Road to Rwanda---Church, Mpox, Forests

 

So many things to pray about.

The church situation here has not been resolved.  On the one hand, people are being encouraged/forced to speak directly to and learn from our Father, rather than having a “go between” that many are too dependent on.  But there are pastors who are suffering financially, but also because their God imbued mandate to preach, and shepherd is being stifled.  There are also congregants who really are lost without the guidance provided by the weekly church meetings.

There are only 4 known cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in Rwanda, but not so in neighboring countries.  Rwanda’s government is very proactive.  Last Monday a health official visited VVA and told us that handwashing, such as was directed during covid, was being re-implemented.  I was impressed how the students so very joyfully (and I mean joyfully) complied with handwashing dictates.  My older students smiled and said, “I would sure rather do this than go into lock down.”  They remember the strict covid restrictions here in Rwanda very well, where noncompliance with regulations resulted in them occasionally being detained in the stadium. 

I guess one of the biggest matters of prayer, however, is about the forested lot next to the school.  This is a plot of ground zoned as forest.  It was a pretty place with large eucalyptus trees shading our walk to and from school.  Last Monday we were shocked to see what had happened over the weekend.  The clear cutting of the lot had begun.  Massive trees were felled. I would be teaching and sometimes two trees during a class period would tumble down outside my window.  One felt like stopping and praying as each one fell before our eyes. Our understanding was that someone had bought the right to cut down mature trees, which happens at times.  Instead, they were clear cutting the entire area.  The rumor is that they are going to turn it into a parking lot for large vehicles.  Use your imagination as to what teaching next to that noise and pollution would be.  Eucalyptus trees, be they ever so exotic, are really scrub trees not indigenous to Africa, but imported from Australia by Europeans in the late 1800’s.  They have completely invaded the area and the indigenous foliage has been stifled. Perhaps if God stops the execution of the plans for the parking lot, we can reforest the area with local growth? There are only some large stumps left of our “forest” right now. Please help us pray. 

Another area right now, is just what is facing many of us in this age range. Within the past few weeks, the husband of a cousin, and now another cousin is dying.  I remember my dad, who lived to be 90, said that he and mom were about the only ones left of their generation AND the generation after them.  I guess that is what we need to anticipate.  We are so very thankful for the hope we have in Jesus.

Thank you for the prayers that are offered for us and those around us during these times.  A positive note is that school is off to a very good start.