Attaques généralisées de la coalition gouvernementale dans le Territoire de Masisi
Tôt ce matin à 5heures, heure locale, la coalition gouvernementale FARDC-FDLR-DMN (Diverses Milices Nationales) a mené des offensives tous azimuts dans le territoire de Masisi. Les combats se sont déroulés simultanément dans les localités de NYAMITABA, KIBARIZO, CHAINE DE GHAZA à MWESO, BITONGA, GASAKE, RUBAYA ET KIBABI. Mise en déroute à KIBARIZO, la coalition a pillé et brûlé dans sa fuite trois villages qui se trouvaient sur sa route, à savoir KIRANGANWA, KESHUSHI et GASHUBI. Partout ailleurs les combats se poursuivent à l’heure où ce bulletin est publié. Hier mercredi 15 octobre, il a été observé l’arrivée à Goma de trois bataillons en provenance du Sud-Kivu. Deux d’entre eux sont directement partis en renfort sur l’axe RUGARI-RUTSHURU, pendant que le troisième est parti relever le bataillon en position à RUSAYO dans la périphérie de Goma, celui-ci devant prendre la route de SAKE pour renforcer cet axe en prévision, apprend-on, d’une attaque contre MUSHAKI.
Par ailleurs, hier dans la ville de Goma, trois camions FARDC peints en blanc, aux couleurs de la MONUC sans le sigle UN, ont été formellement identifiés circulant dans les rues de la ville. La MONUC a été prévenue afin d’ouvrir l’œil et le bon pour que ce camouflage ne serve pas à la discréditer.
En Territoire de RUTSHURU, les unités de la coalition qui avaient échappé à la défaite d’hier à TONGO sont parties en renfort sur le front de NTAMUGENGA. Celles qui résistaient encore dans le secteur, près du camp de la MONUC, ont profité de la nuit pour s’éclipser vers 1h00 du matin, après avoir pillé tous les abris des déplacés. En outre, dans le secteur de RUMANGABO, les forces de la coalition ont mené une expédition punitive contre les habitants de tous les villages situés entre KABAYA et NKOKWE. Elles ont systématiquement pillé tous leurs biens au motif qu’ils n’ont pas dénoncé à temps les mouvements du CNDP lors de la prise de RUMANGABO, la semaine dernière.
On peut sans doute ajouter que les forces de FARDC sont entrain de perdre les terrains comme toujours car ils n'ont ni courage ni discipline contrairement aux forces de CNDP qui ont une cause a` defendre a` tout prix.
Bien Venue au Journal Minembwe. Welcome to Minembwe Free Press. Minembwe Free Press est un journal au service de la communauté Banyamulenge en particulier et toute la communauté globale des internautes. Ce Journal en ligne est un espace d'expression, d'information, d'échange d'idées autour des enjeux actuels au sujet de notre peuple et notre territoire de Minembwe. Ce journal se veut interactif. Je vous invite tous a` faire vos contributions. A M. Fondateur et editeur en Chef
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
COMMUNIQUE DU FRONT POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ ET LE PROGRÈS (FSP)
Sud-Kivu
Le 10 Octobre 2008
Les événements politiques en cours dans l’Est de la RDC affirment le risque de la dérive conflictuelle dénoncée régulièrement par les medias et autres groupes concernés après les élections fallacieusement qualifiées de démocratiques en RDC. Au fait, mutatis mutandis, la situation actuelle ressemblant malheureusement à celles de 1996 et 1998, n’empêche pas de comprendre aisément que, les mêmes causes produisant les mêmes effets, la 3ème guerre de la RDC a et/ou aura bel et bien lieu, la cause profonde aux conflits précédents n’ayant pas été drastiquement éliminée.
En effet, peine n’est perdue de rappeler à l’opinion tant nationale qu’internationale et surtout aux communautés kivutiennes que, les deux conflits ont pour cause principale la présence des forces qualifiées désormais des « forces négatives » qui ne sont autres que les tristement célèbres Interahamwes. Des efforts d’envergure ont été fournies tant par la communauté internationale que par les pays de la région concernés, mais ont été butés au soutien intransigeant que le régime de Kinshasa apporte à ces génocidaires.
