The Mustard Seed Project Board of Directors recently hosted a dinner celebration honoring the 30 year ministry of Bishop John and Harriet Rucyahana of Rwanda. The event, held in Pittsburgh on April 20, 2007, drew over 100 national and international guests as well as numerous speakers who highlighted the multi-faceted contributions that the Rucyahanas have made in Uganda and Rwanda as well as bearing witness to thousands of Christians throughout the United States. Bishop John serves as the diocesan bishop in the Shyira Diocese of the Rwandan Anglican Church which includes the Ruhengeri, Gisenyi and Kibuiye provinces; previously he served the Anglican Church in Uganda.

Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini, Primate of the Episcopal Province of Rwanda; Archbishop Yong Ping Chung, Primate of Southeast Asia, retired; Bishop Chuck Murphy, Chairman of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA); Bishop Robert Duncan, Diocesan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh; Mustard Seed Board members and family paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Bishop John as well as to Harriet, who was described as a woman imbued with wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Bishop John Rodgers, Missionary Bishop of the Anglican Mission, retired, offered the keynote address following dinner.

Anointed by the Lord with a passion to proclaim the Gospel of Christ as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, Bishop John puts his faith into action. With the support of the Mustard Seed Project Board, he established the Blessed Mustard Seed Babies Home in Hoima, Uganda (1993) and the Sonrise School in Rwanda. Bishop John has also worked to develop and promote spiritual, economic, educational, healthcare and environmental development.

In the wake of Rwanda's devastating genocide, Bishop John has contributed tirelessly to build the nation of Rwanda on a foundation of Christian faith and is dedicated to bringing healing, hope and forgiveness to his country.

In his address to the gathering, Bishop John said, "Our journey is not a choice. Our commitment is an obligation. We are called by the Lord Jesus Christ to learn to know Him, to learn to obey Him and to learn to lead as we demonstrate His love and redemption to everybody. This is an opportunity God avails us through you to share Jesus Christ."

The Mustard Seed Project, a U.S. nonprofit corporation, was organized in 1993 by the American friends of Bishop John and Harriet Rucyahana to support their ministries in Africa, America and around the world. For more information, visit the Mustard Seed Project website at http://www.mustardseedproject.org.

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