A letter from Kay Day in transition from Malawi to Rwanda
March 3, 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
On March 29, 2013 (Good Friday), I leave for a three-year term to teach English and theology at the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS) in Butare, Rwanda. As I reflect on these events, I am awed by our answering God. How has God led me to this point? On October 24, 2012, I sat in a literal and spiritual fog in Heathrow Airport in London, awaiting a flight to Blantyre. Synod officials had just unexpectedly communicated to the PC(USA) that they did not want me to continue in Blantyre, but I needed to return to close things out. Waiting in the airport, I questioned God about the future. He gave me a promise: “What he (God) opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (Rev. 3:7). I didn’t understand how to interpret that promise, but I trusted God for it. Our God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or even imagine (Eph. 3:20), has been faithful to his word. In four weeks between the middle of January and the middle of February, through the PC(USA) staff, he created a position that uses all my gifts to serve, had it approved by all parties, and had the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda extend an invitation to me. This is a process that usually takes months. God has opened doors I could never have opened!
I am excited about where all of this will lead. PIASS is a growing institution with schools in education and development as well as theology. It is a joint effort of Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalians and Pentecostals. I will be living directly across the street from the school in a small furnished house. In addition to teaching, I will be working with partnership development for the Rwandan Presbyterian Church (EPR). I have already met with some of the churches here in the States that have partnerships in Rwanda and have spoken to some that are looking at partnership options. I am reading and studying to be prepared to step through that door to a new culture, a new language and new responsibilities.
Most of you have indicated that you want to continue with me on this adventure of faith by receiving the monthly prayer letter. I deeply appreciate that. All that has happened has been the result of prayer. I will be resuming Day’s Diary (daysdiary.blogspot.com) once I arrive in Rwanda, giving weekly accounts of what God is showing me in this wonderful new country. I invite you to read along. Since this is a new endeavor, financial support is essential as well. Some have indicated that you are trusting God to expand finances by supporting me and the other ministries with which you are involved. I am deeply thankful for that commitment. I invite some of the rest of you to consider that as well. Through PC(USA) World Mission contributions go directly to my support. Thank you for considering stepping through the door of faith to this commitment to minster together.
As we proceed through Lent, I pray that this is a time of reflection and prayer for you, a time to see the way God has opened and closed door for each of us, to see how he has led us to where we are now. I invite you to continue to pray with me for the preparations for leaving and for the speaking times that remain while I am here in the States. Praise God with me for the doors opened and the opportunities in front of each of us.
Yours in Christ’s love,
Kay (Cathie to the family)
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 117
Read more about Kay Day's former ministry in Malawi
Blog: Day's Diary
Write to Kay Day
Give to Kay Day's sending and support
