2010 Rwanda STOMP canceled

With great disappointment do I write this: The 2010 Rwanda STOMP initiative has been canceled due to the outbreak of violence preceding the Rwanda August elections. While there have been no bombings over the past few weeks, our Rwandan hosts at ANLM are not willing to risk our well-being. Please see the email pasted below for the full explanation of the decision.

Currently, our stateside leaders are discussing plans for  a summer 2011 Rwanda STOMP trip. In light of this, I will keep this blog live and update you with the information I receive regarding that. Despite my regrets, I’m consoled by the fact that God has an ultimate timeline far exceeding our own. He knows the who, where and why that we cannot see with our limited vision. I trust in that and know that his work continues on in the lives of our Rwandan friends. Our role now is to pray fervently for their country, their safety, and the prosperity of their futures.

I’m signing off for a time with the hopes of returning to this blog in 2011. Until then, dear friends, may you be blessed to be a blessing.

Yours truly, Sarah

Board Members, Staff and Friends of ANLM,

Two more bombs have been set off in Kigali including one at the Market near
our two ANLM Mission Houses. Our senior staff were meeting there together
when the bomb went off and though shaken no one was hurt. They continued
meeting and praying through the night.

Fear has gripped Rwanda and the Government has officially asked all churches
by letter to suspend evening prayer gatherings in public and private until
the elections are completed August 9th because of the danger involved in
having groups of people together becoming targets for the terrorists.

I just spoke with Charles a few minutes ago.  He has decided that it is best
to postpone almost all of the teams that were planning to come to Rwanda
between now and the Aug 9 elections with the exception of one IBC men’s team
because of their previous experience in military and relief situations.

I will be contacting all of the remaining churches who have teams coming and
letting them know that they are welcome to re-schedule their trips for
September 2010 or later.

Charles exact words were, “We have to be honest with our friends now about
the danger that is in Rwanda for this time or they will not trust us later
when we tell them it is safe for them to enter again”.

Please pray for our friends and especially our staff in Rwanda at this time.

I will keep you posted as I learn more. You can read about the latest by
Googling The New Times in Kigali or checking the Africa News section of the
BBC World News sight online.

—–Original Message—–
From: Charles
Subject: Pray for Rwanda

Pray for Rwanda today we had another two bombs  attack. One was very close
to Kimironko Market near the mission house! Just on the main road near the
market.

I pass every day in that area driving home from work.

Last week we had three bombs attacks in the city. Pray for our nation as
we look towards elections

Pray that God will protect us.

Pastor Charles