Par ailleurs, le FSP et son groupe dit : « groupe de 47 » remarque que toutes les propositions faites au pouvoir en place à Kinshasa visant l’arrangement à l’amiable des conflits interethniques à travers les programmes tel que le mixage et le programme Amani que ce régime institue et qu’il bafoue lui-même prouve à suffisance combien ce régime ne veut pas que la paix revienne au Kivu. De plus, il faut insister sur le fait que, ce régime cherche à dévoyer le vrai problème qui couve depuis plus de 14 ans dans la région des grands lacs à savoir la présence de ces fameux FDRL.
Il convient tous azimuts en outre, de rappeler aux kivutiens et kivutiennes combien les différents pouvoir qui se sont succédés à Kinshasa ont tendances à instrumentaliser les fils et les filles du Kivu en les opposant les uns aux autres et pour fin de rendre éternellement le Kivu un havre des conflits interethniques. Ainsi, le FSP implore la population du Kivu de regarder dans la même direction comme une seule personne afin de bannir à jamais cet axe du mal que Kanambe et ses aventuriers d’extrémistes ont instauré dans le Kivu. Il soutient donc, tous les fils et filles de la région, qui ont compris l’unique voie de lutter par tous les moyens contre l’intransigeance du pouvoir de Kinshasa à ne pas vouloir renvoyer vers leur pays, les ennemis de la paix dont les Interahamwes.
Le FSP courant progressiste qui milite pour la cohabitation pacifique de toutes les communautés kivutiennes s’insurge contre les velléités belliqueuses au Kivu du régime en place à Kinshasa visant à exclure voire exterminer une partie de son peuple à savoir les Tutsis congolais. Il note que, la fourberie du Président Kabila et ses ouailles extrémistes avec leur plan luciférien d’usage de la carte ethnique n’est qu’une diversion visant à offusquer leur échec de la gestion de la chose publique.
La cause unique de ces guerres interminables est la présence des Interahamwes, cette présence constitue le vrai problème de l’est de la RDC et de toute la région des grands lacs, la solution unique est de le renvoyer dans leur pays où ils doivent subir les raisons et les rigueurs de la loi. Voir les chose autrement est un manquement grave à l’histoire des générations entières.
Fait à Uvira, le 08/10/2008
Président du FSP
Kadage M. Benoît
Vice-président et Porte-parole
Rumenge Nt. Alain, M.Sc
Le 10 Octobre 2008
Les événements politiques en cours dans l’Est de la RDC affirment le risque de la dérive conflictuelle dénoncée régulièrement par les medias et autres groupes concernés après les élections fallacieusement qualifiées de démocratiques en RDC. Au fait, mutatis mutandis, la situation actuelle ressemblant malheureusement à celles de 1996 et 1998, n’empêche pas de comprendre aisément que, les mêmes causes produisant les mêmes effets, la 3ème guerre de la RDC a et/ou aura bel et bien lieu, la cause profonde aux conflits précédents n’ayant pas été drastiquement éliminée.
En effet, peine n’est perdue de rappeler à l’opinion tant nationale qu’internationale et surtout aux communautés kivutiennes que, les deux conflits ont pour cause principale la présence des forces qualifiées désormais des « forces négatives » qui ne sont autres que les tristement célèbres Interahamwes. Des efforts d’envergure ont été fournies tant par la communauté internationale que par les pays de la région concernés, mais ont été butés au soutien intransigeant que le régime de Kinshasa apporte à ces génocidaires.
