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African Spirit Journey Connection Reports |
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2009 Spirit Journey into the Heart of Africa (Rwanda)
It was really fun and I enjoyed meeting all the people. All the people I got to meet are like family to me now, I will never forget them. I feel blessed. I really enjoyed the safari, “our surprise”. What I enjoyed the most was getting to know everyone. I have come to the realization that I was judging people without even knowing it. I am so full of gratitude now and perhaps a little more wisdom too. I feel a lot stronger and independent. This trip made me realize I could do anything if my put my mind to it. So I would like to Joel and Melanie Molin of Northern Connections for watching over me. Thank you, you made me a more positive person. Stefanie Ross Opaskwayak Cree Nation (16 years old) |
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2009 Spirit Journey into the Heart of Africa (Rwanda)
This trip was amazing. Thanks for everything! Whitney Constant Opaskwayak Cree Nation (16 years old) |
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Maureen Brown of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Reports on her Spirit Journey into Rwanda September 2007 When the call came to go to Rwanda I knew I had to listen. It was July and we spent the whole weekend meeting with Melanie, Joel and Lance. It was a precious time of sharing, praying, and refocusing (on my part anyway.) Joel and Mel had just arrived from Beijing a couple of weeks prior, and after their report, I was challenged to the core. That weekend, I made the decision to make the trip and to meet these people who Mel and Joel spoke so highly of, after all we all belong to the same family, God's family. This would be their third trip to Rwanda this year. My husband Don is very supportive and although he can't be traveling with us (he teaches) when we know I should be going, everything else just takes a back seat. Once the decision was made all the plans were fast in finalizing. The logistics of the trip was up in the air but all of the priorities of travel were looked after within days. It would prove to be an extremely crucial time for me as I was on Council (Chief and Council) and it was election year. The day I received a call from Joel informing me that the itinerary was en route I knew instinctively the dates would fall on Election day. Sure enough I opened up the mail to find out I would be away during the elections. As far as I was concerned this was a test. Was I committed to follow through with what I believed I should be doing at this time in my life. It was a sinking feeling knowing that I was well on my way onto another path, and I knew this term would not see me serving another term. After many hours of Joel finalizing all the details we were on our way. Our first stop was in Germany. It was a long trip over and very tiring once we arrived. The four of us knew that there was a greater purpose of our trip than what we could not see in the physical realm, we are after all spiritual beings existing on a physical plane. Joel and Melanie, Keith Matthews and I were embarking on a trip that would change us forever. Even though this was Joel and Mel's third trip to Kigali they were struck by the faithfulness of God. We had many special times with Pastor Rugari and his friends.
Once we arrived in Kigali, we were greeted by Pastor Rugari Osee, his co workers, an official from the government Albert Gahanuzi. I could not believe I was in Rwanda. It was surreal, I became acutely aware of the privilege of being in this part of the world and the opportunity to work with brothers and sisters in a far away land. My only regret is that my husband could not be with me (us). I believe he will be with us more often than not in the near future. After checking into the Novotel, we were taken to Pastor Rugari's home for a meal and a welcoming. It was a bit of a hike to get to his place but once there it was settled nicely in the neighbourhood. I was overwhelmed by what I was experiencing and was not sure how Mel and Joel were handling my silence. The streets en route were very crowded and being night time I was a bit apprehensive but strangely at peace as I looked around at my company and witnessing their total comfort in the situation. It would take me a couple of days before I could be at that level of comfort.
The children were very attentive and so grateful for the support Northern Connections and Joe A. Ross School brought them. I can't imagine working for no wages, which is what the teachers and principal have been doing since its inception. Pastor Rugari's faith was unwavering, he was persistent in his resolve to trust and believe that someone would come along and help in the work he felt God leading him to. He'd been praying for 10 years for partners and when he found our site on line he began emailing seeking assistance. Joel did not answer his email right away, as you can never know for sure whether stories are legitimate. I believe it was 5 months before made contact first by phone and then by taking a trip to Kigali.
