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We are back in Ireland, and Clemetine Dushimimana - head of the Mothers’ Union in the Shyogwe Diocese - wrote to us yesterday:

“We truly didn’t want you to leave because we cherished every moment with you. But I understand you had to return home. While we are still in this world, I take comfort in knowing that one day in heaven, we will never have to say goodbye again”.

Clementine has only recently taken over the role at MU and she, alongside many other mothers such as Geraldine, Prisca and Sara, have innate leadership qualities.  They strive to meet social, educational and pastoral needs across the generations and communities within the Muhanga area. Many run their own businesses which Martin Cuppage, also on placement here with CMSI, was able to advise and further support.

Regularly we witnessed the impact of the church’s provision, enabled by working in unison as a strong team without gender divisions. Pastor Charlotte Mukamwiza of St. Mathias Gahogo Parish (below), is flanked by an assistant minister Rev David Niyigena. She spearheads a church which provides for the needs of widows, young mothers and those living with disabilities. Some examples of assistance could be a home or the gift of a goat to help people feed themselves.

We heard personal stories from women who quietly joined our sitting circle, taking their gentle turn to stand and share their own story of how their needs were met by the church. In the new St. Mathias church, which is currently under construction, they aim to run a nursery school within the building Monday to Friday. This is also presently the case with the Munazi Church - both parishes are supported by CMS Ireland.

My particular role was to be present and ready to deliver Art workshops with any group in any town! One of my suitcases was simply bulging with art equipment for these events, reinforced by purchases of material from Kigali stalls. I do believe that Art can speak into situations when language and emotions could be a barrier. It was a delight to create and share with groups at the East African Christian College, in Kigali, with Rev Winnie Muvunyi Mothers’ Union in Shyogwe Diocese and a kids’ group at Munazi parish with fellow team member Rachel.  These workshops will be repeated with local women in Castlerock, Ireland, and a video shared of our activity with our counterparts in Rwanda.     

It was an honour to hear the new Bishop Louis Pasteur Kabayiza speak about his experience of seeing how the diocese has grown in its provision over the last 28 years under the leadership of Bishop Jered Kalimba. It has helped its parishioners medically, educationally and spiritually with the support of CMS Ireland and others in Christ. Our Christian family is BIG!

“Your dedication to supporting the Mothers’ Union members and training them in art is truly admirable. It is also an honour to have you in the Mothers’ Union”. Clementine