In This Issue:

1. 2008: A Year of Favor

2. Burundi:
President Pierre Nkurunziza has organized a six-day crusade of thanksgiving and prayer.

Pour la deuxième fois, le couple Présidentiel organise une croisade d'actions de grâce et de prière.

3. ZTCC-Atlanta:
Vision for new year: From knowing Jesus as the Bread Giver to experiencing Him as the Giver of life.

4. ZTCC-Brussels:
ZTCC-Belgium has experiences a powerful Crossing-Over from glory to glory, January 2 th, 2008, by Grace Umuhire.


Notre traversée, Le 24 janvier 2008, par Grace Umuhire.

Kwambuka, Italiki 25 Mutarama 2008, bikozwe na Grace Umuhire.

5. Returning the Ark of Glory with Pastor Colbein, by Eric Mashakano January 2008, ZTCC-Kigali.

Announcements:

1.President of Burundi at the prayer breakfast in the USA

2. Latter Glory conference for 21 days at Power Invasion Ministries, in the USA

2.Apostle Gitwaza's interview on Daystar TV Celebration Feb 25, 2008

3.Apostle's new book coming out in February

4.New Millenium Calendars are available for sale NOW!

About Us

The AWM is a Christian ministry that started in 1996 in Kigali , the capital city of Rwanda, with a vision God gave in 1992 for an end time revival movement that will reach every corner of the world, to "Prepare the Bride of Christ for His imminent return." (Amos 4:12)

In August 1999, under the leadership of Apostle Paul Gitwaza, the ministry opened the doors of its first Zion Temple Celebration Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Six years later, Zion Temple Church has grown to be the largest church in Rwanda with a membership of 15000. The ministry has also expanded to other parts of the world, and is now present on three continents: Africa (Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Tanzania), Europe (Belgium, Denmark, France, UK) and the Americas (USA, Canada and Haiti).

Zion Temple Celebration Center is the spiritual arm of the Authentic Word Ministries with a Vision to become a resting place for God (Psa 132:13-14)
“Zion Temple, God’s dwelling place”.

Our Mission is
Connect the Person with God and his or her Destiny.

Our Vision for Revival is structured around a three-fold strategy:

1. The restoration of the Altar of Prayer (1 Kings 18:30)

2. The rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16)

3. The recovery of the priesthood of the believer (Rev 5:10).

Authentic Business Enterprise is a market place arm of the Authentic Word Ministries with a vision to establish the divine order in the marketplace in this generation.

Our Vision for Economic Development is structured around the establishment of three-key redeeming institutions:


1. The Authentic Kingdom University to redeem Knowledge and Techology


2. The Authentic Cultural Center to redeem the Culture


3. The Authentic Kingdom Bank to redeem the Economy

Contact us at:

Marcellin Mutuyimana
mutuyi@gmail.com
770-265-0973 or 404-246-9886

690 Prestonwood Dr
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

www.authenticword.org
www.ziontemplerwanda.org
www.gitwaza.com

Our Motto:

God's Vision is our Destiny

The Authentic Word Ministries worldwide ended the year 2007 in Holy Communion, together in the same spirit and heart. We partook of the Bread and the Blood of the Lord Jesus took in consistence with the Christian tradition which the Lord Jesus started himself.

Holy Communion at Zion Temple Celebration Centers takes place regularly, and the AWM leadership insists on partaking the bread and drinking the cup at the end of the year for three reasons: to mark the Lord's faithfulness during the past year; to celebrate the blood covenant among the “Authentiques” themselves on one hand, but also between each one and the Lord on the other hand; and to proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. It is also an opportunity to proclaim the Word from the Lord for the New Year.

Each Zion Temple Celebration Center from around the globe organized her own Lord’s Supper locally, but we all partook of the meal simultaneously, using international conference calls. When supper was ended, the Word of the Lord was proclaimed. 2008 will be the Year FAVOR!

The year 2008 is a very significant one. The number 8 signifies "new beginning". The bride of Christ globally is going to undergo a renewal, a beginning of something new. God is going to do a "new thing" in the Church around the globe. For our particular ministry of AWM, the Year 2008 will be a year where we experience GOD'S FAVOR AFRESH ON A NEWER AND HIGHER DIMENSION. Relavant scriptural passages associated with God's favor for the New Year include: Isaiah 49:8-16, Psalm 50:14-15, Isaiah 42:10-16, John 15:5-8, and Revelation 3:10-12.

