An Amazing Day of Ministry on Iwawa Island, Rwanda
One thing I know for sure, God is big and He has a plan! He is inviting us to join Him on this incredible journey called life. Having returned from another unforgettable ministry trip to Rwanda, God did some really big things! We were once again hosted by John Gasangwa and Arise Rwanda Ministries. Our team included Greg Yancey, who is the board chairman for Arise Rwanda Ministries and is also on my Empty Tomb Ministries board of directors. The other two members of our team were Russ Zoetewey and Gayle Smith from Loveland, Colorado. Each one played an important and specific role while we were stationed in Boneza, Rwanda.
Iwawa Island waiting for our arrival. When we make ourselves available to the God of the universe and we realize He has no boundaries, we might one day be on a boat in a faraway land!
After arriving in Rwanda, it didn’t take us long before the Holy Spirit had us right where He wanted us, totally dependent on Him. We were about to do something we had never done before and it would change our lives forever! It all started out in a boat! That’s right, a boat on Lake Kivu and an island called Iwawa! If my memory serves me well, Jesus did a lot of ministry on a lake and on a boat. Luke 8:22 says, One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. If you read this full story in the Bible, you realize they never asked Jesus where they are going. They didn’t need to; Jesus had a divine appointment for them, and their lives would never be the same.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, all unique and different. We all have a story and God wants to use our stories for His glory and honor.
Early on a Saturday morning, we met on the shore of Lake Kivu, boarded a boat and headed to an island called Iwawa Island, about an hour boat ride from Boneza. There was only one thing on this island: a government run drug and alcohol rehab center with 4,600 men. And on this day, they were patiently waiting for their special guests to arrive—us! God had arranged a meeting that none of us will ever forget. God was sending us to bring them a message from heaven, a message of hope, grace, love and forgiveness. We surely weren’t the most qualified and gifted group. We were simple, ordinary people who were willing to get in a boat and let God do the rest. So much went through my mind on that boat ride. Going somewhere where you have never been before can bring a real sense of uncertainty and apprehension. I had no idea how all this would play out, yet one thing I have learned over the years is that to be used by God requires a great deal of trust.
What an honor and privilege it was for us to speak to the men that day. It is an honor to be used by God and to watch the power of the Holy Spirit change a human heart.
The boat finally anchored on shore, and it was time for our divine appointment. It was time for God to do what He does best—be GOD! As we went through security and got our clearance, it was time to go and have a tour and meet our soon to be friends! I will never forget walking up that rather steep incline, having a short tour of the facility and then coming upon an open field of grass with 4,600 men patiently sitting and waiting for our arrival. What happened after that? We worshiped, we spoke, we prayed, and we loved these men whom God had placed before us. Heaven had come to earth and I was so glad that I got in that boat that day. When God calls your name and says, “Get in the boat,” trust Him!
We gave the men an opportunity to become followers of Jesus, over 300 men came forward and got on their knees. Humbled by God’s grace and thankful for this new beginning in their lives.
Larimer County Detention Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
It was a number of years ago when God orchestrated a divine appointment for me with a gentleman named Jeff Monson. I was a guest speaker at a church in Fort Collins and Jeff was a guest visiting that day. Little did we know what God had planned for our lives. Jeff was very involved in prison ministry here in Colorado, and the thought of me being involved in prison ministry never crossed my mind. And then God moved! During the service, the Holy Spirit spoke to Jeff’s heart and said, “You and Bob need to get together.” Jeff listened. We met for coffee, and the rest is history. We have been doing jail and prison ministry together ever since.
Today, in the Larimer County Jail, Empty Tomb Ministries has a very vibrant and active ministry touching many lives each week. We have assembled a wonderful team of volunteers who have played a very important part of this dynamic ministry. On Monday and Thursday afternoons each week, we enter the jail and present our Authentic Manhood program. It is a video series on many different topics that affect men in today’s world. We originally started with one day a week, but because of demand and growth we were asked to prayerfully consider coming in one more day each week. In my wildest dreams I would never have believed what God was going to do. The power of His Word and the sacrifice of our team has touched so many lives these past few years. As we make ourselves available to the work of God, He is going to use us in ways we never thought or dreamed. When you have a few minutes, take some time to read Matthew 25:31-46. I only wish I could show you some pictures of the different men we minister to each week. You would be amazed at what God can, and is doing, in their lives.
Finally, could you do me a favor? Turn this newsletter over and look at the faces of the men on Iwawa Island. Each one has a story to tell: a story of redemption and forgiveness, a future of hope and destiny. That’s what we bring each week into the Larimer County Jail. God hasn’t forgotten the men and woman who have been incarcerated. The Holy Spirit is asking each of us to have a heart for the lost and a passion for the call of God. Look out for those divine appointments of God—you just might meet my friend Jeff!
During my last trip to Rwanda in September, ETM had the privilege to be a part of a two day pastors and community leader’s conference. Above is the graduating class and we look forward to hosting another conference in February 2020.
Rwanda February 2020
It seems like yesterday that our team was in Rwanda, and now we are planning for a return trip in February 2020. This will be my fourth trip to Rwanda, and I will work once again with John Gasangwa and Arise Rwanda Ministries. I am honored to be serving on that board of directors as well. God is doing an amazing work through Arise in the city of Boneza on the shores of Lake Kivu. They have also started a school in Boneza with the capability of hosting over 300 students. You can learn more about this ministry by visiting their webpage at ariserwanda.org.
Each time I visit Boneza I am humbled by all that God is doing in that community and the country of Rwanda. My mission at Empty Tomb Ministries is to go and make disciples of all nations, and that is exactly what the Holy Spirit is allowing me to be a part of. I am in awe of the divine appointments and the doors that God has opened to reach the world with His message of hope, grace and forgiveness. So many of you have helped make all of this possible through your prayers and financial gifts. Thank you for believing in me and this ministry. Your gifts and prayers have been a sacrifice of love and have reached so many people around the world. I will keep you posted on my upcoming trip and let you know how you can be a part of that journey. Thanks for having a world vision and for allowing God to use you for His Kingdom.
You Are a Gift from God! Merry Christmas 2019
God taught us how to be great givers. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son!!!! Think about that for just a moment. Of all the ways He could have chosen to redeem us, He chose to do it through His one and only Son Jesus. And this Christmas we are once again reminded of the depth of His love and grace through this amazing gift. I hope you know that you are a gift, a gift from heaven to impact the world. You are a gift to me and this ministry! Thank you for who you are and the call of God on your life. You have been placed on this earth for a reason, to honor God and to serve Him with all your heart. It is my prayer that He will fill you with His power and grace, and that you may walk in His love and experience the divine appointments that He has for your life. This Christmas morning as you celebrate the birth of His Son, may the Holy Spirit remind you that you are a special gift to so many others. Merry Christmas!