missons
operation paidion | 1st trip
final report
OPERATION PAIDION was a success. God accomplished the goals that we had prayerfully brought before Him for several months. The number one goal was to train children’s workers in Rwanda and Burundi to affect a ministry of multiplication as they in turn go out to evangelize the children of their respective countries. Through God’s miraculous provision we trained 98 in Rwanda and 108 in Burundi for a total of 206 men and women trained and challenged to share the gospel with children everywhere in their land. A significant fact is that many of the trainees were pastors. Our prayer is that as they catch the vision for child evangelism/discipleship, their congregations will catch it also resulting in more of the ministry of multiplication.
The second goal was to evangelize children in both countries. In Rwanda, the Lord lead us to three schools in Kigali, two villages (Kabuga and Rubungo), and some street kids in Kigali. Approximately 1200 children and youth in Rwanda heard the Gospel coupled with Biblical teaching and encouragement Because of circumstance, it was difficult to discern who responded to the Gospel. That we know of, around 30-40 were saved. In Burundi, about 400 children were transported to the training site every afternoon where we conducted a children’s program. By the end of the training at least 136 children trusted in Jesus as their Savior.
We have received encouraging reports from both countries. From Rwanda a report came that one of the pastors went straight home to share with his youth group the things he was taught and 15 were saved. Others also began immediately using their training and teaching materials we left them. They’re requesting more materials. From Burundi, the people have asked us to return for follow-up training as they are actively using their new materials. They particularly like the Gospel Bead Bracelets for presenting the Gospel.
Perhaps the most poignant moment for the team happened in Burundi, where culturally, men don’t interact with children. As the week progressed the pastors were equipped and challenged to reach out to children with the Gospel. On the last day, they put their training to use: the trainees presented the Gospel and counseled the 400 children for salvation. It brought tears to our eyes. There were the men of Burundi who would have formerly dismissed the children, with arms around them instead, sharing Christ and praying with them. This was why we were sent.
Like last year I witnessed many overwhelming needs in the countries of Africa. I want to share with you a few prayer requests and situations I will monitor in the future.
In Rwanda
Rubungo Baptist Church The pastor’s name is Jonas. This church’s congregation is primarily infected with HIV. There are 80-85 women and around 125 children, with many of the women not able to attend services because they are too weak. The children belong to the mothers or they have been orphaned. Many of these children have HIV.
Kanombe Primary School This school is a public school, but is operated by a church. The pastor’s name is Jonathan. There are about 400 children who go to this
school which is in bad shape from the Genocide. The cost for a child to go to school is about $2 per year yet there are only funds to cover about one-third of the children.
In Burundi
The Peace process. This country is trying to end a civil war by electing a representative type of government. Due to the lack of government not much law and order can be consistently enforced, which breeds mistrust of each faction. Some of the people we trained live in constant danger.
All of the pastors have the overwhelming task of providing for their families, taking care of their congregations and encouraging other pastors. Most of these pastors have taken in nieces and nephews who have been orphaned.
THANK YOU for supporting Operation Paidion. It was only successful because of the Lord working through your prayers and financial offerings. The team felt supported by the love of the many friends and family back home. Our confidence was and is in our Lord Jesus Christ who sustains not only us but the people of Rwanda and Burundi.
In Christ,
Wayne Stone
