July Prayer Letter

Dear Family and friends,

Greetings from Rwanda. As you are preparing for the July 4th celebration, we are still rejoicing in the graduation of the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS). Since we have a 12-month calendar for studies, usually graduation is held in late September or early October, but this year it was postponed until June so that we could hold it at the new campus of PIASS in Karongi, in the western province. The delay was so the new building could be finished and inaugurated. The building was not complete, but the graduation was held there all the same. It was a major undertaking. Since most of our classes are held on the main campus in Huye, where I live, almost everyone and everything had to be transported to Karongi. Several of the staff went ahead of time to set up the venue. On graduation day, June 19, the rest of us followed in an elaborate caravan. We gathered at 5:30 a.m. to board 10 buses. Each person had been assigned a bus number and climbed aboard accordingly. At 5:50 a.m. the police escort arrived, and we pulled out for the three-hour trip. At each district line, the escort handed over responsibility to the new district police representative and we proceeded. This was done with military precision.

[ngg src="galleries" ids="644" display="pro_horizontal_filmstrip" show_captions="1"]Once at the site, we were quickly herded to the new building to have refreshments and get robed for the academic procession. The open field in front of the building had been set up with tents and a PA system. Family members and guests were seated and awaiting the procession. The atmosphere was electric with excitement for the 283 graduates in theology, education and development studies. We processed to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” The “non-tradition” for non-Rwandans was the performance of a traditional dance group with drum accompaniment. After the conferring of degrees and speeches, the gathering was invited to dinner at several venues in the area. At 5 p.m. promptly, we began the caravan again, with police escort, back to Huye, rejoicing in the festivities of the day and reflecting on those who had graduated and were now prepared to begin their careers. Our theology students went off immediately to new parishes to serve God and the people. It was a satisfying day. The next day, classes resumed for the current students as we continue with our teaching and learning.

Please pray for these graduates and for the students still studying to serve God. The future is in their hands. Your support of my ministry here is making it possible for me to teach these students. You are a significant part of what God is doing here. Thank you. I ask that you continue your support of me and the ministry. Together we are making a difference. May God bless you for your part in the future of Rwanda.

Yours in Christ,

Kay (Cathie to the family)