Par ailleurs, le FSP et son groupe dit : « groupe de 47 » remarque que toutes les propositions faites au pouvoir en place à Kinshasa visant l’arrangement à l’amiable des conflits interethniques à travers les programmes tel que le mixage et le programme Amani que ce régime institue et qu’il bafoue lui-même prouve à suffisance combien ce régime ne veut pas que la paix revienne au Kivu. De plus, il faut insister sur le fait que, ce régime cherche à dévoyer le vrai problème qui couve depuis plus de 14 ans dans la région des grands lacs à savoir la présence de ces fameux FDRL.
Il convient tous azimuts en outre, de rappeler aux kivutiens et kivutiennes combien les différents pouvoir qui se sont succédés à Kinshasa ont tendances à instrumentaliser les fils et les filles du Kivu en les opposant les uns aux autres et pour fin de rendre éternellement le Kivu un havre des conflits interethniques. Ainsi, le FSP implore la population du Kivu de regarder dans la même direction comme une seule personne afin de bannir à jamais cet axe du mal que Kanambe et ses aventuriers d’extrémistes ont instauré dans le Kivu. Il soutient donc, tous les fils et filles de la région, qui ont compris l’unique voie de lutter par tous les moyens contre l’intransigeance du pouvoir de Kinshasa à ne pas vouloir renvoyer vers leur pays, les ennemis de la paix dont les Interahamwes.
Le FSP courant progressiste qui milite pour la cohabitation pacifique de toutes les communautés kivutiennes s’insurge contre les velléités belliqueuses au Kivu du régime en place à Kinshasa visant à exclure voire exterminer une partie de son peuple à savoir les Tutsis congolais. Il note que, la fourberie du Président Kabila et ses ouailles extrémistes avec leur plan luciférien d’usage de la carte ethnique n’est qu’une diversion visant à offusquer leur échec de la gestion de la chose publique.
La cause unique de ces guerres interminables est la présence des Interahamwes, cette présence constitue le vrai problème de l’est de la RDC et de toute la région des grands lacs, la solution unique est de le renvoyer dans leur pays où ils doivent subir les raisons et les rigueurs de la loi. Voir les chose autrement est un manquement grave à l’histoire des générations entières.
Fait à Uvira, le 08/10/2008
Président du FSP
Kadage M. Benoît
Vice-président et Porte-parole
Rumenge Nt. Alain, M.Sc
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
INSTITUT SUPERIEUR AGROVETERINAIRE ET CONSERVATION DE LA NATURE
Le journal Minembwe est extremement content de faire parvenir a` ses lecteurs cette bonne nouvelle comme quoi, a` Minembwe, il s'est ouvert un Institut Superieur, ou non seulement les enfants de Mulenge auront la chance de faire leurs études supérieur dans leurs milieu, mais aussi les ressortissants de Mulenge auront aussi la chance exceptionnelle de transmettre leurs connaissances et expertises a` leurs freres et soeurs. C'est oeuvre doit faire tout Munyamulenge fier et contant malgré une chaine des mauvaises nouvelles et des calamités concommittantes que secouent Mulenge du jour au lendemain. Ceci nous donne l'espoir de garder nos reves en vie.
Rappellons que l’Institut Superieur Agroveterinaire et Conservation de la Nature (ISAVECO) sera le support essentiel de la formation scientifique au sein du territoire de Minembwe. Cependant, ISAVECO semble etre un institut pluridisciplinaire dont la thématique générale est orientée vers l'agronomie pour mieux repondre aux besoins de la communaute rural de Mulenge.
Bien que le thème général de l’institut est celui de l'agriculture, et plus particulièrement la problématique du développement durable du milieu agro-pastorale de Mulenge, on estime que l’environnement et l'élevage seront aussi bien développés.
Le Journal Minembwe appel a` tous les cadres universitaires Banyamulenge a` se disponibiliser et contribuer bénévolement a` l'épanouissement intellectuel de cet institut si et quant ils leurs seront démandé de le faire.
