Thank You for Accompanying Me on This Wonderful Adventure of Faith

A Letter from Kay Day, serving in Rwanda

September 2020

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Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Rwanda. The COVID-19 virus has taken a great toll on the finances of many around the world, including PC(USA). In a valiant attempt to address this issue for long-term benefit, PC(USA) has offered a generous voluntary retirement package to those of us who qualify – are 63 or over and have at least 3 years of service. I am certainly in that category at 71 with 14 years with World Mission. I have decided, for several reasons, to take this offer, so I will be retiring as of September 17, 2020. This is totally voluntary. There is no pressure for me to accept this offer. I made my decision after prayerful consideration. First, the offer is most generous and makes the transition to retirement financially possible as I will return to the States on Sept 14, and after quarantine, will reestablish my home there. Second, it comes at a time at PIASS that it is possible for me to leave with a clear conscience, that I will leave classes and students at a good place. The work is never done, but this is a good transition point since I have taught all my classes for this year. While I would like to see the English chapel reopened before I leave, we will trust God for that. But most important. I have God’s peace about this. The day I got the notice that there would be an offer forthcoming, I was unsettled and began to pray. I spent most of that evening in prayer, seeking God’s direction. I had made the decision last year to renew my contract for another 4 years and was content with that decision. Now here was a call to look at that decision again. I was disturbed, so I prayed diligently. I fell asleep praying and slept peacefully through the night, which for an old woman with a weak bladder is close to a miracle. At 5:30 a.m., my usual morning, I awoke from a dream where I was sorting through my belongings and packing to leave. As I came fully awake, I had a great peace that I should take the offer of retirement, if it made financial sense. I had God’s peace that surpasses all human understanding. The offer exceeded my expectations. God has provided for my transition back to the States. The airport is now open and there are reasonable, safe flights available. Beyond that, I believe this is a responsible decision for the body of Christ. I can retire and in so doing may help someone younger to keep a needed job. This is part of living in community, a lifestyle I have cherished here in Africa.

This is not to say that I will not miss my colleagues and my students and the life here in Rwanda. I will. But I also know that this is God’s time and he is working in all of this. He has confirmed it for me in scripture repeatedly in the last few weeks. I praise him for his word to me and for his clear direction. I want to take this time to thank you for accompanying me on this wonderful adventure of faith that led me first to Malawi and then to Rwanda. You have made it possible for me to minister through your financial, prayer, and fellowship support. You have been part of this journey and this ministry. Together we have seen God work in individual’s lives and in his church.

I ask for your continued support of the global witness of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), and our ongoing journey with our global partners. Over the next several days you will receive a letter from Sara Lisherness, Interim Director, Presbyterian World Mission that will include information about an invitation for a virtual farewell gathering for me, hosted by Mission Engagement and Support. I hope that you consider attending.

Now, I look with expectation to the next adventure that God has for me. I don’t yet know what this retirement will look like or how God will use my time and energies, but God knows, and I am trusting him for his leading to a different type of ministry, in his grace. I’ll be in Pittsburgh Sept. 14 and retire Sept. 17. I hope to hear from you and maybe even see some of you, as safety allows. God bless you for your faithfulness.

Yours in Christ,
Kay (Cathie to the family)