51 baptisms across Uganda & Rwanda
Pr Steve Carr was joined by David Rocchi from Melbourne in visiting the works in Uganda and Rwanda in August 2019. The following is their report of the visit.
Uganda
Joining Pr Joseph Mbalu from Nairobi Kenya, the 3 brothers travelled 2,200km to visit all 8 assemblies in Uganda. Meetings were well attended by saints with many visitors enthusiastic to hear the word of God also attending. Throughout the trip, 12 baptisms were conducted with a good number also taking place in the weeks following the visit as more were moved to act on the gospel message.
Four newer assemblies in Uganda are located near the border with DRC within and close to the town of Nyahuka. The other assemblies in Uganda are spread throughout the country including another new assembly in Entebbe on the outskirts of the capital, Kampala. Everest, Robert and Samson are Ugandan brothers showing good potential as leaders and there is excitement that the work will continue to grow under the continued guidance of Pr Joseph.
Rwanda
Despite the challenges of church closures, the work in Rwanda has continued to grow and now numbers over 600 across the 13 assemblies in the country. Just like the Book of Acts, persecution, when met with the faith of the saints, results in revival as God blesses saints standing for the word of God combined with the preaching of the gospel.
During their visit, Pr Steve and David attended meetings at Gatoki, Cyamabuye, Gahara and Mutenderi. These are the only 4 centres where meetings are permitted by the authorities at the time of the visit. The saints greeted us with tremendous excitement and were thrilled to hear the preaching from the Bible. Each meeting was well attended both by saints and visitors. Overall, 39 baptisms were conducted with half from a newer area called Simbwa located close to the assembly at Gatoki and where the leader in Rwanda, Pr Esron Ruturwa, hopes to start a new assembly in the near future.
Work is well progressed in improving the halls and building new halls to meet the government’s requirements. At the time of the visit, the halls in 7 centres have been finished, 1 is nearing completion and 1 remains to be completed. The saints are truly appreciative of the generous support provided from the mission fund to enable the halls to be improved or rebuilt and the opportunity for the continued teaching support provided by international visitors.
