It’s Harvest Time, Let’s Celebrate! 
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Pastor Tertullien, our Discipling for Development (D4D) leader in Rwanda, said, “Tell Debby and our Navigator coaches that it’s time to reap the results of all the seeds you’ve sown in past years!” Tertullien’s letter goes on, as follows:
We are praising God that many of our D4D leaders are doing well. Our national church leaders have good testimonies from applying D4D principles in their lives. For example, they are building their own homes, and even putting in place pastoral retirement plans (something that has long been a need).
We see that D4D has impacted the Evangelical Friends Church of Rwanda as a whole. Our mentees also demonstrate more holistic transformation than seen in past years.
We are expanding by crossing denominational lines here in Rwanda, mentoring leaders in Congo and Burundi, and we hope to send our own missionaries to other countries. We thank God for new leaders who will continue the work with D4D as we continue expanding. For sure the kingdom of God is coming in Africa! We have a tool!
Even though COVID-19 has been challenging, it has become an opportunity to use the D4D “problem solving process” and to discover different ways of doing things, to expand our understanding, and to continue to do evangelism and discipleship.
When we recently visited our D4D communities, we saw the difference our way of thinking makes. The people we are working with have progressed! Family education is more purposeful and effective. Personal Development Plan achievements are more successful. We see God at work even in the difficulties.
After sharing Tertullien’s texts with my wife Debby, she said, “We confronted the barriers of dependency, poverty mindset, so many unmet needs of our pastors and their families, as well as the overall poverty of our believers. We praise God that he gave the insight to overcome those barriers!” Tertullien goes on to say:
We celebrate pastors’ holistic transformation, moving out of dependency. Our testimonies will make your tears for happiness. You will harvest your seeds sown. We have seen that you were prophets, and your prophetic messages are now fulfilled.
How? In the lives of our pastors and the lives of our Christians. In the transformation of various communities like Musovu and Kirambo. Our Friends Church denomination is now independent. Our new leadership structure, our decision making, our yearly meeting and local church leadership – all are self-supporting in every way.
Our mind set has totally changed!
PhotosTop Right: Leader’s Retreat at Tertullien and Verena’s House.Top Left: John Paul’s new house in Kigali.Bottom Left: Tertullien and Verena hosting leaders at their home. |
English (United States) 
Spanish