn’t get his hair cut here.

9. 99% of hair salons have nothing slightly resembling scissors. They almost exclusively use clippers here.

8. When you ask, “do you want to know what kind of cut I want?” the barber will say “we will discuss” and then proceed with the cutting. (no discussion)

7. There is no word in Kinyarwanda for “a trim.”

6. I have very big ears.

5. 99.9% of Rwandan males have very very very short hair.

4. The barber won’t give you his name. When I asked my barber what his name was he said my name is “Dabarba.” (or the barber). I don’t trust a barber who won’t tell you his name.

3. There was no visible sanitation process for the hair cutting utensils.

2. The first thing “Dabarba” said when he was starting to cut my hair was, “Your hair is very nice, I can cut this hair very very nice. You will like.”

1. In Rwandan culture it is looked highly upon when you appear younger. Needless to say, a 21 year old looking about 13 has got to be an exception…..

I’d like to close with a verse of scripture that has been a real encouragement to me recently. Blessings to you all.

Hebrews 4:14-16

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

peace,

will