ZTCC-Atlanta: Pastor Leonard casts Vision for Church during 2008: A Journey Across the Sea through the Night! January 24th, 2008, by Marcellin Mutuyimana.

Francine Uwindatwa and Leonard Uwiringiyimana, Pastors of ZTCC-Atlanta

1. The Lord Jesus wants to bless us beyond our expectation...

2007 was a Year of "Increase by thousands and ten thousands"(Psalm 144:13). During this month of January, Pastor Leonard has been ministering from the book of John, chapter 6. The first message of this year was about the story of the Lord Jesus feeding five thousands from five barley loaves and two small fish taken from a lad. We learned a number of lessons:
1. It has pleased God to make us His people. He has compassion for us and cares for our every single need.
2. He is able to respond to our need to the utmost, out of the little that we have.
3. All we have is His. If we are willing to trust Him, and give him the little we have, not only he will meet our need of today and tomorrow, but also there is plenty for our families, friends and neighbors.
In other words, the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to us as our ultimate Provider, who cares for our physical and material needs, and wants to meet them beyond our expectation, both now and forever.

This is good news. We all love a God who wants to feed us, and bless us materially. After being fed, people were readily willing to acknowledge Him as the Messiah who was to come. They even wanted to appoint Him King. There is no doubt that we would react  the same today.

But that was missing the point He wanted to make. From verse 27, after lamenting that they were seeking him not because of his miracles, but because he fed them, he made this point: "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." (John 6:27)

Which means, the very reason he fed them then - and feed us now - in the first place was and is a way to get our attention and allure us to a much more crucial issue. More important than food that perish, we are all hungry and thirsty for spiritual nourishment. The same way He is able to meet our material need, He is willing to meet our spiritual need. That is why He came. He has the Father seal of approval to meet our spiritual need.

So as we jump into the new year, the Lord Jesus wants us to open our eyes, from a revelation of Himself as our "Blesser" to one in which He is our "Blessing". From a revelation of the God of "Increase by thousands and ten thousands" to a revelation of God who is our Bread, our Food, our "exceedingly great reward"Genesis 15:1!

2. More than a Bread Provider, the Lord Jesus wants to be our Portion...

In the second message of the year, the Lord ministered to us through what it means for Him to be our Bread of Life. Pastor Leonard made the case that if we know how to experience our Lord as the Bread of Life, truly we can walk in full victory and live an abundant life. Partaking of the Lord Jesus as the Bread of Life is a process which include the following seven steps:
1. Realizing that Jesus Christ is the Tree of Life that came from heaven. Today as was the case in the days of Adam, we have before us both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of the good and evil. Each day, the Lord Jesus affords us the same choice that Adam and Eve had in front of them. We are blessed when chose Life rather than death!
2. The tree of life was food for man after Creation. But, because of the fall, the Tree of Life was not good enough anymore for our salvation. Redemption was needed. In order for the Lord to become Bread that we can eat, He had to put on human flesh. "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14).  John 6:51 says "the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."
3. TheAfter putting on human flesh, the Lord had to have His body crucified to pay for the penalty of our sins, and shed His blood for our cleansing. He had to die for our sins.  This is what is spoken of in John 6:54 "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life". In John 6:51, it says "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever". According to these two verses, we get eternal life either by eating "this bread", or eating "His flesh" and drinking "His blood". Therefore, eating His bread implies His being crucified and shedding His blood.
4. Three days after His death, the Lord Jesus had to come back to life to become our Living Bread. This is what is spoken of in verse 56, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him". Only after His resurrection, can the believer abide in Him, and Him in us.  Here eating the Lord Jesus Christ amounts to abide in Him and Him in the believer.
5.After His resurrection, the Lord ascended to His Father, to report on the assignment He had been given.  I have finished the work which You have given Me to do! John 17:4
In John 6:62, The Lord said: "Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?
6.Then, He came back as the Life giving Spirit. In verse 63, He says:  "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing." After this process of transformation, what started as the tree of life has now become a Living Spirit, which gives Eternal life. How do we partake of it?
7. By receiving the Word of God, because "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" John 6:63."Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" John 6:68  "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. John 6:57
We feed on Him by believing into Him, and setting aside a time to hear and feed on His Words day after day.  The same way our body is afforded nourishment by eating and drinking day after day, in the same way, we must discipline ourselves to feed on His word day after day. I believe God set the pattern of feeding our body in such a way to remind us of the need to feed our spiritual man according to the same pattern, and we may ignore it at our own peril!

