On the way to Rwanda, we spent a day in Brussels, Belgium. There, we ran into Pat Daley’s old friend, Robert, who immediately made us feel at home. We spent much of the day at Waterloo, site of the famous battle in 1815 where Napoleon was defeated for the second and final time. The term “Waterloo” has been used since to mean “final defeat”. As me and Pat journey to Rwanda, we are continuing a journey with our brothers and sisters. With Church of the Redeemer deciding to affiliate with Rwanda thru PEAR USA, we are committing to our relationship. This isn’t a second chance for Redeemer, but it is the continuation of a relationship already begun. I am glad and give thanks to the Lord that the Church of the Redeemer and our brothers and sisters in Rwanda has not had a Waterloo moment, and with the Lord’s help, we never will.

We arrived in Rwanda last night (Tuesday the 13th of March). We were greeted immediately by a beautiful night sky and a temperature of 84 degrees, quite different from our climate in Chicago. After making it thru passport control, we immediately saw Dan and Kari Harlan waiting for us. We exchanged sincere hugs and greeted one another. What encouragement to see two friends waiting for us at the airport, I hope we can be of great encouragement to them.
Around 9PM, we arrived at the Mercy House, the Anglican Guest House, at St. Etienne’s. A little later, we tried finding an internet connection. Not finding any Wi-Fi at the Mercy House, we asked the guard if we could find internet access anywhere close by. He instructed us to walk to the Cathedral, about a block away. Deciding as there was Wi-Fi, we had to have it, we started walking up the street. I was a little surprised to see so many Rwandans walking the street at 9:30PM. They weren’t roaming, they were walking, and each seem to have a purpose in their walk. When we arrived at the cathedral, we were let in after we told them we wish use to the Wi-Fi. It struck me how amazing this was, in America if a stranger came by and wish to use to my interent (whether at home or at the church), I think myself and most of us would refuse. But the Rwandan who was guarding the gate trusted us, two foreigners who he has never seen before.
While we were skyping with family and friends, multiple cars pulled in over the next 20 minutes. Dorothy, the woman, who let us in the Mercy House and lives at the cathedral, told us it was for a prayer session. Again, I was a little shocked. I’ve heard before of Rwandans being committed to communal prayer, but to see a prayer session occur before my eyes starting at 10PM made me realize how much Rwandans believe in the power of prayer. I hope one day that myself, and all of us, will have this same gift and discipline in prayer. This was written and posted by Otto Zimmermann.