Kumbya 1 - missionaries

Our first week back in Rwanda was spent at Kumbya, a retreat camp on the shore of Lake Kivu, about 1 hour away from Cyangugu. This is the 60th anniversary of Kumbya Week, which was started on the back of the revival which took place in Rwanda and Uganda in the middle of last century and resulted in a huge expansion of the church. It is for missionaries and Christian ex-pat workers in Rwanda and the surrounding countries. One of the interesting things about it is that there are a large number of denominations, mission groups and nationalities represented although there are only about 70 adults in total. Americans and Brits predominate, but there is a fascinating mix of people of different backgrounds, ages and outlooks.
I have to admit we approached the week with some trepidation, but it has been refreshing, restful and challenging. The small group discussions were particularly interesting, because it gave us a chance to understand some different perspectives on mission in Rwanda.
The people were interesting, too. Our experience of short-term visitors to Cyangugu has not always been positive, but the people we met at Kumbya were sensitive to local culture, almost all learning the language, committed to the good of the country, positive and often making huge sacrifices to be in Rwanda.