From Bread Giver To Life Giver: A journey Across the Sea through the Night...

In a concluding message, the Lord gave us an invitation to journey with Him from a place where He is our Bread Provider to the place where He is our Life Giver. It is a journey across the sea through the night.

In chapter 6 of the Gospel of John, between the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus discourse on the Bread of life, the writer speaks of a terrifying scene where Jesus is walking on the water.

1. After feeding the 5000, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray.  The disciples, - who are followers, - should have followed him to the mountain to pray. They did a big mistake.

2. Unable to be patient enough to wait for Him to come back, seeing that evening was quickly coming, they went down to the sea, the opposite way. The sea is a place of troubles of this world.
3. Seeing that night was coming, the disciples got into the boat, and set for Capernaum.  Capernaum is a place of breakthrough, a place where God reveals Himself as our Bread of Life.
4. But to get there, they had to sail across the sea. Because it was already dark, they couldn't wait for Jesus. They went by themselves, only to be met by a strong wind that was blowing against them, and water that were growing rough!
5. The journey across the sea through the night was indeed a terrifying night, and though they worked hard, they achieved little progress. They have been unwilling to allow Jesus on their boat.
6. Now, because of His goodness, the Lord Jesus knew their struggles. In the fourth watch, He came at their rescue, walking on the water. He revealed Himself to them as One who could walk on their problems. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." Isa 43:1-2

7. At that point, they were willing to allow Him on the boat. Then, the Bible says, "Immediately they reached their destination". Which means, had they been willing to allow Him on their boat in the first place, they would have reached their destiny as soon as they left, without delay.

A prophetic Vision: Lord Jesus, Please Sail on my boat...

Prophetically speaking, the Lord is revealing to us that "a great multitude" is coming to our local Church. We ought not to respond as Philip, who thought saw the task of feeding a great multitude as an impossible one. We want to respond like Andrew whose attitude was "nothing is too hard for the Lord"!  He indeed suggested that a packed lunch, borrowed from a lab- could be used to respond to the need of the hour!

Moreover, now is the time to put in place structures and infrastructures that are required to accommodate the great multitude that is coming. A vision for both priestly and levitical service need to be developed and implemented. Counting and sitting men speaks of organizing people by households, identifying and addressing their needs on one hand, but also acknowledging their gifts and talents, and affording them the opportunity to use them.
There was plenty of grass for the people to sit down, which means no matter how many are coming, to not worry in terms of physical infrastructures such as buildings, financial resources, etc. Everything needed will be provided for. It is interesting to note that distribution was made to only those sitting down. The church family is where the Kingdom of God is manifested. Only Those who elect to belong of a church family are the only ones who receive the blessing of the Kingdom of God. Finally, good stewardship must characterize the way resources are managed.

As a congregation, the Lord is inviting us to go with Him on the other side of the sea. It is a place where He wants to show Himself to us as our portion. It is evening, and the journey will take place through the night.

We have two choices before us: either allow Him on our boat, or sail by ourselves.
If we allow Him on our boat, we will reach our destination in no time.
If we choose to sail by ourselves, there is a long journey before us, across the sea, through the night. It is a perilous journey.

We have one year ahead of us. If we are willing to allow the Lord Jesus on our boat, we will reach our destination as soon as He join in.
If we don't we will still get there. But as ones who goes through fires. We will sail through much trials and tribulations, but He will not abandon us. Rather, He will wait for the fourth watch, the time when we come at our wits' end. Then, He will reveal Himself to us as One who is able to walk on our troubles. Eventually, we will be willing to allow Him on our boat, and when we do, we will reach our destination.

The journey across the sea through the night is not for those who deceive themselves to sail without Jesus on their boat. It is for all us. In allowing Jesus on our boat, we are affording Him the opportunity to sail alongside with us as one who walks on our troubles.
Allowing Him on our boat means three things:
1. Let us follow Him up to the mountain! "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in failing to pray"1 Sam 12:23
2. Feed on His Words, which are Spirit day after day, according to our normal pattern of feeding our flesh. Let us set aside a tithe of our time, and spend that time meditating on the Scriptures.
3. "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Heb 13:15)

Blessed is everyone who hears these words of the Spirit of prophecy and puts them into practice!

The President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, has organized a six-day crusade of thanksgiving and prayer from the 26th-31st Dec 2007 in Ngozi province, by Evelyne Butoyi (Translated from French by Grace Umuhire).

Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza and his family organized a crusade of prayer on Buye Hill, Mwumba district, in the province of Ngozi, from December 26th to 31st, 2007. The aim of the crusade was to glorify and to praise the Lord for the kindness He showed to the people of Burundi. "We have organized for the second time such an event to call upon the Almighty, our Creator who has provided for all our needs and protected us from Satan's schemes", said the President while giving a note of welcome. The crusade was opened by the First Lady, Mrs. Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza in the stadium of Buye. She invited the Holy Spirit to take control over all activities that would take place.

President Pierre Nkurunziza

Several choirs groups from Churches around Burundi and from abroad were among the guests that participated in praise and worship. President Nkurunziza has stressed to the audience, that the crusade was an opportunity to pray on the behalf of the nation and thanking God for "giving so much during this year 2007". He mentioned his gratitude for being the first elected President of the nation of Burundi to stay in office for more than two years. The President also stressed on thanking God for the progress of reconciliation in Burundi and the evolution of refugee repatriation.

On December 31st 2007 during the conference closing ceremony, more than 50,000 people showed up. The President and the First Lady lead the way in prayer. They asked God to bless each person who had participated in the meeting. "May the Lord, our Creator, bless everyone who came to share with us during this time of prayer and every person who was not able to be here, as well as the whole nation of Burundi", was the First Lady's prayer. The Head of State's wishes were that 2008 may be a year of expansion in love, of behavior change, of reconciliation and mutual forgiveness. He prayed for all Burundians and for all projects of development in in the counrty. He also asked the Lord to protect the nation from rough weathers that are so frequent so that harvest may be abundant in the land. He prayed so that the underground of Burundi may be properly exploited to benefit the nation.

During this crusade, preachers from Tanzania, DRC and Rwanda were invited to share the Word of God. They included Apostle Gitwaza, Bishop Shumbusho and Pastor Munongo Stephane."This is a great honor and joy that you have a President who fears the Lord", they said, "All Burundians should make the most of this". It has now became a habit for the presidential couple to set a week dedicated to thanksgiving and prayer for the Burundi nation at the end of every year. During the six days of the crusade, thousands of people repented and received Jesus Christ as their only Savior.

Among the highly ranked authorities who honored the invitation of the presidential couple, were Vice-President Dr. Yves Sahinguvu and his wife, the Education and Culture Minister, the National Solidarity Minister, the Public Health Minister, the Rural Development Minister, the AIDS Vice-Minister and the Regional Integration Vice-Minister. Other dignitaries were also present for the opening, such as the former Vice-President Dr. Martin Nduwimana and his wife, the former National Solidarity Minister, the wife of the assassinated first democratically elected Burundi President Mechior Ndadaye, the wife of former President Sylvestre Ntibantinganya, MPs, senators, province governors, representatives of several denominations and Gender and Human Rights representatives.

Colline Buye : Pour la deuxième fois, le couple Présidentiel organise une croisade d'actions de grâce et de prière. Jeudi 27 décembre 2007, par Evelyne Butoyi.

Le Président de la République et sa famille ont organisé une croisade de prière sur la colline Buye en Commune de Mwumba dans la province de Ngozi, du 26 au 31 décembre 2007. L'objectif de cette croisade étant de glorifier et louer le Seigneur pour les bienfaits qu'il fait à toute la population burundaise, comme l'a bien précisé le chef de l'Etat dans son mot d'accueil. «Nous organisons pour la deuxième fois de telles rencontres pour que nous prions le Tout-Puissant notre Créateur, lui qui a su subvenir à tous nos besoins, lui qui nous a protégé de tous les projets de Satan et de tous les malfaiteurs.» Les cérémonies été ouverts par l'épouse du Chef de l'Etat, Madame Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza, au stade de Buye. Elle a invité le Seigneur et l'Esprit Saint pour que cette place et toutes les activités qu'on va y exercer soient bénis.

Parmi les hautes autorités du pays qui ont répondu à l'invitation du couple présidentiel, on aura noté la présence du Premier Vice Président de la République, Dr Yves Sahinguvu et son épouse, des membres du Gouvernement comme le Ministre de l'éducation et de la culture, le ministre de la solidarité nationale, le Vice Ministre du Sida, le Ministre de la Santé publique, le Vice Ministre du Développement communal et le Vice Ministre de l'Intégration régionale. D'autres invités de marque qui ont rehaussé de leur présence l'ouverture de cette croisade sont l'ex Premier Vice Président de la République, le Dr Martin Nduwimana et son épouse, l'ex Ministre de la solidarité Nationale, du genre et des droits de l'homme, l'épouse du martyr de la démocratie, les représentants des confessions religieuses, les gouverneurs de province ainsi qu'une population nombreuse. Beaucoup de chorales des Eglises protestantes de l'intérieur que de l'extérieur du pays, étaient également parmi les invités du jour pour agrémenter cette croisade.

