NERF STAFF PICNIC

On the NERF Staff Tour of 3-21-2023, we are reminded of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples in Mark 6:31 to “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.” Following the laborious work of the fruitful seasons in the first and second months, the leaders of the North East Rwanda Field organized a trip for the district leaders, Field office workers, and their spouses. The purpose of this trip is to give thanks to God for His mighty works among His people, to renew our spirits, and to plan for future endeavors. The journey commenced early in the morning at 5:30 from the Field’s office and continued at the Rwanda Union office. The journey was filled with joy and God’s presence was evident throughout the trip.

The tour came to an end after four to five hours, as we arrived at the office of the Rwanda Union Mission. We were overjoyed to be reunited with our colleagues. As we reflect on the blessings of the tour, we are reminded of the promise in Psalm 16:11 that “in [God’s] presence is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

We were warmly welcomed by the Union President himself, who then gave us a tour of the offices of all the union workers starting from his own office. The Rwandan Union Building is an impressive seven-floor structure, and the office of the Union Director is situated on the topmost floor.

After visiting the office, all the NERF staff, along with the Union President and the Director of the Union Stewardship Department, returned to the meeting room. We were seated in four groups, representing the Field in the northeast of Rwanda. To enhance operational efficiency, the field administration divided the districts into four groups, each comprising five or six districts with its own leader and field staff worker serving as an adviser. On that day, each group was seated separately, and the spouses of the district pastors and church elders who lead the district projects were dressed in matching attire. As we reflect on the structure and organization of the Field, we are reminded of the importance of delegation and shared leadership, as taught in Exodus 18:21, “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”

After offering prayers to thank God for leading us on our journey and to seek His guidance for the upcoming days, the NEFR President introduced the group he was leading to the Union leaders. This group consisted of Field Office leaders and their spouses, district leaders, and leaders of district projects and their spouses. The North Eastern Field of Rwanda typically comprises 16 districts, but there are currently seven new districts under trial, called district projects. These new districts do not have designated leaders and are currently led by church elders elected by their colleagues.

After being introduced to the gathered group, the two leaders – the President of the Union and the Union Stewardship Department Director – shared with us valuable advice to guide us in our work and strengthen our efforts.

After receiving the advice of the leaders, we proceeded to the dining hall and the meeting room. The Field President opened the discussion, and we discussed various aspects of the work, including plans for Total Member Involvement (TMI) in May 2023, stewardship initiatives for the upcoming months, and preparations for a seminar for church elders focusing on spiritual renewal.

The discussions ended with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for being with us throughout the trip and for the many lessons He has taught us. We are grateful for His protection and guidance, and we believe that the plans and measures we discussed during the trip will enable us to carry out His work effectively. With hearts full of gratitude, we returned home, ready to continue serving Him with renewed strength and determination.