Pour plus d'information, voici ci-dessous les details fournies par nos sources sur terrain concernant l'operation de cet institut:
ANNEE ACADEMIQUE 2008-2009
I.ORGANISATION DES ETUDES
Facultés:
Agronomie
Vétérinaire
Environnement
II. CONDITIONS D’ADMISSION
Pour les premières années de graduant :
Etre titulaire d’un diplôme d’Etat. Avoir termine les études secondaires et présenté les examens d’Etat.
Période des inscriptions : du ………. /………/…………
III. ELEMENTS DU DOSSIER A PRESENTER
Une lettre manuscrite de demande d’inscription adressée au Secrétaire Académique de l’ISAVECO/Minembwe.
Une photocopie du diplôme d’Etat ou du journal et des bulletins de la 4e à 6e secondaire.
Pour ceux qui attendent la publication des résultats : la photocopie des bulletins de la 1e à la 6e secondaire.
Enveloppe-sac
Les attestations de :
-naissance
-aptitudes physique
-nationalité
Le frais d’inscription seront fixés et communiqués ultérieurement. .
IV. RENTREE ACADEMIQUE :
Début des cours : 01/11/2008
Fait à Minembwe le 30/09/08
Editor in Chief
Monday, October 6, 2008
Apostle Paul Gitwaza Preaching in Mulenge
Apostle Paul Gitwaza Pointing to Mulenge's New Direction and Vision
Recognizing Pioneer Rev Makombe Recognizing Pioneer Rev Kajabika
The following is a part of the Mulenge trip narrative Report by Mr Daniel Walters from Colorado, USA, a member of Zion Temple Conference delagates to Mulenge. It goes like this: It was a very slow and bumpy ride but we arrived at Kavumu Airport right at 2:00 PM. The plane was already there sitting on the runway – a 14 passenger Russian-made plane – 9Q-CUB. We got out of the vehicles and entered the shack to show our passports and get clearance to depart.
At first everything seemed routine. But then all of sudden there was a commotion and another man walked in and out of the shack and stomped off. Everything was now halted. The story was that he wanted an official document describing our mission and noting all the participants, since there were so many from other countries.
It was a ridiculous request. We all had our visas which should grant us access to travel inside DR Congo but they were being impossible. Hours passed, and we knew this was not good for the pilot who had rearranged his schedule to accommodate us, and this delay was obviously costing him money. Alexis was not able to help because the officers holding us back were police, and not soldiers.
Negotiations went on and on. There was talk of money, in fact there were all kinds of talk, in 3 different languages (Swahili, French, and Lingala), but we were not going to be allowed to fly to the home village of most of our group, even after obtaining visas.
Then all of a sudden we were told to walk out onto the tarmac and board the plane. Most of us had boarded but Apostle was not with us. We looked out the window and noticed that he was still at the shack. The pilot was beginning to get anxious. He came aboard from the passenger entrance and greeted us very courteously, and then informed us that as the clock ticked, the door of our opportunity to take off for Mulenge was closing. He said that in 30 minutes he would not be able to take off in time to get us to Mulenge and himself back to Goma.
Thirty minutes later he came aboard and said that in another thirty minutes there would not be enough daylight remaining to take us to Mulenge and get him back to Bukavu. Thirty minutes later he came back aboard and told us that he was soon taking off for Goma and would see, assuming we eventually get clearance to fly to Mulenge, if he could fit us into his already full schedule for the next day.
Then there was a mad dash to see if the officers would release us to go to Goma, where we were sure we would be released to continue our journey. After 15 minutes we got word we were released to go to Goma. Finally, after 3 hours of negotiating we were leaving Bukavu – going in the wrong direction – but we knew in the Spirit it was right.
Arriving at Goma felt so good. We were met by leadership of Zion Temple in Gisenyi and taxied off to Le Nyira Hotel. The streets were amazingly bad, gray and dirty. Just across the wall was Gisenyi in Rwanda, a landscape that we knew to be completely different. We arrived at our hotel and again, just inside the wall was a lush garden of plants, trees and grass. We checked into our rooms, which were old but nice, each with its own bathroom.
