All too often, we judge a book by its cover, a person by their past and sometimes even a nation by its history.  When we bring up the nation of Rwanda, North Americans often think of the genocide that happened in 1994.   Our awareness of this genocide may well only be because of the movie 'Hotel Rwanda.'   Over a million people were killed in a 100 day period during that time, and to this day this nation is unfairly judged as a place that is unsafe and as a place where murder, racism and genocide had their way. 

My eyes were opened to a people who refused to be labelled as Hutu or Tutsi today which were the tribal groups that divided them.  Today the people proudly declare themselves to be simply Rwandans, and the rebuilding of their beautiful nation has been nothing short of a miracle from God.   It was a life-changing day for me at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where I learned about the history that led up to a genocide and saw how horrible man can become without God.   I have never been so emotionally overwhelmed, literally sobbing out loud as I saw how children's lives were brutally taken and entire villages were wiped out through a demonic hatred.   

The Apostle Paul wrote that were sin abounds, God's grace abounds much more.  Where darkness tried to have its way, this is precisely the place where the Gospel needs to go.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot put it out.   In May 2016, we were privileged to be able to preach in numerous churches throughout Rwanda, ministering to leaders in Kigali and across the nation as they fulfill the call of God to restore a nation. 

This trip started out with some challenging moments as visa issues almost prevented it from happening, but the hand of God was shown before boarding the first flight in Canada, and many lives were impacted in our time there with our team from Saskatchewan of Pastor Paul Dubois from Melfort, Pastor Perry Hubick from Saskatoon, and Pastor Brett Watson from Canora and myself.   Once again God showed His greatness and His faithfulness by opening doors and providing His supernatural power and provision as we touched lives throughout Rwanda.    

Lives were impacted throughout Israel by our team of Brad & Kimberly Mayer and Dennis & Verona Bueckert.   We ministered in Messianic Congregations throughout the nation and touched lives of those taking classes at Living Israel which is a ministry to those who used to struggle with addictions.  It was great to walk in the land where Jesus walked and share the message of evangelism to those called to make an impact from this great nation.   The Gospel went forth in Hebrew, Russian and Arabic through the help of gifted translators.

Our heart is to find the outreach workers and those called to evangelism and God always graciously provides these connections, including a taxi driver from an Arabic speaking congregation who shares his faith daily with people from multiple nationalities and various religions.    We were able to connect with influential national leaders in the Messianic congregations of Israel, including Ari Sorkoram and Israel Pochtar, who have made a great impact throughout Israel and around the world.    

No visit to Israel would be complete without seeing some of the powerful history that is throughout the nation.   Highlights for us included visits to the Western Wall, the Dead Sea, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Sea of Galilee and of course, the empty tomb.   Israel is being impacted with the Gospel and it was a privilege to be a part of what God is doing there. 

Lives were impacted in January 2016 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.   Jared Hanishewski and Brad Mayer ministered in several local churches and saw many come to Christ, and many respond to the call to evangelize.    One man walked up after a service and shared that his eyes were healed after a story about healing was shared.   Jared shared at some children's outreaches and many leaders were exhorted and encouraged.    We were able to minister on a national TV program and on the radio in Puerto Plata as well. 

The hand of God was on us as we ministered and travelled into some neighbourhoods where few outsiders ever go.   God showed His faithfulness and protection by providing a man of God who was in the military to travel with us.  His being with us was a vital key to us getting home safe and sound, and also enabling the word of God to go forth throughout the nation of the Dominican Republic.  

Prophetic words were spoken over us that confirmed the callings within our hearts.   It was great to make connections with God's people in this island nation, and for God to use them to speak into our hearts as we spoke into theirs.