Le Président Pierre Nkurunziza rappelle que cette croisade servira de prière au nom de toute la nation burundaise, car, précise-t-il, nous avons eu beaucoup de choses au cours de cette année qui va bientôt être clôturée. Il a cité la bonne santé, le fait qu'il est le premier Président de la République du Burundi, issu des urnes qui vient de passer au pouvoir plus de deux ans. En outre, cette croisade servira à rendre grâce à dieu pour le pays qu'il a offert à tout burundais. Le Président Nkurunziza n'a pas manqué de dire qu'il doit également remercier le Bon Dieu de l'évolution de la réconciliation au Burundi ainsi que le rapatriement des refugiés qui évolue bien au pays. Les prédicateurs qui vont diriger la prière durant ces six jours de prière, sont : Apôtre Paul Gitwaza, Pasteur Shumbusho, Pasteur Munongo Stephane. Notons que c'est devenu une habitude pour le couple présidentiel, d'organiser une semaine dédiée aux actions de grâce et de prière pour toute la nation burundaise à la fin de chaque année.

Commune Mwumba : Clôture de la croisade de prière et d'actions de grâce : "Que le seigneur bénisse tous ceux qui ont participé à cette prière et toute la nation burundaise." Lundi 31 décembre 2007, par Evelyne Butoyi.

Ce 31 décembre 2007, au Stade de Buye en commune Mwumba dans la province de Ngozi, la croisade de prière et d'actions de grâces, organisée par S.E. le Président de la République du Burundi et sa famille a été clôturée. Plus de 50.000 personnes y ont pris part chaque jour à partir de ce 26 décembre dernier. C'est la Première Dame, suivie par le Chef de l'Etat, qui a pris la parole en premier lieu pour clôturer la croisade, en demandant au Seigneur tout puissant de bénir toute personne qui aurait participé à cette prière. " Que le Seigneur, notre Créateur, bénisse tout individu qui aurait venu ici pour partager cette prière avec nous ; qu'il fasse de même à ceux qui n'ont pas pu venir pour des raisons diverses et à toute la nation burundaise", a prié la Première Dame. Pour le Chef de l'Etat, son souhait est que 2008 soit une année d'élargissement dans l'amour, de changement de comportement, de réconciliation et de pardon mutuel. Il a prié pour toute la population burundaise et pour tous les projets de développement du Burundi.

Le Chef de l'Etat a également prié pour que le Seigneur protège le Burundi du mauvais climat afin que la récolte soit bonne sur tout le pays. Il a prié pour que le sous sol burundais puisse être exploité. Au cours de cette croisade de prière, des prédicateurs venus des pays comme la Tanzanie, la République Démocratique du Congo et le Rwanda étaient invités pour prêcher la Parole de Dieu. « C'est un grand honneur et joie que vous avez un Président qui craint Dieu» ont tous déclaré ; il faut que tous les burundais en profitent. Pendant les six jours qu'aura duré la Croisade de prière pour rendre grâce à Dieu, des milliers de gens se sont repentis et ont accueilli Jésus Christ comme le seul Sauveur. Outre la famille présidentielle, toutes les hautes autorités du pays y ont pris part, chacun selon sa disponibilité. Il y en a eu qui ont participé à l'ouverture, d'autres à la clôture. On aura noté la participation du Président de l'Assemblée Nationale, celui du Sénat, les deux Vice-Présidents de la République, les députés et sénateurs, les membres du gouvernement, les représentants des confessions religieuses, l'épouse de l'ex Président Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, l'épouse du martyr de la démocratie Melchior Ndadaye, l'ex-Premier vice Président le docteur Martin Nduwimana et son épouse, les ex-ministres, les membres de la société civile, des partis politiques…

++++++ ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++

Latter Glory conference in Colorado.

During December 2007, Apostle Gitwaza held a poweful revival meeting at Power Invasion Ministries in Colorado. During this conference he received a word of knowledge about the church where the meeting was being held. According to this revelation, the church is going through a refining fire and experiencing considerable spiritual warfare. AWM wants to partner with them during this time of transformation. We are going to have a 21-day conference with prayer and fasting at this church. Apostle Paul is coming with some of seasoned generals, Pastors Safari of Intercession, and Muya of Worship, as they lead us in contending for the Glory of the Lord. At the end of this conference we know that the Lord will bring revival in the church and the city. Please join us in this revival meeting and experince the power of God.

Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza on a visit in the USA in February 2008.

President Nkurunziza is coming to the United States for a prayer breakfast meeting with President Bush at the White House in the month of February 2008. The AWM leadership in the USA is honored host him when he passes by Atlanta, GA during this visit. It is our great joy to receive in our midst one of the few presidents in the world who are born again and who call upon the name of the Lord. We are praying that this encounter and his visit in America will open doors that will benefit the nation of Burundi and the Kingdom of God in the nation.

ZTCC-Brussels has experiences a powerful Crossing-Over from glory to glory, January 24th, 2008, by Grace Umuhire.

On December 31st, 2007, most of us gathered to spend the night together thanking God as a congregation for the year that was ending and seeking His direction for the one coming. Indeed, some of us had amazing testimonies to tell about the marvelous ways the Lord used to take care of them and their families. So we had a wonderful night praying, worshiping, praising and shared a meal prepared by our mums. Moreover, as a Church, we had just been through a season of testing, as if the wind had blown! Yet, we have seen the faithfulness of God as He not only kept us through but has send His servants every single Sunday of the crisis with a comforting message: “Gold has to go through fire to bring forth its shining value” (Job23:10, Malachi3:3, 1Peter1:6-7). As we were closing the year, we felt stronger and more confident in the way the Lord has been leading us, as brothers and sisters were taking a bold step and engaging themselves into new areas of ministry (the choir, the ushers, the dancers, the media…).

And Bishop Bienvenu told as about the spirit of adoption, that we’ll all have to acquire (or be more led by) in order to live and partake into what God has in store for us during 2008. Our Pastor took us through the story of Ruth. Though the young lady was a foreigner, she committed herself to Naomi and somehow adopted the people of Israel and their God. There, in this newly found nation, she was mightily blessed to the point of becoming an ancestor of King David, then of the Messiah. The Bible says that in Christ Jesus, we received a spirit of adoption (Romans8:14-16), thus we see ourselves as members of the family of God in the Church, universally and locally (Ephesians 2:19-22). We, therefore, care about and participate in the life our church family. In such an atmosphere of unity, is where the Lord pours out His blessings (Psalm 133). And it’s linked together is this way, that we will fulfill our calling this year (Romans8:19-21).

On the first Sunday of 2008, our Pastor Bienvenu shared with us a message about the Race of Terebinth from Isaiah 61:3b. The terebinth (turpentine tree) is a special tree that has this ability to always keep its leaves green no matter what season it is. The tree can draw water from the depths with its roots and from humidity of the atmosphere or the dew in the morning by its leaves. This is the kind of people who will always make the most of every situation because they are grounded in the Lord (Psalm 1:2-3). A good example of this is Joseph, who would fellowship with the Lord everywhere and would see his circumstances turned into a blessing. This race of terebinth will have something of their own: the conviction of being born for the specific purpose of worshiping God and doing His will. And this is the breed people who have been called to commit themselves in ZTCC-Brussels and to build the Kingdom of God in this place.

The following Sunday, Bishop Bienvenu brought to us a special message. In fact, the Holy Spirit had been speaking to members of our congregation and prompting them into action. The theme of the preaching was from Haggai 1:5, 2:9. The exhortation was to “go up into the mountains and bring down timber” to build a House so that the Lord would take pleasure in and be glorified. We have been renting the hall where we have our meetings and this was more than time to buy a building of our own. Through a move of the Holy Spirit during that very week, members of the Church have been spontaneously bringing to the Pastor money that they had spared for something else or sharing with him the vision they had to raise fund and get the building. Indeed, when people involve themselves in the construction of the House of God, tremendous things not only happen in the Temple but also in the life of these men and women. So after the worship service, we had a meeting and the project of buying our own building was launched to a new level.