After getting settled we sat with Apostle's Father for dinner. We hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was now around 6:30 PM.
Apostle went out to the patio outside the lobby/dining area, and people started showing up to meet with him. He was beginning to gather and tell about the issue and create a strategy for our release. He was meeting with about 8 people, 5 of whom were military. Alexis was with them, along with Ephraim.
The next morning we discovered that Apostle Paul had been meeting with high ranking Congolese military officials who were from the area of Mulenge! That night they developed a strategy and began working it out.
August 14, 2008
The next morning all issues had been cleared for travel, and the same pilot from the day before was scheduled to take us to Mulenge at 11:00 AM.
We had started out on Blessing day (Ex: Tuesday) to get to Mulenge, and now it was Silence Day morning (Thursday), but we were excited to be on our way. It was only a 50 minute flight. We would be there by noon.
Everything did go smoothly. Everything was seemingly lining up. We were on our way, flying back south over Lake Kivu and then into the mountains. The flight was quick and our spirits were high. As we approached Mulenge those who knew, pointed it out. And then we were on approach to the landing strip and all of a sudden the pilot made a hard banking turn to the left and was circling the strip to come in at it from the other direction. We came down quickly and we were there. As we were taxiing to a stop we looked out at all the people and snapped some photos. It was amazing – they had had no word from us, and we were two days late and there were still many, many people there on the top of the hill in the middle of nowhere to greet us.
We disembarked the plane and were met by hundreds of people, in their best. Most of the men had round-top felt hats on. There were so many hugs. Apostle Paul and his father were swarmed. It was an amazing sight.
Eventually everyone was gathered together and Apostle was called upon to address the crowd. He spoke for a few minutes and then we were whisked off across the field to a compound of a few huts several hundred yards away. It was Apostle's cousin's house, and we were seated inside and visitors came by for greetings, hugs, and photos. After an hour or so a Jeep Waggoner arrived to take a number of us off to where we were staying. It had to make several trips to get us all there. It was only about 10 minutes away across hills without paths at times.
We arrived at a compound with an L shaped house. It was like two houses butted together. Each had a sitting room and multiple bedrooms, and a bathing area. The sitting room was good size with two small sofas, some chairs and a coffee table. The bedrooms were just a bit bigger than the bed, with no room to walk around in them. Basically you open the door and fall into bed. But it was probably the only house in the village with bedrooms.
After getting settled in and having some tea we walked a couple hundred yards to the top of the hill to address all those who had now been waiting for us since Blessing Day including Apostle Paul's brothers, Ruben Kajabika (the Bishop of Zion Temple Burundi) and Pastor Azarias Hakizimana from Zion Temple Kigali, along with the Rutonda assistant pastor from Zion Burundi, Butoto Nahum and Nana, his wife from Bujumbura, Burundi. Now the delegation was complete and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. A crowd had assembled and we heard one estimate that there were between three and four thousand that first afternoon (the next day the numbers had increased dramatically).
Apostle Paul spoke about how the Conference came about. The Lord had begun to speak into him from the passage in Galatians chapter 2, regarding the return of the Apostle Paul of the Bible, to Jerusalem:
1. Apostle Paul had received revelation about the situation back home (in Jerusalem) and like Nehemiah, was called to returned to rebuild the walls;
2. Like the apostle Paul of the Bible, Apostle had heard about the trials and tribulations the saints had gone through, and were being sent to comfort them;
3. Like the apostle Paul, he was returning home after 14 years, to testify about the grace that was given him;
4. And the Lord added the time when Mary and Joseph also returned to Jerusalem, looking for Jesus. They couldn't find him anywhere until finally they looked in the Temple. Apostle Paul was called to return to Mulenge to challenge them to return to the Lord Jesus who is not found in denominations, but in His holy Temple, which is His body, the Church!
It was a very intimate opening as Apostle's heart was knitted to theirs. Their son had come home, having gone out from them and traveled far, establishing the ministry the Lord had given him in a dozen nations on several continents, and had come home as a prophet sent by the Lord to restore what had been lost in the land where he had his beginning.
