SHOWING UP TO SERVE
In just a few short weeks, a team from Portland, Oregon will be congregating in the beautiful green hills of the nation of Rwanda. The objective? Lahash International will host the 8th Regional East Africa Conference for ministry partners from nations all across the region.
Jesus told his followers that he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus also told his followers that those who desired to become great should be the servant of all.
The community at the conference will be taking the life and teachings of Jesus as an inspiration for the theme of Leading with Humility. Our goal as an international gathering is to grow in Christlike humility and Servant-Leadership during our time together.
The conference will have a rich set of teachings by a great team of speakers.
Some of the topics this year include:
- The Power of Partnership by Nickson Khamasi
- Trauma and Healing teachings by Christine Angote and Sarah Sanderson
- Strategic Planning by Louis Mashengesho
- Lament and Repentance for the sins of Colonialism and Racism by Sarah Sanderson
- Resource Mobilization by Benson Mungai
- Community Ministry Strategies by Maxwell Olwa
- And many others!
Emmanuel Sitaki, the Rwandan founder and leader of the ministry ERM in Rwanda shared his excitement about the conference and the opportunity to host the event this year.
“The dream is coming true this summer! This means a lot to us! During the conference we are going to learn from each other, share experiences, dream big dreams together, and praise God! We can't wait to see everyone here in our home country of Rwanda!”
Lahash ministry partner Eunice Wanjiku helps to run a ministry to children in Kenya’s Rift Valley. She told us of her anticipation of the conference week.
“I am looking forward to a very great time where I shall be enriched by the Word of God. I am also sure that am going to gain a lot of knowledge regarding care for our children and I look forward to seeing all our friends again! I’m also looking forward to time to rest and have a taste of Rwandan food.”
In the week before and after the conference, teams from the US will also get the opportunity to visit ministry partnership locations in Kenya and Rwanda - meeting with partners, spending time with the kids, delivering books and supplies, and conducting home visits.
The US team will be wrapping up the final packing and preparation in the coming weeks. Recently they spent time finalizing the conference schedule, praying over the trip, and going over cultural differences and similarities they will encounter.
In the coming weeks the team would appreciate prayers in the following areas:
- Please pray for a great impact in the lives of the kids and partners during the ministry trip. Pray that we will be an encouragement to their local ministries. Pray for team safety, team unity, and that all supplies will make it on time.
- Pray for our conference in central Rwanda. Pray that the theme will have a big impact in our lives. Pray for great collaboration, connection, times of prayer and worship, and a time of refreshing for our amazing ministry partners. Please also pray for safety for the many participants as they’ll be coming by land, air, and boat to the conference.
Thanks for your partnership as our community serves together this summer.
