09
Feb

Greetings from World Relief

Greetings from World Relief Headquarters in Rwanda!

The past two days have been absolutely amazing. Sunday we broke up into several groups to visit local Rwandan churches. I’m not sure how long you spent in church, but in Rwanda church is generally a three or more hour affair. We actually left ours a bit early, and we had been there for three and a half hours! But let me assure you, it certainly did not feel like it. Plenty of singing, dancing, and speaking filled our time, and it was definitely cool to see how Rwandans worship.

Today we spent much of our day at World Relief HQ, meeting the staff and having very in-depth sessions learning about World Relief, the Rwandan Church, Missions, and World Relief’s programs. It was definitely an amazing experience that really raised lots of questions and was a transforming experience for us.

Tomorrow we’ll be going out in the field to see more of what World Relief does in person. We look forward to reporting back!

Filed under: Photos

21 Comments

  1. Roxy wrote on February 9, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    how wonderful! i am definitely praying for you guys! can’t wait to see pictures!!!! :)

  2. Carl wrote on February 10, 2009 at 10:47 am

    Very exciting guys! Can’t wait to hear how things progress…. praying for you all!

  3. juliaspoppies wrote on February 10, 2009 at 11:03 am

    so cool. i’m so excited to hear the stories. praying for ya’ll too!

  4. Claudia / Abby wrote on February 10, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Claudia: Hey Abby… Nat Bing’s b-day is tomorrow. We should totally do something!

    Abby: Yeah, we should… hmmm…… maybe tin foil her cube?

    Claudia: Like she wanted for christmas?

    Abby: Yeah. It’s a stupid idea, but we could do it.

    Claudia: Okay. Do you know when she’ll be in tomorrow?

    Abby: Um… well, if she gets up on time, probably around 10:30. We could stay late and do it tonight. What do you have going on.

    Claudia: Walkley told me there was an FLP party tonight at Rich’s. I was thinking about hitting that up.

    Abby: Hey! Maybe Carl and I can come!

    Claudia: Okay, so tin foil and then we’ll go see the ponies.

    Abby: Like our 3 wise ponies in the mansion!!! BTW. Has Natalie been sick this week or something. I haven’t seen her.

    Claudia: Um… Abby. I just remembered, she’s in Africa.

    Abby: Oh yea! All the future leaders are. That’s why it’s been so quiet around here! So we have a whole week to decorate!

    Claudia: yeaaaa! Let’s start making an idea list…

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NAT! (the barbie mansion isn’t the same without you)

    Love, Claudia and Abby!

  5. Jamie wrote on February 10, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    oh yeah… i forget you’re ahead of us.

    That was the most random bday message from abby & claudia! :) I will go for more of a traditional wish: HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAT!!! We didn’t forget!

  6. A wrote on February 10, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Why is Natali in Africa? Is she okay? Where in Africa is she, is she in Kenya? Is she going there to learn new kool worship ideas for KQ or is she on vacay doing a safari or maybe a gazelle hunt? What a fun way to celebrate a birthday! Our department is missing her.

  7. Tracy Bingham wrote on February 10, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    I am praying for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance and Spirit to fill all of you as you minister to the Rwanda nation and to each other. Blessings 100x for all of you.

    Happy Birthday Natalie–You are wonderful!! I totally miss talking to you all the time.

  8. ms spilhaus wrote on February 10, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    sounds like you guys are having a great time! I check this about 1000 times a day , hungry for news.
    I cant wait to hear about all the amazing stuff you are all doing and to see pics .
    Miss you Ryan
    Love Mom

  9. Andy Bingham wrote on February 10, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    Happy Birthday Natalie!! I love you with all my heart!

    Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Rom 15:13

    Love, Dad

  10. Mark Bing wrote on February 11, 2009 at 4:50 am

    I tried to think of something hilarious, but nothing really came to mind. So, I guess… Yeah.
    Happy Birthday Nertalie.
    From,
    Da brother.

    p.s. Do you have any markers I can borrow? I PROMISE I’ll give them back.

  11. Andy & Tracy wrote on February 11, 2009 at 8:32 am

    We are praying for all of you.

    Happy Birthday Natalie-miss you and love you!!
    hugs, Mom & Dad

  12. Alessandra Torres wrote on February 11, 2009 at 9:19 am

    It’s so awesome to hear about everything you all are doing. I’m praying for you all! Can’t wait to hear all the great stories :D Miss you!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAT!!!!!!

    <3 Alessandra!

  13. Roxy wrote on February 11, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Happy Birthday, Nat!

    Chris, thank you so much for my beautiful roses! Such a sweet surprise! You are the most amazing boyfriend..ever! I am going to TRY and not watch LOST without you tonight (it just wouldn’t be the same)!

    Praying for you guys!

  14. Elizabeth Sophia Rosario wrote on February 11, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Happy Birthday Natalie! You go girl.

  15. Judy wrote on February 11, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Hi Ryan and team,
    I love reading about what you are experiencing. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about everything you have done and experienced. You are in my prayers every day.
    Love, Aunt Judy

  16. Jacki Abbey wrote on February 12, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Dear Rich, Lauren, Alero and Ryan,

    So glad to hear that everything is going so well for you. I think about you every single day and am praying for each of you, that you will be united as team, effective in your ministry, a blessing to those you are serving, and open to all that the Lord has for you while you are on the ground.

    Lots of Love,

    Jacki

  17. Michael wrote on February 12, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    Hello Distant Future leaders. By the time you read this message, it is I that will be in the Future. But right now I am in past. For you all, Missions is traveling through the Space/Time Continuum. You all must finish your quest before you can return, our the world will cease to be as we know it.

    This message may not make any sense now but during day 2 of jet lag, you will fully understand. Then come find me.

  18. Machina Brooks wrote on February 12, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    Ryan. I would like to hear more about this trip. I am very interested in how the team is doing. I am praying for great things.

  19. Debbie Szabo wrote on February 12, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Hi all: Definitely praying for you all that the Spirit of our Lord will work mightily in and through you as you serve each other and those in the country.

    “Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him because we trust in His Holy name. Let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:18-22

  20. ms spilhaus wrote on February 12, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    I’m praying for more news!
    And … that you all are having an amazing time.
    Marysue

  21. Abby wrote on February 12, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    I can’t wait to hear how the prayer retreat went! Praying so much. miss you all so much!