We challenge mindsets. Mindsets and culture that say abuse and neglect is acceptable and normal.

Bible-Based Marriage brings the truths of the Bible, concerning marriage, to those in the developing world so they can enjoy marriage the way it was intended. Scripture, mixed with life experience form the basis of the seminars and result in healing, hope and healthy marriages. Countless couples testify that their marriages have been rescued and restored.

A few months ago Janviere and Emmanuel, a couple from Rwanda, attended a three day Marriage Encounter.

Janviere writes, 'I have been married for fifteen years. 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'.

Emmanuel writes, 'Our family has been totally crushed for fifteen years. He abandoned me and work and work and work. There was no love between us for fourteen years, but in three days I came to know he was my husband. We just got married again'.

At at time when divorce is on the rise, we're committed not only to community transformation but also changing lives - one family, one marriage and one life at a time.

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The latest report.

Rwanda and Kenya Mission November 2009

Graham Swaffield writes:

We arrived in Rwanda on 3rd November after a night flight. The first two nights we held 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 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.

From there we went on to hold the first ‘Marriage Encounter’ at The Pallisee Hotel in Gashova. 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 By the time we arrived at the hotel 8 couples had withdrawn (causing distress to our host).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.

It was then on to the 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 churches. This Bishop had contacted our host stating that he would be 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.

The third ‘Marriage Encounter’ was held at another Catholic Convent and seminar centre at Kabuye, Kilgali. 15 couples attended, some arriving late and some came without their 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.

On the 17th we left Rwanda to fly on to Mombassa, Kenya.

We had the opportunity to speak on marriage at Kiembeni Baptist Church. After meeting the Pastor and his deputy, they then took us 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 asked us to return and hold at least a whole day conference at this hotel. The cost being met by the church.

We were also able to hold 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. It was a great time all be it a rather long and hot day (34c with very high humidity).

HIGHLIGHTS

• Working with Rukundo and Ericka, one of our ‘Marriage Ministry’ patners. 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.

• Meeting and encouraging Haron and Salome who are also one of our ‘Marriage Ministry’ couples.

Testimonies

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. Learning about priorities.

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.

 

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