Missions for 2009
Rwanda and Kenya 2nd Nov to 24th November report.
Arrived in Rwanda on 3rd November after a night flight and went to our hosts (Rukundo and Ericka Bartholomew) home for rest.
The nights of 4th and 5th we were engaged in youth meetings. The 1st night about 65+ attended and we spoke on marriage preparation and staying pure before marriage. Unfortunately the 2nd night it had rained very heavily for the whole afternoon and this prevented many attending. 20+ attended and we spoke on serving God and following His word.
Following the youth meeting on the 4th we went for an evening meal with Claude and Bissa, a couple who were saved from divorce on our last visit. It was a great joy to hear how they were getting on, they also have a new baby.
6th-8th we were at The Pallisee Hotel in Gashova, for a ‘Marriage Encounter’. It was planned for 10 couples who had all confirmed on 5th. By the time we arrived at the hotel 8 couples had withdrawn (causing distress to our host). We continued with the remaining two couples. It was a great time as we could have closer fellowship and more time to discuss problems. Both couples gave testimony of how the encounter had changed their relationships. One of the wives said it was the longest time she had ever spent with her husband after many years of marriage and having 6 children. The other couple had come through a very bad time in their marriage and stated that they had found forgiveness and joy now.
9th was a days rest and visiting a couple who had attended our previous ‘Encounter’ in February. They said that communication had been the main help.
10th to 12th saw the start of our 2nd ‘Encounter’ at ‘Foyer de Charite’ a Catholic convent and seminar centre in Rebero, Kilgali. . This time we had 17 couples including 13 Pastors and 2 Bishops. One of these Bishops is the head of the Assemblies of God churches in Rwanda, a total of 170. This Bishop has contacted our host stating that he is very interested in getting all of his Pastors to attend some marriage teaching. We shall be having further discussions. This time was one of such blessings that we have included at the end of this report some of the testimonies.
13th to 15th was the third ‘Marriage Encounter’at another Catholic Convent and seminar centre at Kabuye, Kilgali. 15 couples attended, some arriving late and some came without the partners, although they arrived by the end of the first day. Amongst those attending was a husband who was not a Christian but became one on the last evening. He was ably counselled by our hosts. The testimonies again showed us all, that God does really care about His people.
16th was a rest day and having lunch with one of the couples from the 1st encounter and told us how they had sorted many problems.
17th LEFT Rwanda and flew to Mombasa,Kenya.
18th Attended the Jesus Liberation Church for a general teaching meeting. This church is run by our friend Pastor Haron and his wife Salome.
19th Rest day. We also met with Pastor Kituku from Kiembeni Baptist Church, and made arrangements to speak there on 20th.
20th Speaking on marriage at Kiembeni Baptist Church. After meeting the Pastor and his deputy took out for a meal in a hotel that had been purchased by the Anglican church so that Churches have a nice place to hold conferences and also good accommodation. The Pastor wants us to return and hold at least a whole day conference at this hotel. The cost being met by the church.
21st An all day couples meeting at Pastor Haron’s church. There were about 30 people some with their partners. They came from different churches and two Pastors were present. A long hot day (34c with very high humidity).
22nd Sunday service at which we spoke, praying for the sick and people with other needs. In the afternoon we continued with the marriage teaching. Less people attended but most had their partners with them. It was another long and very hot day.
23rd relaxing prior to a night flight home.
HIGHLIGHTS
In Rwanda
Working with Rukundo and Ericka, one of our ‘Marriage Ministry’ partners.
Our hosts had arranged some financial help towards the ‘Encounters’, this money came from some of the participants and also from previous participants that wanted to support some of their fellow countrymen and women. This was of great help and meant we were able to bless some people and also have some money to take onto Kenya.
Meeting people from the ‘Top Leaders Group’ and being invited to speak on our next visit at their prayer breakfast. The Top Leaders are very influential people from business, government and the church. They meet monthly to pray for the country and have an influence in the running of the country. The President often attends these meetings.