The rest is history, we now have a new family of
believers we assist in the Africa. We were scheduled to host 2
seminars while in Gikongoro, Rwanda and Bujumbura, Burundi. There
were over 300 pastors who attended these 2 day seminars. What was
deposited in each community was more than what we had expected God
to do. In all there were more than 79,000 people who benefited from
our seminars, as the pastors themselves were going to share all that
transpired during our days together.
As you may have read on line, we are a group of followers of Jesus who share His love through cultural expressions. The history of the Indigenous people has been met with such pain and loss. We as aboriginal people were made to feel like we worshiped the devil. If the missionaries had taken the time to really understand our people, they would have realized that underneath all of the symbolism is the picture of Jesus, His sacrifice, and His provision. The message of hope, of reconciliation was presented to the seminars and accepted with such joy. The whole purpose of life is reconciliation, between us and God, and then with one another. It is God's love that compels us to reach out. It is a good thing to assess life throughout our sojourn here and realize what is important, what is eternal. The bible says that “things” will pass away but if we build for eternity, it will last forever. Love lasts forever. We are to be His hand extended to a dying world. Our trip over to Gikongoro was an eye opener as we traveled the mountainous range, approximately 3.5 hours from Kigali. It was amazing to see so many people walking. It would be like walking from Vancouver to Penticton. Not a minute went that we didn't see people walking. I couldn't help but imagining the horror that took place in those valleys. There were many swamps along the way, and found out later, many of the people hid in those swamps for up to 3 weeks. Once in Gikongoro we made a stop at one of the biggest memorial sites in Rwanda. This experience was very difficult. The people have kept the bones of those massacred at this particular site. We were escorted by a man who survived but unfortunately he lost his whole family. His story is miraculous, he was shot in the head and buried alive with the thousands and made his way out of the pit and into the mountains by night. Many of the people found refuge in the mountain tops. We were able to pray with him at the end of the tour. The students at the orphanage school in Gikongoro had been waiting for most of the afternoon and as soon as we arrived the introductions began and they gave a performance of their traditional dance. This is where I met “Remember” a little boy who came to me while I was speaking. He clung to my leg the whole time and would not leave my side. He sat on my lap most of the time we were there. When it was time to leave, I asked what his name was and when they told me “Remember” I took it as a sign as to never forget the plight of the people in Rwanda. Bujumbura, Burundi was to greet us by landing at the airport but because of flight changes we had to drive. My heart sunk when I realized this, as I knew there was a civil war taking place in the north of that country. Joel knew I was afraid so he chose not to share much of the information with me. We had to drive 3 hours past Gikongoro through mountainous roads with police check points (they toted machine guns) about every 50 miles. They would stop the vehicle ahead of us or behind but never us. During my times of questioning my sanity, and noticing my fear, a vehicle would pass us and it would have a sign on the back window, it read “God is with you” or “God is strength” these signs alleviated my anxiety. It was like we were on a national geographic assignment. A remote setting with the border of Rwanda/Burundi being the height of the adventure. We were privileged to meet Pastor Rugari's father and his life long friend, Zephaniah. They are in their late 70's I would guess. They are from Rwanda but fled to the Congo in the 70's. They are both prophetic and had prophesied our visit back in 1953! How incredibly awesome is that? God is faithful. It was an honour to be there to witness their unwavering faith and satisfaction of knowing God is true to His word. They had many words, many stories of war, we will see them again. It is difficult to describe the honour I felt during our visit. It was such a divine time of fellowship and confirmation.
