A few days ago I returned from completing a final training and graduation of our master trainers in the northern Rwanda city of Musanze. We have been working with this network for nearly three years, and it was a delight to see the growth of these pastors and preacher during that time. Rwanda is in the midst of a time of intense challenge and struggle. The government has closed most of the churches throughout the country, citing various ridiculous regulations which must be completed before being allowed to open, such as extra sound proofing in the sanctuary, more parking space (although almost no Rwandans in rural areas have cars), and the latest requirement: 1000 signatures with documentation from each community member surrounding the church stating that the church is needed in their community and adds to the wellbeing of the community. Regulations keep changing, so church doors remain closed, yet Christ will build His church and nothing will prevail against it! (Matt. 16:18) It was a joy hearing creative ways the pastors are discovering to minister to their people, in small groups, discipling one on one, utilizing other buildings, recording sermons on internet, etc.

After a thorough review of all of our Pathways principles that the participants desperately needed, we moved into the focus of the workshop, the pastors preaching full messages through the book of Habakkuk utilizing all the Pathways steps and tools. I was leading this training solo, so it was on me to give each pastor helpful affirmation and constructive criticism for how to grow in his handling and preaching of the Word. In the beginning, I was the main person sharing feedback, but before long, other participants chimed in, and by the end, they were doing a fabulous job challenging each other in ways to grow in their “Word work.” Certainly there were some growth edges where the pastors needed to develop their skills, such as in determining the “message for the original readers” (Israelites shortly before the Babylonian captivity) and moving through effective use of the “whole story of the Bible” to determine the “message for us today.” But that is challenging for all of us preachers, so as they continue with the process, I know they will make improvement.

One of the many highlights from the time was working with our coordinator, Pastor Nicodeme. I stayed with him and his family in their home, and He took his role very seriously, was diligent in translating and arranging details, and has excellent relationships with all the master trainers so follows up with them regularly. Because of the strong relationships, he is able to offer correction when necessary which they receive well. He is one of the best coordinators I have ever seen. He was not distracted with details, missing much of the workshop as often happens, but grasped principles better than others and coached many throughout. He is a good communicator, is highly motivated, and wants to continue spreading Pathways wherever he goes. I want to continue to work with this guy! Nicodeme will probably be sent to South Sudan by his denomination soon, and we discussed that we definitely want to work together to reach the many unreached people in that region utilizing Pathways principles.

Each of the participants in the network are working to multiply what they have received for many other preachers. In all, 134 other ministry leaders are being trained through all the Pathways workshop, praise the Lord! At the end of the training, we gathered together in a nearby church, the students put on their caps and gowns, and we had a graduation service complete with commencement sermon, graduation certificates, Bibles and hymnals as gifts for the 18 graduates. It was a day filled with rejoicing at God’s faithfulness and the good work He is doing in their lives, even through struggles and trials.

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity, along with some US pastors, to have invested in this group. They show great promise, and even hope to launch more Pathways groups in nearby Uganda which does not have the government restrictions Rwanda does. May God bless their service, their preaching, and continue expanding His kingdom and spreading His glory through faithful messengers such as these.

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” – Habakkuk 2:14.

“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
¹⁹ God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer’s;
    he makes me tread on my high places.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19