Well…We’re Here!
July 9, 2007Sorry its taken so long for us to post on here…we had more difficulty finding a computer and internet than we thought (I guess we forgot we ARE in the middle of Africa). 
We arrived safely on Saturday night. After a long 25 hour travel, we touched down at Kigali International Airport (an airport that serves less than 10 flights a day) at 7:30pm. It took us a while to collect our luggage (50 bags). One HUGE praise is that NONE OF OUR LUGGAGE WAS LOST!!!
I am also pleased to report that no one has gotten sick on our team – another really big blessing.
Yesterday, after a very good breakfast (the food here is great), we attended Africa New Life Church’s Kindarwandan service (with a translator). While the worship was a little more animated than Immanuel’s, it was great to be able to praise God alongside our Rwandan brothers and sisters. The sermon, on Colossians 3, was given by “Pastor Steve” (Holley).
While “Pastor Steve” was giving his lesson on removing impure things from your life (along with his usual dose of humor), “Pastor Michael” (Connor) was an hour and 45 minutes away, preaching at another service.
After church, we returned to the mission house and were able to relax during the afternoon. Several of the team members went outside of the gated compound to play soccer and talk with the locals.
At 4:45, “Pastor Tim” (Pinkard) went back to the church to give a sermon to the youth. Most of the team stayed at the house to get ready for the Kanombe Boys who were coming for dinner.
We had a great time of fellowship with the Kanombe Boys, young men who formerly lived on the street or who were abused/neglected by their parents. We were excited to hear how they’ve come out of a horrific past (of drugs, alcohol, crime, and abuse) to where they are now. Africa New Life has done amazing work with them, and it was overwhelming to hear their testimonies.
Today, we will be working at the “Dream Center”, participating in a work with street children. This afternoon, we will visit the Kanombe Boys’ home as we will be painting there later this week.
Please continue to pray for our safety, health and ministry here in Rwanda. We are excited to be here, and thank you for your support…
-God Bless,
David Holley (for the rest of the team)
It was great hearing from you today. Thanks for keeping us updated, David. It’s great to get pictures, too. Praise the Lord for safe travels and luggage! I’m sure sleep felt great on Saturday night. We think of you often and pray for a fruitful time in Rwanda. All of you have special gifts from God, which He will ask you to use for His glory. Looking forward to hearing the great things He will let you do for Him and He will do through you. Excited for the opportunities that you will have.
Love, The Joyces
Please forgive this bit of business. Meg, did you take your malaria pill on Saturday? Pshew…I feel a lot better now that I’ve sent this message to you. We’re praying for you, miss you, and “rejoyce” in all that God has planned for you. Enjoy every minute of your time in Rwanda. Love you! Mom
Hey guys! So glad to hear that you’ve arrived safely & are so busy already. Just wanted to remind you that people all over the country are covering you in prayer. Yesterday at my mom’s church in Texas we lifted you up in prayer & I know that others were doing the same. I am so proud of you guys & all you are doing for God’s Kingdom. We love you & miss you greatly (already). Thank you so much David for keeping us updated here at home!
Big hugs & kisses to Jonathan/Daddy! (Don’t worry David you don’t actually have to deliver them…just tell him)
Kamber & Sara Grace Dancy
Yipee!! So glad to hear that you all have arrived safely and have already begun your ministry. We are praying for energy and wisdom as you go about God’s business today!
Love and Prayers to you all!
Diana Warden
Hey guys, glad to hear you (and the stuff) made it there safely. Our Bible Study group is praying for you and the people you will interact with in Rwanda. I know God will use you in wonderful ways as you glorify Him in all you do! A note to the Holleys: I talked with Drew on Saturday and all is well with him and the house!
God Bless!
Cheryl Shaffer
Hi all! You’re in my prayers and I look forward to hearing about how God is using you and blessing you through your kingdom service in Rwanda when you return.
Blessings,
Erin Smith
P.S. Meredith, we’ll have to have an ice cream date when you get back!
I’m so happy that you are there safely and just want you all to know that our church in Union City TN is praying for all of you. I know that God will supply all your needs as He has promised and give you everything you need to accomplish great things in His name. Haley, I love you and I’m so proud of you.
Munner
(Haley’s grandmother)
Dear Team Rwanda:
How great to be able to see the pictures of the team when we are so many miles away. We have been praying for your safe arrival and were so pleased to hear that you made it. David: That was a wonderful recap of your arrival and first day there. It was so well done that I could imagine being there. Meredith: Grandpa misses his good friend. Steve & Kathy: Drew came over on the 4th and we had a good time with him and he ate well that day! Maribeth is here with my groceries today and she showed me how to get into the blog. Everything is going okay. We look forward to more updates. Love, Mom & Grandma
Heather–You have such a big smile on your face in the team photo! I know that you’re having a wonderful time. Good news…Your final physics grade is a B! Congratulations!! Love, Mom
Dear Team!