There is so much that took place on this trip but to sum it up would have me say God is faithful to those who love and serve Him. He alone is worthy of our praise, He alone deposits love in our hearts. It is an honour to work with Melanie and Joel. They have challenged me like no other people have. They have given their lives to further the share God's love. Even though Joel doesn't share everything about our trips (his motto is “need to know basis) I appreciate all he does to promote God's love for the nations. I will end with one funny story. Joel did not tell me we would be exchanging vehicles at the border (you know the border that books have questioned anyone's sanity for travel) and I'm grateful because it would have been 3 hours of added worry! We shared a relaxing meal with Pastor at a resort by Lake Tanganyika in Bujumbura. When we arrived there were about 5 soldiers by the entrance with their machine guns, I was getting use to this by then and was not too worried. After lunch we came out and I glanced to my right and was horrified to see two steel doors that were probably 7 feet tall riddled with holes, I immediately thought gun shots. I quickly motioned to Joel to look and his response was “oh ventilation” the fear that had gripped my heart left as quickly as it came. It was only that night at dinner that he told me, “those were bullet holes!” Maureen Brown Shining Woman Opaskwayak Cree Nation |
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Melanie Molin KIGALI, RWANDA AFRICA Hello Everyone, Greetings in the wonder full name of our Creator “Christ” Here are some of the things I talked about in Kigali Rwanda, which the Lord spoke through me. I am not a public speaker, nor a pastor, or leader, but an obedient servant. And yet I was moved along to clearly share with those who were listening to me. It was with many prayers before our journey that this made it possible, I am so pleased. I was so pleased that the Lord came through for Joel and I, because the people were expecting something. We told them we couldn’t help them but if we stand together with the Creator he could only help us to bring the vision to light. And it was so amazing how those pastors in Rwanda had the same vision like Joel’s; it could have been only the Lord. Anyway as I spoke, I talked about mother earth, that my people believe that the earth is our mother, for this reason man was made from dirt and women from a man’s rib. So in symbolism we call earth mother-earth and our church is a sweat-lodge, so I had to explain what it was to be connected to the earth, heavens, and body with Christ. Everything I talked about was in symbolism; I brought some sage, sweet-grass, and a rock and placed it in a medicine pouch that I had made. I placed these items in my pouch because it represented the scarceness of Christ. For God made the earth. He didn’t put the plants, and tree’s, and etc. just for decoration. He wanted us to use it, which is sacred. Before we pick anything from the land we use tobacco to pray, we lift our hands to the heaven and give thanks for taking these plants and to bless them to the healing of our bodies; its medicine from the Great Medicine Man who blessed them and rested on the seventh day. I continued to talk about the sage and how our First Nation people use it. We smudge ourselves, its like washing ourselves in the morning. First to the mouth so that the Lord will put good words in our mouths to speak what He wants us to say, to the eyes to see what He wants us to see, to the ears to hear what He wants to hear, around our heads to think what he wants us to think, and towards the heart to have a pure heart for Him to feel His gentleness, and to the body, doing this three times in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Great Spirit. I further explained about the sweet grass, why it braided in three strands symbolizing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also sharing that a cord braided in three cannot be easily broken. Also that we also use it to smudge ourselves. And with the rock, I had in my pouch I told them it was sacred medicine pouch and that we wear it around our neck. I took it out and told them it was simply a rock. However, this rock was important because it’s symbolized Christ who is our Rock. So with this small rock which bounces back and forth on our chest, we are reminded that our Lord is with us and makes His home within our heart all the time. I also spoke on the land how it is important to me to go pray out in the woods, because God is everywhere. I told them that this is where I am closest to my Creator. Just listening to the wind, birds, tree’s, looking to the sky and how beautiful it is, because our Lord is beautiful. I may shock some people here, but I don’t go to church. I prefer to go to church in the woods by myself, and I also go to church when ever I meet people because that is the true church, when we fellowship with each others, building each other in love and good works. Just listen to what the Lord is telling you and see what he wants you to see, those are the very words that were spoken to us when we gotten into Kigali. (Just listen and look.) I related to them about the vision the Lord has shown me all these years and about how many different people prophesied over me. One elder once told me to listen to the waters, wind, and the birds they will speak to you. They sing wisdom to you just listen to them because the Lord is trying to tell you something. Why I'm I telling you this? Because it happened to me on a spirit journey in the Philippines. I woke up one morning at 5:00 and