Last Sunday, we were blessed to have Dr Spencer Duncan with us, from Haggai Institute, Singapore. He is in Brussels for about a week to teach another set of teachings for Church leaders. He preached to us a very appropriate message “Crossing over towards victory”. Not only were we crossing over into a new year but also into a new season (after trails) as a congregation. He showed us 3 examples of crossing over in the Bible, each different from the other and holding a precious lesson for us. The 1st one is about Jacob crossing the ford of Jabbok, when he wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, had his name changed before meeting his furious brother Esau. Then, came the most amazing account of reconciliation. This was a crossing over towards restitution and forgiveness (Genesis 32:22, 33:4). The 2nd one is the crossing over of the Red Sea, when the Lord parted the waters and the children of Israel were able to walk on dry land to the other side. They were from slavery in Egypt and were surrounded by their enemies. The Lord brought to them a mighty deliverance and become their new song (Exodus 14 and 15, Ps40:1-3). The 3rd one is the crossing over of the Jordan River at Joshua’s time (Joshua1:1-11 and Joshua3: 1-17). The Jordan River is an interesting place, where old ministries stop and new ones start (Moses-Joshua, Elijah- Elisha…). After the new generation born in the desert has crossed over, the reproach of Egypt was removed by circumcision, manna stopped and they started to eat the fruits of the Promised Land.

On another hand, we were pleased to have the artist and musician Jeremie Hakeshimana with us for a couple of weeks. He offered to upgrade the level of Asaph Choir-Brussels, trained new musicians and held a concert at the Church (January 12th, 2008) besides the one organized at Rayon Vert, Brussels. A real blessing to us!!!

Bishop Bienvenu of AWM in Europe; Believers gathering at ZTCC-Brussels; Dynamic praise and worship at ZTCC-Brussels during an all-night celebration

Notre traversée, Le 24 janvier 2008, par Grace Umuhire.

Le 31 décembre 2007, la plupart d’entre nous se sont rassemblés pour passer la dernière nuit de l’année ensemble. En tant que congrégation et individus, nous voulions remercier le Seigneur pour les 365 jours écoulés et nous en remettre à Lui pour les 366 à venir. Effectivement, certains parmi nous avaient des témoignages étonnants à raconter aux autres, comment Dieu avait pris soin d’eux et de leur famille. Ainsi, nous avons passé de bons moments dans la louange, l’adoration et la prière, et avons partagé un repas préparé par les mamans de l’église. De plus, en tant qu’église, nous venions juste de passer par une éprouvante saison ; c’était comme si un vent avait soufflé ! Cependant, nous avons vu la fidélité de Dieu : Il ne nous a pas seulement protégés au cours de cette période mais Il nous a envoyé chaque dimanche, un de Ses serviteurs avec un message rassurant : « L’or doit être éprouvé par le feu afin de briller de toute sa splendeur » (Job 23 :10, Malachie3 :3, 1Pierre1 :6-7). Arrivés au bout de l’année, nous pouvions nous sentir plus forts et confiants dans la voie sur laquelle le Seigneur était en train de nous diriger : nous avons pu voir des frères et sœurs faire un pas de foi et s’engager dans un nouveau service actif (la chorale, le protocole et l’accueil, Angels Ministry, l’audio-visuel…).

Et Bishop Bienvenu nous a parlé de l’esprit d’adoption, que nous devrions tous acquérir (ou être plus dirigés par) pour être capables de vivre et de prendre part à ce que le Seigneur nous prépare pour 2008. Notre Pasteur nous a conduits à travers le livre de Ruth. Bien que la jeune femme fût une étrangère, elle s’est attachée à Naomi et a d’une certaine manière adoptée le peuple israélite et leur Dieu comme les siens. Là, dans sa nouvelle nation, elle a été puissamment bénie, au point de devenir une des ancêtres du Roi David et puis celle du Messie.

La Bible dit qu’en Jésus-Christ, nous avons reçu un esprit d’adoption (Romains 8 :14-16), et que nous sommes membres de la famille de Dieu, dans l’Église, d’un point de vue universel et local (Éphésiens2 :19-22). Dès alors, nous nous occupons de et nous engageons dans la vie de notre famille spirituelle. C’est dans une telle atmosphère d’unité que Dieu déverse Ses bénédictions (Psaume 133). Et alors que nous sommes unis les uns aux autres de cette façon, nous pourrons accomplir ce que nous sommes appelés à faire cette année (Romains 8:19-21).