Having the Bishop in charge of the Assemblies of God in Rwanda (170) churches attend our ‘Encounter’ with his wife and wanting us to speak to his Pastors.
Hearing wonderful testimonies from people of what God has done in their lives.
In Kenya
Meeting and encouraging Haron and Salome who are also one of our ‘Marriage Ministry’ couples.
Receiving a request to return to Kiembeni Baptist Church.
A few testimonies (shortened versions)
1. Patrick, married 7 months. What I thought before I got married was not what I got. I am an orphan, never knew father, mother died when young, sister died when 8. Wider family chased him away from his home, losing everything. Lived in 7 different I only spent two nations. I wondered who would be my partner, I hoped she would be my mother, father, sister and all. After marriage doubted he had chosen the right person, as she did not meet these needs. At one time lost his wedding ring but was not worried as he had planned divorcing and finding another wife. Ask forgiveness from his wife publicly, and requested prayers, He then broke down in tears. (A very sad and moving story).
2. James. He learnt about priority. I had never differentiated between God and the Church, thinking they were the same. When I started the church all my energies were directed there. Even money, I never had a budget and did things alone without her (wife). I would cheerfully give out money anyhow, and even give away my wife’s clothes. All without consulting her and not caring about her feelings. I have learnt that my family are my responsibility. On my way home I shall buy a football and play with my children. (Never played with children).
3. Benjamin. Married 30years. Pastor 20yrs teaching in bible school, has 2 degrees.
I have been helping others whilst my family has been breaking down. I went to many nations evangelizing. These years were hurting my wife but I didn’t know. Between 1989 and 94 I spent only two months at home. I have asked her for forgiveness. In the last 10years the spiritual oneness has been broken, only yesterday I discovered her pain. We asked each other for forgiveness. Mine is the longest pocket (concerning money) I was fond of giving, giving away our property and not telling her or considering her. I would give her just enough for the sugar, but now I will buy a whole sack full. Lastly I would go to the university to teach and come home too late to eat with her, now I will keep in contact and get home.
Malawi 27th Sept to 18th October
We Graham and Ruth Swaffield were accompanied by John and Brenda Thomas from Littlehampton. We had the joy of attending the Arun Community Church with them on the day we flew Sun 27th Sept. It was very special in that we were given a word that God’s plans would be accomplished. It turned out that most of the plans were changed and we could see God’s hand in these.
After a safe arrival and driving north to VIBITAC, Kande in a hired minibus (as our vehicle was off the road) we took marriage seminars in three different locations. The attendees were all Church Leaders or Village Chiefs. The meetings were held under the auspices of MIA (Malawi Interfaiths Association) concerning ‘Mutual Faithfulness’. This was part of a country wide initiative supported by the Aids Commission of Malawi.
Sunday 4th Oct we split into three groups to speak at different churches. During the services several people were healed and three people came to Christ.
We then visited Mazembi for two days (5th & 6th) for general teaching and a marriage seminar. We again saw several people healed including Pastor Peter Chirwa healed from a discharging ear, and his daughter had suffered from giddiness and weakness for three weeks, spending most time in bed. They were both healed and the daughter went back to school.
Oct 7th a youth meeting was held for 80 plus, subject: preparation for marriage.
Oct 10th after travelling to the South of the country, suffering another vehicle breakdown, Ruth and Brenda spoke at the ladies conference ‘Victorious Women in the Last Days’.
Women from the Holy Cross Pentecostal Church came from all over the country and from the surrounding countries. A great time was had and many women received prayer and encouragement.
Graham and John were taken on a long journey to a remote village called Chikale, in an area where no white man had visited before. They spent a long day teaching and had the joy of seeing 9 people come to faith in Christ.
Oct 11th they we all visited BYOUD (another area where no white man had been) here we gave Holy Communion and many people were prayed with. During the afternoon we took a leaders training session.
Oct 12th we all visited a fantastic hospital called BEIT CURE where children receive orthopaedic treatment for free, adults pay and this fee pays for the children. This is a Christian Mission Hospital where the spiritual life is considered to be 50% of well being.