decided to go sit by the ocean. I began starting to hear someone singing. I opened my eyes and looked around to find no one around. I closed my eyes again and heard the singing once again. Getting up I walked to the restaurant to have breakfast. Arriving to the restaurant I seen and elder sitting in the far corner by herself; I asked if I could sit with her, and she summed me to come. As I sat down with her I started to weep, and told her that I felt that I wander too much in my thinking, for when I pray my mind starts to wander else were. She said that is alright because the Lord is doing that, and when you pray go by the rivers and listen. Listen too, to the wind, God is going to begin to sing to you. With that I said to her that this morning I heard someone singing, she smile and said it is the Lord singing to you. He is the living water; He is the spirit in the wind. And so these are the stories I shared with them. Another significant story I would like to share with you now, was a prophecy given to me from a lady back in the winter of 2000. This lady prophesied to me that I was going to travel and be given a basket of blue blankets which I have received twice now. The first was my youngest grandson which was given to me by my son Allister. The second which came through our travels to the other side of the world, where Creator gave us many beautiful children in the orphanages of Rwanda. All dressed in Royal Blue they awarded Joel and I with two beautiful banana woven baskets. It had come to life for a second time! These things too I spoke about! I am so grateful that the Lord was with us there helping us because I wouldn’t have done it by myself. He is good! He is an awesome Creator. If my writing is broken forgive me, I am not a writer either. Just wrote it the best I could. God bless you. Melanie Molin (Flying Eagle Spirit Women) |
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Joel Molin RWANDAN SPIRIT JOURNEY REPORT On the 24th we departed Winnipeg to Nairobi via London Heathrow. While transiting London the Spirit led us to a Kenyan man by the name of George from Baltimore-USA. As we talked I learned that he had just come back from Nairobi having buried his youngest sister, who past away tragically in England. He spent some weeks fighting the courts in the UK to have his sister buried at the parent’s home on the outskirts of Nairobi. George was just on his way back home to the states when we met up with him and his son. Due to well connecting open flights we foresaw that we would be in Nairobi in the late evening of the 25th. So we inquired about affordable hotel near the airport, since he knew Nairobi. As our conversation grew more intimate we shared with him our reasons for traveling to Kigali. His first reaction about our destination was, “Have you ever traveled in third world countries?” I simply told him that we had lived on many reserves in northern Canada and he understood our demeanour instantly. We shared how we tried the first time to make the journey to Kigali via Tel Aviv. And how God used that time to prepare and educate us in making the journey. It was then he shared the tragically passing away of his sister. After sharing we tried resolving a computer issue he was having and he gave us the invitation to stay at his home on the outskirts of Nairobi. We exchanged cards and jotted down the numbers I could call to gain access to the home. His brother and sister, Richard and Lucy, were still there and called them in advance of our arrival, so they would be expecting us. As our new friend George gave us this gift of the use of his home, we could not believe the welcome the Lord had prepared for us. As we entered the arrivals area of the Nairobi Airport a lady moved towards us to offer us her services. At the time all I needed was a phone to reach someone at George’s home. Immediately she offered her cell phone freely. Due to my unfamiliarity with her cell phone, I had asked if she place the call and she smiled nodding her head. Soon she contacted the home, arranged for a taxi to drop us off and bring us back three days later to catch our flight to Kigali; further to all of this she monitored our arrival at the home to insure our safety. I turned to her and said you must have been sent by God. She then informed us that the Spirit had guided her to talk with us. What a blessing this lady, Lucy, has been to our journey. We arrived at George's home around midnight and discovered that he had a beautiful home that we could have never imagine being guessed here. Thank you George, Richard, and Lucy for such a blessed time we shared together. Melanie and I will never forget our visit with you and hope it isn’t the last time. While in Kenya, Richard and Lucy took us on a tour of the country and visited sites such as the African Rift Valley from the roadside altitude of 8000” and the smallest synagogue in the world. We were treated to the most incredible African generosity, which included a trip to their family farm to meet the parents and an unforgettable meal. Thanks how could we ever repay your hospitality may God bless you richly! January 28th We touch down in Kigali at 13:30. Starring through the windows I though to myself what a piece of paradise. No wonder Romeo Dallaire said that at night God returns from His travel to settle in Rwanda at nights. It is beautiful! The Lehi Ministry team of four pastors led by Pastor Rugari Osee, a Government Minister, and their wives & children were there to greet us. Upon arriving we were given 2 large bouquets of beautifully assorted flowers. We then all boarded a small taxi van and