Going to Rwanda in 2006!

Dear Friends and Family,

During the summer of 2005, I spent six weeks in Africa as part of a student mission team, sharing God’s word with the people of Rwanda. Our team, using the Gospel of Luke created group discussions with first and second year English students at the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). In total, we studied with over three hundred Rwandans two times a week for four weeks. We made personal friendships through our studies, and shared our faith with students of different religious beliefs including numerous followers of Islam. Due to the semi-diplomatic nature of our role at KIST, we aided in securing a teaching position for David Jenkins, the missionary in Kigali. David and his family recently moved from Uganda to Rwanda, and arrived there less than one month before we came. While we were forced to adapt to an entirely new mission front, our mission was an incredible triumph. The teaching appointment Dave secured enabled the Jenkins to get a temporary work visa while they work on church registration.

I have never imagined God would use me to help missions in Africa, but witnessing His work through me, I feel compelled to continue serving Him and will return to Africa this summer for three weeks. My time in Rwanda will be less than last year, however, I will return with twice the strength this time. Praise Jesus, my wife Onawa will take part in the mission as well. I feel tremendously blessed that she will experience the glory of serving God in Rwanda, and believe our mission will be terrifically blessed through her participation.

This year we are invited to be part of a volunteer group, “GO-Team” (Global Outreach Team), traveling to Rwanda to work with the Jenkins in the capital city of Kigali. Our mission will look similar to the Let’s Start Talking program we used last year. We will work with KIST again, and use parables from the Bible, discussing our faith with students. Additionally, we will read with individuals through the Gospels. This year we will focus more attention on working with orphanages, and street children. In Kigali alone, there are over 3000 children living on the streets—most are second generation street kids.

As I mentioned last year—little, if any, notice has been taken of Rwanda. It received international attention due to the civil war and genocide that occurred there in 1994. In recent years, people are finally learning of the atrocities the Rwandan people suffered during the one hundred days of Genocide. Its horrific effect on the country left almost one million dead, hundreds of thousand broken homes, and uncountable orphans. In the ten years since the Genocide, a new government is in place and is now stable, but the healing of the nation has just started.

I’m sure there will be a time in our lives when we no longer have the opportunity to go, but fortunately with your help that time is not now. Onawa and I must raise a total of $7500, to take part in this mission. God is already showing his provision by providing the first $2000. That means, we only have $5500 left to raise. Because we were unable to commit to this mission prior to Onawa receiving a new job last month, our time for fundraising is limited. Half of the amount must be raised by the end of the month, and the remainder by April 15th. These funds are handled by our sponsoring church, Quail Springs Church of Christ. The funds go toward airfare, on site transportation, food, lodging, work materials, resources for service projects, and will cover some of our living expenses while we are away.

If you decide to share in financing this ministry please send a check to Quail Springs Church of Christ, attention: Rwanda GO Team-ROL, 14401 N. May, OKC, OK, 73134. I have enclosed an addressed envelope for your convenience. Note our initials (ROL) in the memo line. Please send in your check as soon as you can, and don’t forget your contribution is tax deductible. We are sending out one hundred letters and asking that each family member or friend consider contributing a minimum of $100. If you feel moved to contribute more, praise God. If you can not afford the minimum please feel blessed to contribute whatever you can afford. We will be thankful for whatever amount you decide to contribute. If you can not take part in this mission financially, your prayers are requested as well. Please pray for us this year, and be prayerful about the financial support of our team.

We are already training, and will complete several weeks of intensive training before our departure on May 22nd. Again, both you and I are blessed with the opportunity to be part of an extraordinary event. We ask that you join us as we bring a message of hope, aiding the recovering country of Rwanda. Last year I witnessed first hand Rwanda’s need for Jesus’ message of reconciliation. I witnessed a nation recovering from tragedy, rebuilding on the hope of a better future for their children, and that hope can only come from Jesus. Please help us return and continue the mission. I pray that God will be glorified in every aspect of our mission. Please join with us, our team, and all who are taking part as we ask His blessing on our efforts. If you have any questions please call or e-mail us. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your help.

In Christ,

William “Rusty,” and Onawa Linden
(405) 370-8290
william.linden@student.oc.edu
orlinden@cox.net

To see pictures & videos of my mission last year, and this years fundraising updates please visit our blog website:
http://rustyandonawa.blogspot.com