Presbyterian Mission Agency Update from Rwanda: August Prayer Letter

A Letter from Kay Day, serving in Rwanda

August 2020

Individuals: Give to E200502 for Kay Day’s sending and support

Congregations: Give to D507524 for Kay Day’s sending and support

Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery)

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Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Rwanda. We are entering our fifth month of the COVID-19 pandemic and, in many ways, life has assumed a new normal—a change to everything, that many predicted would happen, but in some ways, many elements of our former lives are still functioning. There is a reminder of that former life I hear and see every day. Before the mass closure of life in March, PIASS (the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences) had begun constructing a new classroom building to house the new faculties of Architecture and of Green Technologies. This construction is just across the dirt road from my house. With the lockdown all activity had stopped, but one of the first signs that some restrictions had been lifted in May was the resumption of construction of the building. Each day now since early May, the sound of construction has been my constant companion. The cutting of rebar steel, the cranking of a cement mixer, the sawing and pounding of lumber, the chatter of the workers, especially when they take a lunch break in the shade of the bougainvillea bush which hangs over my wall, accompanies me from seven in the morning until six in the evening. These sounds encourage me that life is returning to normal as we build for the future.

There is the great anticipation of the project and all it will mean for the future growth of PIASS. It has become a symbol of the future. While we still can’t gather in groups of more than 50; while classes are all conducted online; and while social distancing and mask wearing are mandatory, I hold out hope for the future with every nail pounded and every pillar of concrete erected. I have watched the progress with fascination as the building progresses daily, and my spirit has been encouraged. It reminds me of God’s words for his people through the prophet in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is the hope in which we are living here at PIASS and that I hope you are living in your situations of life.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful support of me and of the ministry here during this pandemic. I know this is a sacrifice for many of you, and I don’t take your support for granted. I could not be here without your prayers and your financial contributions. Thank you.

Blessings in Christ,

Kay (Cathie to the family)

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Tags: Rwanda