made our way to the 5 star Novotel hotel which we received an incredible price of only 42.00 per nigh which included breakfast. This was home for the next 13 days. Really, another one of God’s gifts. That evening we shared at a fellowship just on the outskirts of the city and were amazed at the time we had. Unfortunately it had to come to an end due to the lack of lighting in the building. The following day we traveled 50 km out of Kigali where we visited Nyamata Genocide site, a small church where many Tutsi and moderate Hutus fell victims as they sought refuge in the church. The perpetrators of Genocide had smash their way into this church’s iron gates and hack, clubbed, and sprayed bullets on hundreds of men, women, and children. The site was very somber to say the least. Both Melanie and I were fighting emotions while we were shown skulls of children. Most having clear evidence of blunt trauma and lacerations which penetrated deep into the brain cavities. There were thousands of bones and skulls which had been gathered from the surrounding villages, some burred and others awaiting burial at this church. A small room adjacent to the sanctuary, about the size of a small western bedroom, had blood stained clothing which nearly filled the room halfway to the ceiling. On the pews where nylon bags filled with bones waiting burial. The altar or pulpit still adorn with the hunting reminder of a blood stained tablecloth. The church was designated as a memorial site and the roof which is sprayed with bullets and shrapnel has not been repaired to remind those of its haunting past. One can’t imagine what these folks have gone through. Husbands killing their own children because they where conceived by Tutsi mothers. Children forced to kill their Tutsi relations or face death themselves. That kind of hell is hard to in vision or comprehend. As our journey continued we soon discovered that there was plenty of evidence still in the general public which bore the scars of Genocide by dismemberment of limbs and other signs of past trauma. After our visit, that evening we sat down with the widows and orphans of Zindiro Kimironko. As we arrived to their gathering place they greeted us with song and incredible dance. No musical instruments where used, only the perfectly timed clapping and stumping of their feet. It was mesmerizing. What’s even more impressive is the richness of their spirit. This was evident in every visit we had with all the groups, orphans, widows and victims of rape and HIV. A clear sign of how God is leading Pastor Osee’s team to care for them. As Pastor Osee opened the fellowship by bringing praise to God for His provisions and reminding everyone how He is faithful. Then would introduce us to others by how God had connected us and was evidence of their prayers being fore filled. I soon discovered that our failed attempt in November brought much evidence that these widows and orphans were in fact genuinely praying and interceding on our behalf in order that we would successfully make the journey. Each time we drove up to the various locations meeting the widows, orphans and those inflected with HIV and stream of kids would run towards us waving and shouting Mabozoo, Mabozoo (Whiteman, Whiteman). The kids instantly stole our hearts. Melanie, coming back to the hotel room and remarked, “That’s what the Lord had meant by a basket of blue blankets” which had be prophesied years ago along with much traveling. And it’s true most of the kids here attend school in bright blue uniforms; such a stunning contrast to their beautiful dark skin tones and large smiles. As promised the Lord was faithful in providing Melanie and I with the right words to offer them. And that word was hinged on Isaiah 61, which the Lord had given us when our team sat together praying for Rwanda. The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Jeremiah were used to string the message that God had for them. That message was that God had heard the cries of the Persistent Widow as described in Luke 18. God is about to release His anointing on them and raising them out of their current circumstance. Having some of their own go forth and share their stories of faith to the world around them. The need to build the living temple of Christ before church building which then would result in a healthy community. Each morning we had a time of fervent prayers in the hotel room with everyone on their knees. Pastor Osee, Pastor Lewi, who was our interpreter for most of the visit, Pastors Joseph and Camarade would join Melanie and I praying for provisions for what the Lord had in store that day. Then it was either a visit to a memorial site or the orphans in the morning and then fellowshipping with widows or raped women victims of the Genocide. We had the opportunity to visit the orphans and widows of Kimisagara, Karama, Zindiro Kimironko twice. Often we had the opportunity to see them more then just twice because some would be present at both the visits with orphans and widows. This too was a gift, for it allowed us to build better relationships. Nyamirambo was the only orphanage that we visited once for it wasn’t in the immediate care of Lehi Ministries. As we continued to meet with these folks, God spontaneously showed us what to say each day. It was in fact refreshing. God would speak encouragement through us and two or three other witness would respond confirming the very message given to us by God. In an evening service I was led to share about cultural restoration and sanctification in order that we could take it back from the enemy and use it to glorify Christ with