After the service we walked back down the path to the houses and noticed something unexpected – light in the sitting area! Both houses had a solar panel that during the day charged a large truck battery. And the battery powered a taillight bulb from a car dangling from two wires in the ceiling. So we had a 12v bulb in the ceiling of the sitting room of each dwelling – very nice!
We had a nice time of visiting, eating, singing, and then finally planning the agenda of the next day. Around 10:00 or so, a few of us straggled off to bed while the rest continued to enjoy the atmosphere.
To be continued...
Watch out for Part two
Recognizing Pioneer Rev Makombe Recognizing Pioneer Rev Kajabika
The following is a part of the Mulenge trip narrative Report by Mr Daniel Walters from Colorado, USA, a member of Zion Temple Conference delagates to Mulenge. It goes like this: It was a very slow and bumpy ride but we arrived at Kavumu Airport right at 2:00 PM. The plane was already there sitting on the runway – a 14 passenger Russian-made plane – 9Q-CUB. We got out of the vehicles and entered the shack to show our passports and get clearance to depart.
At first everything seemed routine. But then all of sudden there was a commotion and another man walked in and out of the shack and stomped off. Everything was now halted. The story was that he wanted an official document describing our mission and noting all the participants, since there were so many from other countries.
It was a ridiculous request. We all had our visas which should grant us access to travel inside DR Congo but they were being impossible. Hours passed, and we knew this was not good for the pilot who had rearranged his schedule to accommodate us, and this delay was obviously costing him money. Alexis was not able to help because the officers holding us back were police, and not soldiers.
Negotiations went on and on. There was talk of money, in fact there were all kinds of talk, in 3 different languages (Swahili, French, and Lingala), but we were not going to be allowed to fly to the home village of most of our group, even after obtaining visas.
Then all of a sudden we were told to walk out onto the tarmac and board the plane. Most of us had boarded but Apostle was not with us. We looked out the window and noticed that he was still at the shack. The pilot was beginning to get anxious. He came aboard from the passenger entrance and greeted us very courteously, and then informed us that as the clock ticked, the door of our opportunity to take off for Mulenge was closing. He said that in 30 minutes he would not be able to take off in time to get us to Mulenge and himself back to Goma.
Thirty minutes later he came aboard and said that in another thirty minutes there would not be enough daylight remaining to take us to Mulenge and get him back to Bukavu. Thirty minutes later he came back aboard and told us that he was soon taking off for Goma and would see, assuming we eventually get clearance to fly to Mulenge, if he could fit us into his already full schedule for the next day.
Then there was a mad dash to see if the officers would release us to go to Goma, where we were sure we would be released to continue our journey. After 15 minutes we got word we were released to go to Goma. Finally, after 3 hours of negotiating we were leaving Bukavu – going in the wrong direction – but we knew in the Spirit it was right.
Arriving at Goma felt so good. We were met by leadership of Zion Temple in Gisenyi and taxied off to Le Nyira Hotel. The streets were amazingly bad, gray and dirty. Just across the wall was Gisenyi in Rwanda, a landscape that we knew to be completely different. We arrived at our hotel and again, just inside the wall was a lush garden of plants, trees and grass. We checked into our rooms, which were old but nice, each with its own bathroom.
After getting settled we sat with Apostle's Father for dinner. We hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was now around 6:30 PM.
Apostle went out to the patio outside the lobby/dining area, and people started showing up to meet with him. He was beginning to gather and tell about the issue and create a strategy for our release. He was meeting with about 8 people, 5 of whom were military. Alexis was with them, along with Ephraim.
The next morning we discovered that Apostle Paul had been meeting with high ranking Congolese military officials who were from the area of Mulenge! That night they developed a strategy and began working it out.
August 14, 2008
The next morning all issues had been cleared for travel, and the same pilot from the day before was scheduled to take us to Mulenge at 11:00 AM.
