Earthquakes in Rwanda

As you may have read in the media, earthquakes occurred in Southwestern Rwanda and the African Great Lakes region on February 3, 2008. Bishop Geoffrey's home in Cyangugu was damaged (Bishop Geoffrey is currently in the USA), several people in that area were killed and many more were injured. A non-Anglican church also collapsed, killing and injuring many of the worshippers.

Please pray for provision and protection for the victims of the earthquake as well as for the healthcare workers who are ministering to others. Pray for those in Kigali and elsewhere who are offering aid to the people in Bishop Geoffrey's family and diocese. Pray that this trauma will not impede the healing and restoration of those who suffered through the genocide. Much of Psalm 18 can be the foundation of our intercessions. We are called to undergird and surround our spiritual home, Rwanda and the African Great Lakes area with fervent prayer during this natural disaster.

The following information was provided by the Rev Emmanuel Mikeshimana, Anglican Diocesan Administrator, Cyangugu, Rwanda.:

Damage Assessment:

Kamembe

• The Peace Guest House experienced the greatest damage with significant cracks in multiple areas.
• Jill Barham Secondary School was also damaged and dormitories as well as classrooms must be assessed for safety.
• Our other schools, St. Matthew’s and St. Peter’s in Cyimbogo, have suffered minor damage.
• All of the diocesan houses are in need of some repair.

Parishes

• Some of our parishes were out of the zone of the earthquake, and there is no damage in the parishes of Mpinga, Nyakabingo, Kanzu and Cyimbogo.
• A number of pastors’ houses have cracks and are in need of repair.
• The church at Gakenke was badly damaged.
• Our schools at Remera, Nyarusange, Cyato and a technical school at Ntendezi have also suffered some damage.

Contributions

There will be significant costs for the extensive repair work as well as necessary supplies. Donations toward relief efforts may be made through the Anglican Mission office by mail:

Anglican Mission in the Americas

PO Box 3427

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Contributions may also be made online on our secure website donation page: (https://www.theamia.org/v2tpl/donate.php ).

All donations should be marked as: Rwanda Earthquake Relief.

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