it. Working as a unique team God had me remove the false teachings that held them in bondage through various scriptures that contradicted the old colonial teachings and Melanie would give a visual affirmation of the message through her cultural expressions. It was great, so great that towards the end of the service three traditional youth pastors who had been reluctant to cause waves by openly sharing their traditional dance in the church burst forth and all three danced. One was from Rwanda, the other from D. R. Congo, and Burundi. Both Melanie and my hearts leaped with joy seeing God at work in breaking the bondage that held them back. There were many other breakthroughs like this example. With more and more sharing, we soon discovered that many more false teachings were surfacing and I found myself searching the scriptures to dispel the taboos which the colonial church had set. When I questioned one of Pastor Osee’s team he quoted that, “How can I dismantle these teachings, they will say, I’m Black you can’t talk about the these teachings like that we received them from the Whites who brought the gospel” But then looked at me and said, “You could do it because your White. What better way to dispel and discredit these teachings but through one of their own, they will listen to you.” He then began to warn me to mount up scriptures to make my arguments for they would be scrutinizing my every claim. Little that I knew that it was going to be my preparation time for our two day Pastor’s Conference. As I open the word God just led me around verse after verse to back all that Melanie and I would be presenting at the Conference. I thank God for the partnership I have in Melanie. She makes sharing the things, the secret things of Christ so easy. For scripture is written all over here actions and comments. I share the scriptures and Melanie shows up and everyone instantly gets it! What a blessing. As the first week was coming to a close, Pastor Osee and his team along with us had more time to share the visions and testimonies that God had placed in our hearts. We were on a continuous hi from the Spirit. God was revealing to us that it was His plans before we knew anything about each other that we were going to work together. One of those unique blessings was a small statement made by a friend of mine who told me this past summer that French was going to become very important to me. I discovered it when I first met Pastor Osee. In our many e-mails and conversations I had not known that it was the work of our translator, Pastor Lewi that was the voice and writer of these communications. So as Melanie and I got into the arrivals area at the Kigali Airport we were met by Pastor Lewi and he called out my name when he saw me. I instantly recognized the voice, but something was wrong. He didn’t match up with his picture. I thought that we had been scammed. Confused and not wanting to say anything, we finally reached the exit where I recognized Pastor Osee from his picture he had sent me. While in the van I realized that Pastor Osee spoke Kinyarwanda and French but no English. So we immediately started sharing in French and laughed together about my confusion. The ability to share directly was a blessing because we discovered that God had placed the very same vision in our hearts. As we compared scriptures that God had given us to confirm his vision we took notice that we had both highlighted the many passages. So through the days to follow we would be reminded of scripture that God used to direct our path and vision and we would compare notes. Each time the scriptures would be highlighted. We would break out in laughter. Sunday the 4th the day after we had witness a break through with the traditional Pastors which broke into dance, we were going to be witnesses again to another awesome move of God. Pastor Osee whose wife was pregnant was attending the service. As Melanie and I shared along with other visiting pastors God’s message rang even clearer. All the visiting Pastors had been given messages prior to coming to the service which confirmed the word that was shared. Both Pastor Osee and I agreed to make a prophetic act that God was going to use this connection between us to birth a ministry that would redeem, restore, and sanctify cultures for Christ “Creator” for global evangelization. That very moment Pastor Osee’s wife started labour pains, unannounced to us at the time. The following morning while Melanie and I waited for Pastor Osee and his team to show up for prayers, we turned the TV on and watched Hotel Rwanda which just happened to be on early in the morning. I turned and told Melanie that I sense that there is a reason why this movie is on and the guys aren’t here yet. I said, “Just watch as soon as this movie is over there will be a knock at the door.” Sure enough like clock work, the show was over and no sooner there was a knock at the door. Pastor Osee came in with his team shared that his wife had a little boy. Then looking at me he told me he called him Joel. He knew that God had given him this son as a covenant to what took place in the fellowship the previous evening. I asked him if he knew the meaning behind the name which he chose? He said he chose the name because of the work God had revealed to us and the connection that He was meshing together for us. I informed him that the meaning behind the name was one who wills or commands. I thought to myself how appropriate, not that this child would carry the same name as mind; however, that was an extreme honour for me, but that it further reinforced the vision. While congratulations