Spiritual Support
Spiritual Support
Here we outline some of the ways we have supported the Diocese's spiritual needs.
Training Programme
We are helping to fund a church leadership programme run by Rev Venant.
The programme has been designed by the Diocese and is proving to has immense potential.
To date, 180 people have been chosen to attend and the training will last for three years, at the end of which they will be equipped to lead areas of the church or in secular appointments.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was in Rwanda in February 2017. He is quoted as saying that he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the growth of the Anglican church. He was referring to his visit to the Diocese of Gahini, but it could equally be said of Shyogwe. The Church in Rwanda is vibrant, growing and affects the lives of many for the better. It is an inspiration to Christians everywhere
Rebuilding Rural Churches
The Rwandan government has recently introduced new legislation about public buildings including churches. They now have to comply with certain standards - brick-built, concrete floors, metal window and door frames, guttering, as well as toilets for both men and women. This has been a considerable challenge for some of the rural churches in the diocese and many are in danger of closing.
The church in these areas is often the only large building for the community offering accommodation for preschool groups, Healthy Mums projects and other gatherings, as well as worship centres. The GrassRoots Rwanda Trust has sent funds over to Rwanda to help rebuild or improve churches and stop church closures.
Ongoing Prayer Support
We encourage individual churches to link with individual parishes in he Diocese to provide prayer support for each other. So far Marchwood Parish in Southampton is linked to Nyarugenge; St Peters in Hereford is linked to Rugendabari, and St Michaels in Bishops Cleeve in linked with Giterama Parish.
We encourage each church to have direct links and both-way prayer support.
Bible School
For many years we have supported the Diocese Bible School offering funds and expertise. Some Trustees are retired ministers and while visiting the Diocese have run training programmes for the Rwandan pastors and catechists. These programmes have been translated into kinyarwanda (the official language of Rwanda) and remain a valuable resource and a great encouragement to Bishop Jered and his team.
Donate
Donations of any amount are always welcome to support our work in Rwanda.
Every penny donated goes to helping the people of Shyogwe Diocese.