I just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers. So glad that everything is going well! I loved your update David! I know that God is going to do wonderful things through all of you! You are going to make a difference in so many lives and the Kingdom will grow! How exciting!
God Bless each of you! Know that we are praying for all of you!
Many Blessings! Maribeth
Hey Meredith! Brady sends you a BIG SMACK! I miss you so much and can’t wait to hear all about your wonderful trip! Mimi
Howdy Jonathan,
Mark and Stacie Woodward here in Soonerland just wanting to let you know we are thinking and praying for you and your team. I know you all will be leaving an incredible impact on all those you meet and God puts in your path.
Jonathan: Aunt Lynnea and some of my friends are praying for you and the others. I know the LORD is with you and your team. I know you will make a difference for the LORD in everyones life that you come in contact with. Love Aunt Lynnea
Hey Beth Anne,
We love you and miss you. Glad to hear you are all healthy and safe. Are the Africans good soccer players? Lauryn is having a great time in Colorado Springs. Love, Mom and Dad
Hi Team:
Thanks for the update. I am very excited for all of you and know that God is using each of you with each of your very unique gifts to touch each and every precious life you serve. Hearing David’s account of your activities has touched me today in my office making me mindful of all the Blessings I enjoy. I know that many at IBC will be impacted by your testimonies in this blog and in what you share when you return. You will all continue to be in our prayers for safety, good health and that God would open the hearts of those that you come in contact.
In Him, DOC
Hey Paige,
You look like you are feeling better. I was worried when you left. I hope you all have a Wonderful time and most of all I pray that God will not only bless everyone that you come in contact with while you are there but also bless you heart. We miss you and think about you daily. Yvette says hello and Tyler and Taylor miss you.
Love ya,
MOm and Dad
Dear Team:
So glad you had a safe trip and that many prayers
were answered. My prayer is that God will be
glorified through each of you and that many souls
will come to know Him. Hi Tim and Elyssa, Mom misses
you both. God Bless each of you. Love and Prayers
Darlene Pinkard
MEG!!!!
Hey there! I hope Rwanda is so amazing! I miss you tons Megs…you have no idea. I’ve been praying for your time over there and wish I was there to see all that you are doing…take pictures so you can share with me your memories! I’m sure time is flying over there so be sure to soak up every moment! Love you and will continue to pray for you and your time! Make some contacts for me!
Kate
P.S. Don’t drink the water ;0)
We are praying for all of you…that you may be the very fragrance of Christ to those around you…that you may reflect the love of Christ that binds each of your hearts…that the Rwanda people will clearly see Christ in your words and actions and that the Lord will use you to draw souls into His kingdom. Amen!
Erin!
Man I can only imagine what you are experiencing right now! Is it anything what we thought it would be talking about it during the school year? Ah I cant’ wait for you to come home to hear all the stories!! God’s put you there for a reason girl, so shine a light into the darkness and let Christ be that light!!! I love you and am praying for you.
Mariah
say I to the team for me! I love youu!!!!
p.s. your rents were out of town so I figured I’d write you one
I meant say hi not I to the team for me haha oopsie
Blessings today to all of you on the Rwanda team! The prayers of God’s people are being lifted up all over the country (perhaps the world) for y’all, so walk in the grace, strength, wisdom, and love He will provide! What a privilege you each have to be representing and serving our King of Kings. Read Rev 5:9-13 today and be encouraged that you are having a part in that “new song” that will be sung to Him!
I hear there is tremendous heat in the D.C. area, and Okie-land is once again having rain, so enjoy those temps over there. And be sure to record memories so that you will never forget all He has done in and through you in Rwanda. Jonathan, we follow you daily on the schedule, and commit you to Him. Have a great time! We love you. Mom
Hello to all and especially to ERIN!
Many thanks to David for the blog and the photos. It is so great to see all of you and to know how you are doing. We miss you, Erin, and we are very proud of all of you. Know that your family and friends back home support you in prayer, Erin. May God work wonderful things through you and in you while you are in Rwanda.
Love, Mom
Erin,
I just realized that the whole family except Joseph and I are in different time zones. Ha!