where going around the room, we thank God for all that had happened. It was a day that also had us free of any formal visits. Melanie and I took the opportunity to go and buy baby stuff and a birth cake to celebrate. All of us jumped into the van and picked up Mom (Nyiramanyana Zirayi) and baby (Joel) at the clinic and drove to Pastor Osee’s home where we surprised her with baby gifts. February 6th brought us to the start of the conference now appropriately named; REDEEMING, RESTORING, AND SANCTIFYING OUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST “CREATOR” FOR GLOBAL EVANGELIZATION CONFERENCE 2007 The conference was held in a large church which was partially donated to host the gathering due to the numbers expected to attend. We expected some 120 pastors, evangelist and church deacons and elders. As the final numbers came in, it was with well over 120 people. While we accounted only for those first 120 registered guest who would join us for a lunch, we would suspect that 20 to 30 more had joined us for the conference only. The conference worked on the principles of breaking down past false colonial teachings concerning curses, cultural taboos, and Western imposed Christian perspectives. Working as a team Melanie and I used many visuals and scriptures to dispel these teachings. The room fell into awe with almost all nodding the heads in agreement. You could here the chains fall to the floor as they accepted the truth confirmed by both the Spirit and the Word. Even more wonderful then this was to see their spirits soar to the heavens as they grasped this new truth. One young man went to pick up a small traditional drum that was in the corner of the room and started to play it in praise. Yet another one got up and brought a drum twice the size as the first one and gave it to this young man to play. Yes, release was being poured out! We started working on the restoration of the culture by having the Word of God as our plumb line. Discussing what can be restored and what must be discarded. We spoke about carrying forth the values of our ancient traditions, researching those God given stories of our past to carry them along to our next generations. We spoke too about those very traditions that were detestable to the Lord in order that we may warn our children to shun them. Again using many scriptures to affirm the teachings that the Lord was anointing. Practical ways introduced about how they could put all this into practice for the benefit of building the body of Christ. These benefits included touching on self-esteem, national pride, spiritual wellbeing, and economic prosperity. On the last day of the conference we touched on the responsibility of those charged with the wellbeing of the living Temple. We shared the many examples described in Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah. Near the end of the conference a give away ceremony was introduced. Due to the high numbers of participants we weren’t able to supply all of them with gifts. We had all those who had received to encircle those that didn’t and we began praying blessings on them, their families, and their ministries. It was awesome to watch the Lord at work in this Body of Christ. As we wrapped up many Pastors came forth sharing their testimonies of how God had released them from the colonial baggage of lies. Some shared how God specifically prepared them to attend this conference. Ministers from D. R. Congo, Burundi and many parts of Rwanda came testifying that this was God’s words for them. We received many invitations to visit and share in their own countries and villages. As of all our spirit journeys that Melanie and I have traveled to, none could have moved us so much as what we observed in these people. Though materially impoverished amazingly rich in spirit the likes I have not witness any were else. God rests in Rwanda and the widows and orphans are known to Him by name. I could not help see how spiritually impoverished we are as a nation when I compare the richness of these people I have met here. Boy, we need to come and export some of our material wealth with these people so that we import some of their spiritual richness. We can not continue to leave the balance unchecked for they will be like Lazarus in Luke 16:19. However, if we would come to the full understanding of what kind of temple God was really talking about in Zechariah and Haggai we would not leave this portion of the temple in disarray. In fact we would come and help restore these walls of living stones as described in Nehemiah. We would share in the richness of their spirit and become spiritually rich ourselves they in turn would become rich materially, so they could rebuild their lives and contribute to the Body of Christ globally. I am reminded of a couple of sayings, one is you can give without loving but you can’t love without giving; the second is the warning that God speaks of in Haggai; Haggai 1:1-5 So Haggai told Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua that the LORD All-Powerful had said to them and to the people: You say this isn't the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins? Just look at what's happening! CLV So the challenge is before us, come and I will introduce you to a God appointed and anointed team of ministers. A team which carries an incredible load that none of us would comprehend in our own world. All of them whom have full time employment working to support their families and giving the rest to the Body of Christ. Having traveled with them seeing the pace they keep and the accountability they have for each other and the finances