Oct 13th A marriage seminar was held at Mulanje, a village at the end of the road! in the shadow of the famous Mulanje Mountain Range. The Pastor had been gored by his Bull two weeks before and was lying on his bed in pain and had difficulty moving. We prayed for him and he was able to join us for the afternoon session, he was able to walk without pain! A lady Pastor present asked for prayer for her knee and received healing.
Oct 14th we had a rest day and visited the shops to see what was available (if you have the money). This was helpful to us as we considered the clinic that is being built at VIBITAC, Kande.
Oct 16th after travelling the previous day we arrived in Lilongwe for another Marriage Seminar, in area 23 Lilongwe.
HIGHLIGHTS of the trip:
1. 12 people came to Christ in Faith, and many healed.
2. Two villages visited where NO white person had been.
3. Meeting three couples who are potential candidates for the ‘Marriage Ministry’ after further discussions and training.
4. Possible funding through the CURE hospital for a ‘Marriage Encounter’ for some of their staff.
5. Visiting the VIBITAC Clinic and seeing the walls upto roof height and now waiting for money to put the roof on.
6. Message received on 16th Oct 2009-10-20
dear graham and ruth
greetings and love from malawi [nkhatabay] hope you are doing fine and that you had a successiful trip back home.
i want to thank god for your timely presence to me and my family. in the parish where I am serving, i have had many problems from the church members. these problems had huge inpacts on my marriage as such ministry and marriage were too difficult things to handle and enjoy. Life has been truely difficult.
my story is long but to cut it short, I thank god because the seminor i attended i was not invited officially. to my surprise i found myself attending and that was what i needed most. Almost all the lessons that were presented reflected a particular aspect of my marriage. i could not avoid the the cry inside which made me to talk to ruth in the first place. I thought she would not be accommodative as i was very new in her eyes.i decided to ask her if she could leave a copy of the materials they were teaching. but ruth humbly talked to me and asked why i neede it .then my heart was at liberty and i frankly said i want bring the good things i have received to other people.
thank you that through your marriage god has spoken to mine. my wife and i are looking forward to new encounters in marriage life. i tell you issues like what made me love and marry my wife had great impact and has touched me. by gods grace i should be having a different aproach.
i will talk to kasengwa that next time when you are in malawi two or more sessions be done in my parish.my church can work out logistics.
may god bless you in christ.
rev.fr.jonn &brenda wellano. CCAP (Central Church of Africa Presbyterian)
Malawi and Tanzania 31st March - 30th April
Report
This mission started differently as we had the pleasure of John and Brenda Thomas being with us for the whole trip and then Paul and Lynne Day for the Tanzania part.
Arrived on 1st April and spent the night in Lilongwe, Malawi travelling to Mzimba on 2nd.
3rd at Mzimba marriage seminar, about 40 people.
4th Early start in heavy rain, arrived after 3hrs 20mins at Changanga for Marriage Encounter. The tents were already erected and people excitedly awaiting our arrival. 25 couples registered but several more attended and resided locally. Testimonies were given on Sunday morning of how God had changed lives.
Problems with the car meant we could not tow the trailer with tents etc as the Turbo was bust! Our friends Sidney and Steven with their wives had to obtain lifts and arrived very late or in the early hours. ( Car needs a new engine, £1,500)
7th and 8th Marriage Seminar at Inter Faiths Training, different denominations and faiths represented, arranged in connection with The Malawi Aids Commission.
9th Visited VIBITAC where the Clinic is and discussed the way forward for the clinic and the Bible School.
11th Attended Easter Convention at Bolero (400 people of one area of the Holy Cross Pentecostal Church). We all took part and we moved in words of knowledge on healing and ministered to many. Testimonies came later of many healings and the pastors were amazed at the power of God.
12th Team divided into three and ministered in different churches.
13th Visited Bolero again for Marriage Seminar. The local village chief was very excited about the change that had occurred in his marriage after an encounter and asked us if we could take the tents to Bolero next time.
