Taking it In

Cameraman Mark was always a big hit

We are spending a few days resting following the time in Rwanda before we head home. This is not just “down” time or a chance to have ‘fun” (although I hope that will happen), but we have been drinking from a fire-hose the last week, and while it has been tremendously refreshing we’re trying to get a sense of what we might have missed, as well as coming to grips with where we have been and what we have seen.

I think I could write a book on Sonrise School following our visit, or at least several sermons, but I want to put down just a few thoughts to help bring you into the frame. Following our 2 hour ride up the mountains into some breathtaking and wondrous landscapes, we arrived at Sonrise School. Of course, I was asked to preach immediately, but following the long journey they agreed to have me share a greeting with the primary school children who were gathered for their usual time of fellowship and worship in St. Michael’s Chapel. As we entered in the back they began to sing and raise up their voices in welcome and greeting—I was met not only with friendly and eager faces but with rushing emotions.

Jason visits with Richard, the academic Prefect

The next day we toured the Primary and High Schools, meeting students and having a chance to ask questions of the administrators that took us around. One thing is crystal clear: Redeemer Church Chicago (as we’re known there) has been the key support for this school, in terms of not only ongoing operational funding, but relationally. We are known, and loved, and appreciated. As Jimmy, Assistant Principal of the Primary School introduced us to classes, he said the following : “We can call them our brothers and sisters, and that is true; we can call them our friends and those who love us, and that is true; we can call them our fathers and mothers, and that is certainly true, but we owe a tremendous debt to those from Redeemer Church who love us and stand with us, and have listened to God in being with us”. Put yourself in our place, at that time, and maybe your knees will be as weak as mine were. It was humbling beyond words.

Sonrise is a place of joy, but scratch the surface and you will find the stories of loss and tragedy. They don’t focus on it, but you cannot ignore these stories in a country that lost a million of its citizens in three months just 15 short years ago. We interviewed high school students that started at Sonrise in the beginning (2001) and are looking forward to graduation. These young people are mature and inquisitive and committed and fun—qualities that have come because of grace and the love and care of others, and their own determination and faith.  In contrast, the country is a home for the walking wounded who have never yet found a way out or through their torments.  In our first day in Kigali we met a young woman, the same age as these Sonrise High Schoolers, who continues to live in the despair of the loss of her family, and she can see no way out. There are so many like her who need so much. That’s the kind of healing and transformation that the school has provided, and it has not only made a difference for those attending, but for the whole nation, as it has become a beacon and example.

For example, the new head of the Rwanda Development Board (the man overseeing all new initiatives in this rapidly expanding economy) is an American–a Chicagoan, in fact:  Joe Ritchie.  Joe was drawn to Rwanda after his daughter Maggie spent a year with Bishop John working at Sonrise School.  We shared a lunch with Joe and his wife Sharon, and two of their children  (one of them a friend of my sons) at Sonrise on Friday. Chicagoans meeting on the far side of the globe.  During the Sunday morning primary service at St. Michael’s there were a number of special guests, including a young man who used to work for President Bush and is now with President Kagame’s office in Rwanda, and four young people who sing together and tour as a family.  Their voices blended beautifully as they sang Amazing Grace.  For a much-demanded encore they offered a family favourite:  the Lonely Goatherd.  Their names?  The Von Trapps.   Young Justin looked as if he had just stepped over the movie set from almost 50 years ago  (the Sound of Music). It’s probably the only time I will ever preach after such a rendition and selection!!  But that’s the kind of people that are drawn to this remarkable school.  And Redeemer Church has had the unique role of encourager and partner since before the beginning.   We were welcomed as beloved family, and its an experience I hope you will know, as we have.

Rev. Agnes and me following nearly six hours of church (2 services) on Sunday morning

The teachers and administrators here are heroes—they give everything to guide these students, and Sonrise has again reclaimed its place as the top school in Rwanda. This is remarkable, especially when you consider that a large number of the students are orphaned and have faced devastation. This isn’t a posh city school in the wealthy district of Kigali (there is one there) but a place of care carved out of the side of the hills, rocky in landscape, but fruitful and rich in love and joy.