In June 2016 we had a visit from Bishop Samuel of Rwanda. This was the first step of our new venture to twin Stourport Wesley with the developing church in Ruyenzi, a town near the capital Kigali. Since then members of Trinity Church Kidderminster have made two visits to Ruyenzi, bringing back beautiful items made there, for sale, with the proceeds going towards the cost of the new church they are building themselves.
In April 2017 we had a visit from Ephaste, our contact with the Ruyenzi church. Ephaste brought a video of their church congregation and building showing the wonderful enthusiasm of their people. Since then the church slowly took shape, depending on the funds that they could raise. Stourport Wesley took the decision to help and over two years sent them a total of £10,000 which enabled them to complete the roof and other major structures.
Unfortunately, the government inspectors were not happy with the safety aspects of their new building and more work needed to be done. This of course cost money they didn’t have, but following much hard work and prayer, eventually the church was passed for worship earlier this year, (2019)
Rev. Phil Hoar, who began the twinning process with Stourport Wesley, is going to Ruyenzi again this summer and will no doubt bring further reports of their progress.
The two churches encourage one another by emails and support one another by prayer. We hope this is the start of a long relationship between the churches.