15th Flew to Tanzania
17th Travelled to Turiani. A town about 200kms from Dar-es-Salaam, after meeting Paul and Lynne at the airport.
18th and 19th Marriage Encounter with 35 couples. This was the largest encounter that we have had, many Pastors and their wives were present. The actual programme changed as we went through the two days. We saw God move and many testimonies were given of changed relationships. We ended on Saturday night with a Communion, which was wonderful as 35 couples and our team shared this time serving their partners and praying for one another.
20th team ministered in three different churches.
The afternoon was spent visiting the hospital run by a Catholic Order. The sister in charge was a wonderful lady, who we prayed with prior to ending our visit. This was one of the best hospitals that Ruth and Graham have seen in Africa.
21st and 22nd Leaders training sessions in the afternoons, which were well attended and appreciated, especially the group work (a new concept in this area).
These sessions were followed by a meeting open to all. We, the team, performed a very impromptu drama followed by a talk. The team then moved in the gifts of the Spirit with many words concerning healing and prophecy.
Six people came to salvation and many were healed. On the 2nd day we had many encouraging testimonies of what God had done. This included a lady with bad eyes that received healing and visited the hospital the next morning, to be told by the doctor that she was completely healed. Praise God!
23rd was a rest day, taking a picnic on a hill side.
24th and 25th. Ministered in a different part of town, teaching to leaders as before.
Meeting open to all, we found this first general meeting was hard spiritually. A word was given that this church should be ‘a weeping church’ for the lost. On the second day the atmosphere had changed. Many people were healed.
We were later told us that this word had been discussed by the whole church on the Sunday , and a decision to pray and fast the following week had been taken as well as have a prayer secretary to ensure continued prayer.
26th Youth meeting with about 50 people. Unfortunately the pastor and his wife stayed in the meeting and inhibited the young people especially with their questions.
27th The team ministered in three different churches.
In the afternoon we met with the local pastors and their wives to hear testimonies and feedback of the mission.
There were many details of healings given and testimonies generally of how God had ministered, through ‘forgiveness’ and prophecy.
A general appreciation was shown and it was believed that the churches had received encouragement, blessings and hope for the future.
A special highlight was when a lady was healed of a tumour in the stomach. Brenda prayed the lady and the next day she returned to say she was healed. Brenda asked if she could feel the place again. When she did she shouted “Aah It’s gone” and jumped back in surprise. God is great!!!!!
Report on Rwanda and Uganda Mission 2nd February to 3rd March 2009
We need to start by saying that this was probably the most successful trip that we have had, it included 3 marriage Encounters at which the power of God was very evident.
Arrived in Rwanda on 3rd March and met our hosts Rukundo and Erika, who are training to take on the marriage ministry. 4th was spent in discussion and planning for the Marriage Encounter. 5th we attended a meeting of ‘One Heart and One Mind’ which is group for Pastors of different denominations to come together and build unity. We then visited the location of the Marriage Encounter which was a Catholic Conference Centre, build to a high standard.
6th - 8th. The marriage Encounter took place. 19 couples attended and at least 4 couples were saved from divorce. The worship was fantastic and everyone gave testimony of how God had moved in their marriages Ruth and I prayed for couples that had been on the verge of divorce, with prophetic words for each couple. Communion and prayers between couples brought many tears, couples then prayed for other couples.
11th – 12th Youth meeting during the evenings with 50 young people, talking about marriage preparation and staying pure. Two couples from the Encounter came to give testimony. The reports coming from this meeting included ‘One of the best meetings and we discussed real issues that affect us.’
13th -15th Second Marriage Encounter. Mostly business people who arrived very late.
The Minister for Cabinet Affairs of the Rwandan Government attended with his wife.
Again many testimonies of changed marriages and how God had spoken through the seminars. There was great celebration over one couple who had been on the verge of divorce and now had reconciliation and forgiveness.
After both Encounters we were given some lovely gifts from the participants.
