Saturday, February 25
The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas
Pennsylvania
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God'' (Phil. 1:3, NLT). Those words come to mind as the people of the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas reflect on their partnership with their friends and fellow believers from the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda who live in the Gitarama Region. This is especially true as they celebrate the renewal of their partnership for another five years. During the first five years, school buildings and churches were built, children were sent to school, motorbikes were provided for pastors, and in 2011 the first of what they hope will be many water treatment plants was erected. But more important, many lessons were learned and relationships were built as they have shared during their visits back and forth with one another.
During his last visit to the Kiski Presbytery, Pastor Eugene Ruhbanda, executive presbyter of the Gitarama Region, was asked to share what he felt was the secret to the success of their evangelistic efforts, as the church in Rwanda continues to grow in spite of people's overwhelming hardships. The secret ... which is really no secret, is building relationships. "When a person is in the hospital,'' he said, "we visit, we take them food, we talk to them, and we show them that we care. We continue to visit them. When they ask, 'Why are you doing this for me?' We share with them about the love of our God and his Son, Jesus Christ.''
The plan is the same for those in prison and for the families that struggle because of their absence. It is the same for all and the very basis of faith: loving others as Christ has loved everyone. The people of Rwanda put hands and feet to the commandment in simple and very meaningful ways . . . and the church continues to grow.
The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas is a rural presbytery in western Pennsylvania. Its 83 congregations range in size from 12 to 875 and have a total membership of 9,963.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Wayne Yost, general presbyter
Marilyn Tully, stated clerk
Holly Wadding, administrative assistant
Carol Mock, office assistant and resource center coordinator
Karen Gray, treasurer
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Greg Cohen, GAMC
Susan Cohn, GAMC
Let us pray
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Kiskiminetas-Rwanda partnership and for the many opportunities that you give us to learn from one another. Open our eyes to all we have to offer one another, especially to ministering to the needs of those around us. Help us to be your heart and hands to a hurting world. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 43; 149
First Reading Ezekiel 39:21-29
Second Reading Philippians 4:10-20
Gospel John 17:20-26
Evening Psalms 31; 143