For nothing will be impossible with God.
Luke 1:37
It’s hard to fully describe the impact my first trip to Rwanda made on me, but I’ll try. I had been involved with the Mustard Seed Project for several years, and had sponsored some children at the school that they had built in Musanze, Rwanda. I knew the background of the genocide that had occurred there in 1994, and the rebuilding efforts still taking place. When my church at that time offered a mission trip to actually go there, I signed up with some nervousness at what it would be like, but a lot of excitement too.
What I encountered in Rwanda showed me the power of God in a way I had never experienced. It truly drove home the message that through Him ALL things are possible. If you can imagine hearing the story of someone whose neighbor had killed her husband, with the person who committed the crime standing next to her holding her hand – that is what I saw. I was completely overwhelmed with Jesus’ never-ending grace and mercy. This type of radical forgiveness flows throughout Rwanda, showing Jesus at work in people’s hearts and serving as an inspiration that nothing is impossible with the help of His saving grace.
There were many other lessons. I had cultural training prior to the mission trip, and the lessons of cold vs. warm cultures were covered. These lessons resonated while we were there - I found that relationships were prioritized, and agendas and time didn’t have the same importance. The time I spent in worship and fellowship with my friends there is still so precious in my memory, and I am still in regular communication with those friends.
Going to Rwanda transformed my life, and I am so grateful for the experience. Even if it is not possible to go physically, I find that my memories and correspondence with friends cause me to take a step back and think about my priorities; and if priorities have drifted (again), to set them right, with God being first.
I highly encourage you to take the virtual journey to Rwanda. I believe there is the possibility that you too will experience transformation.
God bless you!
Stacey