17th Early flight to Uganda.
UGANDA
8th – 19th Gospel Centre in Wakiso district and held seminars. 26 people on both days.
20th – 21st Lugazi district seminars 30 people on both days
22nd Sunday Service preaching at Divine Love Church, Jinja.
23rd – 24th Seminars in Jinja at Every Home for Christ office. 26 people each day.
26th – 29th Marriage Encounter at Lweza, Uganda Church Training and Conference Centre. 23 couples, some who had attended the seminars. Many testimonies of how God had met them in their need within their marriages, including a Pastor who had not cared about his wife and had repented and asked for forgiveness. There was great celebrations over this as many of the couples knew of the problems in this Pastor’s marriage.
We need to list some testimonies so that God may be glorified and people know that He cares about our marriages.
Testimonies
1. Albert: We are now only three days old in marriage, we have lived together for 27 years. Now we are sweet to each other. I have been a Pastor for 15 years and I have just come to realise that all these 15years that I have worked for the Lord have just been crossed out until 3 days ago, because I had not been a proper husband. I did not know how much I had been hurting my wife all these years.
Albert’s wife, Ordetta: I never had peace, I was not satisfied with my husband and at one time I tried to commit suicide. Thank God for these servants (Graham & Ruth) we had a dead family until now. My father died in the Congo, I took everything from my house, packed up and went back to my mother. She didn’t welcome me, she told me to go back. I wanted to die spiritually and physically. One month ago I decide to divorce my husband, I decided to say good bye to him properly. He said that he wanted us to go on the Marriage Conference. I hated him and did not want to go. For some reason, I know why now, I went with him to the conference. Now we are starting a new journey, we have forgiveness now.
Several days later both Albert and Ordetta gave their testimony to a youth conference.
2. Domicien: When I heard about the ‘Spiritual Divorce’ I realised that applied to me. I am a truck driver living away from because of this work. At least two weeks go by before seeing my wife, we realise that this gap is too much. It was only because Rukundo prayed that I managed to get time off work.
Domicien’s wife Louise: The first two days were not easy for me because I felt like I was wounded and we were going backwards. We have been 8 yrs in marriage and the last 7 yrs I have been alone at home. I was in darkness and pain, but I felt like I was getting renewed and wedded again at this conference. We had never learned to talk together all these years, and one month ago it became unbearable and I wanted to divorce, but we have been restored and we cannot say thanks enough to you and God.
3. Janviere: Marriage Encounter has come to raise to life married couples in Rwanda including my own. I have been married for 15yrs, I came from a polygamous family, I behaved badly. I have never looked into her face since the day we got married. The Lord has opened my sight and I see she is beautiful.
Janviere’s wife Emmanuel: Our family has been totally crushed for 15yrs. He abandoned me and work and work and work. There was no love between us for 14yrs, but in 3 days I came to know he was my husband. I have been overburdened and suicidal (I am an orphan) we have just got married again. (When she said this the whole group cheered and clapped.)
We know of at least 8 couples that had thought of, or were on the verge of divorce, that have had their lives changed by God during the Marriage Encounters. We give God the glory.
Please consider investing in our brothers and sisters lives by donating through Links International via the DONATE button at the top of the page.
Tents used again in Malawi
Tents that were purchased with help from friends of ‘Links’ were used on two occasions when Graham and Ruth Swaffield held ‘Marriage Encounter’ weekends in Kande and Luwawa. A total of 32 couples attended the weekend sessions. Tents from the UK with locally made mattresses were used. Inside each tent was a torch, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and toilet paper which made the weekend special for the participants.
These tents were used again during the above mentioned visit, in addition 3 more tents have been purchased because of the high demand to attend the 'Marriage Encounter'.
Comments made by the participants: ‘I did not know how to sustain my marriage, but we are empowered now!’ others said ‘This was like a honeymoon’, This was the first time on our own, it was wonderful’.
Malawi Clinic
The latest news is that the Clinic now has walls up to roof height. We need another £6,000 to complete the roof.