Make lots of new friends, learn something cool to tell me about later. Praying that you are safe and having a great time in AFRICA!!!
p.s. Enjoy the “showers”! Remember, Jesus didn’t have a shower either
-from the VA,
Sarah
To the Team:
Exaplining why your sister is in Africa for two weeks is always a little interesting. But, I’ve had some really neat conversations with the most unlikely people because of a missions trip that my SISTER is on, not me!
You all are doing some great work over there, and the US, all at the same time.
So, stay safe, continue the good work, and thanks for making a commitment that allows me to share the gospel with others as I tell others ya’lls stories.
Hello Team-
I hope you all are having a great time! Megs, we miss you a lot! Make sure that you take tons of pictures,and I want to hear some stories. I’ll continue to be prayng for you guys. (Oh, and Megs, if anyone offers a marriage to you…make sure that you do not settle for anything less than 3 goats. Kidding!) Bye!
- Justin
Hi guys! Glad to hear you are safely there. Have been praying for you all–and will continue to do so. We had our parent’s meeting last night, and lifted you all up as well. REading the comments it sounds like you are well covered in prayer.
David, you’ve raised the bar for Megan and I on our team blog! Hope you guys will check us out when you get back. God bless, be well and stay safe!–lc
p.s Looks like you are living large–aren’t you supposed to be on a mission trip???
Team Rwanda- many praying for you here in VA. Trusting that you are seeing God at work via the Great Commission… every tribe, every tongue, every nation…
Megs- love you Pumpkin!
See you soon…
Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD!
We Praise the Lord for you, team Rwanda! Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you every minute of every day! Remember to Praise the Lord in all things! May God richly bless each of you in amazing ways…
Matthew, we love and miss you bunches. It was great to see you in the pictures… Hope you are having an incredible time and we can’t wait to hear all that Christ is writing on your heart.
Love, Dad & Momma
Dear Erin: We love you, we miss you, we are praying for you. Still hoping you can meet James. Give our best to everyone on the trip.
Love, Dad
Erin Bug!
We love you! You look so good in the photos and the smiles on the children’s faces are priceless. Thank you to the pastors for this blog site which allows us back home to get a tiny glimpse of what you are experiencing. I pray for you daily knowing God will do great things.
Love Mom
PS Tell Carley and Paige “Mommy Mackie” says hi!
Elesa
it was good seeing you and all of your friends. may God bless you all. have fun and be safe.
Auntie and Boys
Elesa, i’m so proud of you. hope you and your friends have a great time and may God bless you all.
your family in KY
the many faces…brings tears to my eyes…it is quite overwhelming to see the actual faces of the children…may the Lord bless all of you today, binding you together as a team…astonishing you with His awesome power…creating in you a heart that is mushy, desiring to speak His life giving message.
we are so proud of all of you.
What an opportunity you “Guys” have been given to serve Christ in such a wonderful way. The photos are wonderful. I applaud you for serving God as you share his truths with his people around the world. I pray for great success in this mission and good health, safety and safe travel for all! Know that you continue to be covered in prayer!
Jonathan – thanks for your sharing your “girls” with me while you are gone. I am making sure they are rested and well taken care of. Our love to you!
Enjoy the rest of this awesome journey!
Pam Little (Kamber’s Mom)
Matt-Mu!!!
Sorry I haven’t written earlier but I didn’t know that there was a blog to post on. Momma told me at lunch today. It has been so quiet without you and Tyler here.
Love you and miss you bunches! Be safe
When I went to Bible Study, lots of people asked for you, especially Kevin. He told me that He really missed you and Tyler. People missed your comments and input. Rachel had come home this week due to a broken toe and was really looking forward to seeing you there. But she sends her hello and her prayers.
I have been praying you guys daily. And I know that you are doing the work of God…keep it up!
-Myranda
I know you all are busy, busy and computer time is rare…please ask Katie if she knows where the binoculars might be. Thanx!
Paige,
I sent you a comment yesterday but it didn’t post. Just wanted to wish you a HAPPY SWEET 16! We miss you and are praying for you daily. We were glad to hear that you enjoyed the Safari. Can’t wait to see all of your pictures.
We love you,
Happy Birthday
Dad,Mom,Dalton,Bailee and Curtis and Michael
Uncle Greg, Aunt Jayne and family Uncle Chris, and Grandma and Grandpa Barnett.
They sent you a comment also but it didn’t post either.
Hey guys, i dont know everyone but i’m glad you all made it and i just want to say hi to all my friends over there and i really miss you guys! And Erin 300 is coming out when you get back! so you have to watch it. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Elyssa & Tim,
Keep up the good work! My prayers are with you.
Uncle Les