We had started out on Blessing day (Ex: Tuesday) to get to Mulenge, and now it was Silence Day morning (Thursday), but we were excited to be on our way. It was only a 50 minute flight. We would be there by noon.
Everything did go smoothly. Everything was seemingly lining up. We were on our way, flying back south over Lake Kivu and then into the mountains. The flight was quick and our spirits were high. As we approached Mulenge those who knew, pointed it out. And then we were on approach to the landing strip and all of a sudden the pilot made a hard banking turn to the left and was circling the strip to come in at it from the other direction. We came down quickly and we were there. As we were taxiing to a stop we looked out at all the people and snapped some photos. It was amazing – they had had no word from us, and we were two days late and there were still many, many people there on the top of the hill in the middle of nowhere to greet us.
We disembarked the plane and were met by hundreds of people, in their best. Most of the men had round-top felt hats on. There were so many hugs. Apostle Paul and his father were swarmed. It was an amazing sight.
Eventually everyone was gathered together and Apostle was called upon to address the crowd. He spoke for a few minutes and then we were whisked off across the field to a compound of a few huts several hundred yards away. It was Apostle's cousin's house, and we were seated inside and visitors came by for greetings, hugs, and photos. After an hour or so a Jeep Waggoner arrived to take a number of us off to where we were staying. It had to make several trips to get us all there. It was only about 10 minutes away across hills without paths at times.
We arrived at a compound with an L shaped house. It was like two houses butted together. Each had a sitting room and multiple bedrooms, and a bathing area. The sitting room was good size with two small sofas, some chairs and a coffee table. The bedrooms were just a bit bigger than the bed, with no room to walk around in them. Basically you open the door and fall into bed. But it was probably the only house in the village with bedrooms.
After getting settled in and having some tea we walked a couple hundred yards to the top of the hill to address all those who had now been waiting for us since Blessing Day including Apostle Paul's brothers, Ruben Kajabika (the Bishop of Zion Temple Burundi) and Pastor Azarias Hakizimana from Zion Temple Kigali, along with the Rutonda assistant pastor from Zion Burundi, Butoto Nahum and Nana, his wife from Bujumbura, Burundi. Now the delegation was complete and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. A crowd had assembled and we heard one estimate that there were between three and four thousand that first afternoon (the next day the numbers had increased dramatically).
Apostle Paul spoke about how the Conference came about. The Lord had begun to speak into him from the passage in Galatians chapter 2, regarding the return of the Apostle Paul of the Bible, to Jerusalem:
1. Apostle Paul had received revelation about the situation back home (in Jerusalem) and like Nehemiah, was called to returned to rebuild the walls;
2. Like the apostle Paul of the Bible, Apostle had heard about the trials and tribulations the saints had gone through, and were being sent to comfort them;
3. Like the apostle Paul, he was returning home after 14 years, to testify about the grace that was given him;
4. And the Lord added the time when Mary and Joseph also returned to Jerusalem, looking for Jesus. They couldn't find him anywhere until finally they looked in the Temple. Apostle Paul was called to return to Mulenge to challenge them to return to the Lord Jesus who is not found in denominations, but in His holy Temple, which is His body, the Church!
It was a very intimate opening as Apostle's heart was knitted to theirs. Their son had come home, having gone out from them and traveled far, establishing the ministry the Lord had given him in a dozen nations on several continents, and had come home as a prophet sent by the Lord to restore what had been lost in the land where he had his beginning.
After the service we walked back down the path to the houses and noticed something unexpected – light in the sitting area! Both houses had a solar panel that during the day charged a large truck battery. And the battery powered a taillight bulb from a car dangling from two wires in the ceiling. So we had a 12v bulb in the ceiling of the sitting room of each dwelling – very nice!
We had a nice time of visiting, eating, singing, and then finally planning the agenda of the next day. Around 10:00 or so, a few of us straggled off to bed while the rest continued to enjoy the atmosphere.
To be continued...
Watch out for Part two