Monumental Moment in Rwanda
Bruce has arrived in Rwanda in advance of next week’s exciting training of 25 pastors from 6 nations. All 25 have either finished or are nearly finished with the entire Global Baptist Training Foundation curriculum. They all desire to become trainers for GBTF. Look for lots of picture and updates. Tomorrow Bruce gets to preach in a village church where we have been in the past. One Sunday when Bruce preached in this church, 26 people came forward to trust Christ as Savior. We will send updates of that as well. But first, something unexpected and wonderful happened yesterday.
As you know, Fidèle Shinga is a full time trainer for GBTF after many years of studying and translating in our classes. If you follow our emails, you know that Fidèle is a very special person and that God is greatly using him across East Africa as he takes GBTF classes into many countries.
We had never met Fidèle’s father, but he came from Congo and asked to accompany Bruce and Fidele down to Butare because he had things he wanted to say to Bruce. Here is the story in Bruce’s own words:
“This is Fidèle’s 81 year of father. He wanted to come to Butare with Fidèle and me so he could tell me some things. After lunch he said he has just a few years left, and he wanted to give Fidèle to me as my spiritual son. He wanted Fidèle to not be without a father when he goes to heaven. I placed my hands in his hands as a way of showing the transition. He then prayed for me as Fidèle’s new father/dad. It was all I could do to keep it together!”
After this exchange, which was a surprise even to Fidèle, Fidèle’s father prayed a beautiful prayer over Bruce as Fidèle translated and someone thought to video. Here is that impactful moment (It is so worth the two minutes!):
God has graciously allowed us to know and build relationships with such amazing servants of God around the world. This moment with Fidèle and his father is one of the most special and moving that we could imagine! What a privilege to be part of this great work of God around the world!
Blessings,
Bruce and Grace Snavely
Global Baptist Training Foundation