shames me to thing of my own situation. All of the team sat down in our hotel room today for the last time to discuss and evaluate the visit and sharing each others spirit journeys. The connections that God had done in these fleeing two weeks were more then I could put into words. Each one of us in the room had been prepared for such a time as this. Childhood dreams, prophecies, visions, godly coincidences and a burning call of God brought us all here. This journey was no accident and we are all very excited to see how and when God will bring it all together even though none of us have the provisions to see it move further. However, we know the one that provides all things and does the impossible and arranged this single vision to unite in Kigali, Rwanda. Just a few last words on this impeccable Godly team who invited us into Rwanda. All these men had come into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These men came into the country very shortly after the Genocide had been stopped. They were some of the first to collect abandon children and widows in Rwandan country side. Many children were collected from the corpses of parents that had been dead for sometime. Even more were in desperate need of medical and emotional care. They shared how many of these people having given up on life sought to commit suicide time and time again, but it was the families that these men were building under the direction of the Holy Spirit. They are, that Samaritan man how would not step aside when God called them to the field. I am incredibly honoured to be able to work with them and to be considered as a partner with these fine men. There is nothing counterfeit about these servants. All of them work full-time and minister full-time as well. They have setup ministries using those they had built up which were rescued and collected by them. They gave them hope, support in the best way they could, and created a family for these people using God as their Father. These families care for the most vulnerable in the countries of Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. They have accomplished much of this on their own by the Grace of GOD and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Please keep these truly men of God in prayers for their story is about to unfold and shame the world. For a more complete report or information on how you can help these men please contact me personally. It is our heart’s desire that we make the journey again in May, God providing. If you want to know more about our next Spirit Journey to Rwanda contact us. Joel Molin |
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I would like to say how I feel extremely blessed
that God had hand picked three girls and I happened to be one of
them. This was one awesome opportunity for me. One of the most
outstanding trips I have ever been on. I have come away learning so
much on this trip that it made me realize how we have it really easy
here in Canada. 
Hi, my name is Whitney Constant. I am one of the
three students that had been chosen from Joe A. Ross School to
participate in this journey to Africa. I’m very thankful to have had
this opportunity to go and learn about another country and its
culture. This experience was absolutely mind blowing, and most of
the time shocking. Learning a lot of things, and I guess seeing is
believing right? Well the things that these people had been put
through, it’s unbelievable. The little of things they have! I’m
actually really upset with myself. I take so many things for
granted, when some barely have anything to call their own. When I
went on this trip, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was so
scared, but yet so happy at the same time. Throughout those 11 days,
I have learned so much! These children I have seen, and the
wonderful people that I have met; they have all touched my heart in
so many ways. I miss everything about Kigali, Rwanda. Especially all
of the friends I have made, and also their food! 
Our first lay over was in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
We stayed at the Hilton and enjoyed a relaxing dinner, the ambiance
was wonderful. We were treated to a show by some local talent. They
had 3 sets of traditional dances. The dances are incredible. After
retiring to our rooms (Melanie and I had the bigger room, Executive
suite, sorry guys!) we woke up to a majestic view and enjoyed our
continental breakfast just across the hall from where our room was.
The exotic birds were out chirping. After breakfast we were finally
on our way to Kigali, our point of destination. 
Our first visit was to an orphanage school that
Pastor had opened in February 2007. He had no
choice but to step forward and meet the need that was before. He
trusted that God would send someone to come along and assist him in
this but had no idea who that would be. It is quite amazing that a
reserve in Northern Manitoba (Joe A Ross School OCN) would step up
to the plate, (with the help of Northern Connections connecting them
as partners) The school was in a very poor part of the city and as
we approached the school, the children were on the road and path
that led to the school eagerly awaiting our arrival. The air was
filled with such anticipation; my quick assessment of the situation
brought such gratitude to witness a people who, in spite of what
they just faced, were being led by energetic children. God is good.
His promises are forever, and when He says in His word that your
mourning will turn to joy, I believe Him. I saw the reality of this
scripture come to life as I walk the meandering path to the school. 