Le premier dimanche de 2008, notre Pasteur Bienvenu a partagé un message à propos de la Race des Térébinthes à partir d’Esaïe 61 :3b. Le térébinthe est une plante spéciale qui a la particularité de garder ses feuilles vertes, quelle que soit la saison. L’arbuste peut puiser l’eau des profondeurs grâce à ses racines et celle de l’humidité ambiante ou de la rosée matinale. C’est l’image d’un type de personnes qui savent toujours tirer le meilleur d’une situation car ils ont établi leurs fondations dans le Seigneur (Psaume 1 :2-3). Un parfait exemple de ceci est Joseph, qui ayant gardé une communion étroite avec Dieu où qu’il aille, a vu toutes ses circonstances changées en bénédictions. Cette race de térébinthe a un trait en propre : la conviction d’être née pour adorer Dieu et accomplir Sa volonté. C’est ce genre de personnes qui ont été appelées à s’engager dans ZTCC-Bruxelles et à œuvrer à la construction du Royaume de Dieu en cet endroit.

Le dimanche suivant, Bishop Bienvenu nous a apporté un message surprenant. En fait, le Saint-Esprit avait déjà parlé à plusieurs membres de notre congrégation et les avait poussés à l’action. Le sujet de la prédication vient d’Agée 1 :5, 2 :9. L’exhortation était de « monter à la montagne et de ramener du bois » pour construire un édifice qui plairait au Seigneur et Le glorifierait. Jusqu’à maintenant, nous louons la salle où nous tenons nos réunions et il est plus que temps que nous acquissions un bâtiment qui nous appartienne en propre. Par un mouvement du Saint-Esprit, des chrétiens de l’église sont spontanément allés voir le Pasteur pour lui apporter de l’argent qu’ils avaient mis de côté (pour d’autres projets) ou pour lui expliquer ce que le Seigneur leur avait mis à cœur afin de réunir des fonds pour l’achat du bâtiment, tout cela durant les quelques jours de cette semaine-là. En effet, quand les gens commencent à s’investir dans la construction de la maison de l’Éternel, des événements extraordinaires prennent place, pas seulement dans le Temple de Dieu mais aussi dans la vie de ces hommes et femmes. Après le culte, nous avons donc fait une réunion pour pouvoir mener à bien un tel projet d’une façon plus concrète.

Dimanche dernier, nous avons été bénis d’avoir le Dr Spencer Duncan avec nous, de Haggai Institute, Singapour. Il se trouve à Bruxelles pour la semaine afin de continuer la série d’enseignements pour les leaders d’églises. Il a prêché un message fort approprié aux circonstances : « La traversée vers la victoire ». Non seulement, avions-nous commencé une nouvelle année mais aussi entrions-nous dans une nouvelle saison (après des moments d’épreuve) en tant que congrégation. Il nous a montré 3 traversées différentes dans la Bible, chacune nous apportant une précieuse leçon. La 1ère est celle du gué de Jabbok par Jacob. C’était quand il a lutté avec l’Ange de l’Éternel, que son nom a été changé juste avant la rencontre avec son frère furieux, Esaü. Ensuite, on peut assister à une réconciliation des plus spectaculaires. C’était une traversée vers la restitution et la réconciliation (Genèse 32 :22, 33 :4). La 2ème est celle de la Mer Rouge au moment de la sortie d’Egypte, quand le Seigneur a fendu les eaux, alors que les enfants d’Israël étaient entourés par leurs ennemis dans le désert. Le Seigneur a accompli pour eux une grande délivrance et est devenu leur nouvelle chanson (Exode 14 et 15, Psaume 40 :1-3). La 3ème est celle du Jourdain par la nouvelle génération née dans le désert, sous la conduite de Josué (Josué 1 :1-11 et Josué3 :1-17). Le Jourdain est un endroit intéressant, où les anciens ministères sont remplacés par les nouveaux (Moïse-Josué, Élie-Élisée…). Après que cette nouvelle génération ait traversée, elle a été débarrassée de l’opprobre par la circoncision, la manne a cessé et ils ont commencé à manger les fruits de la terre promise.

Par ailleurs, nous avons eu le plaisir d’avoir le musicien et artiste Jérémie Hakeshimana avec nous pendant quelques semaines. Il a entrainé la Chorale Asaph-Bruxelles pour leur faire atteindre un autre niveau de louange et d’adoration, a formé de nouveaux musiciens et a tenu un concert à l’église (le 12 /01/08) en plus de celui qui était organisé au Rayon Vert, Bruxelles. Une vraie bénédiction pour nous !!!

Kwambuka, Italiki 25 Mutarama 2008, bikozwe na Grace Umuhire.

Ku itarirki 31 Ukuboza 2007, twarateranye kugira ngo tumare ijoro rya nyuma rya 2007 turi kumwe. Ari nk’itorero cyangwa nk’umuntu ku giti cye, twashatse gushima Imana kubw’umwaka wari urangiye kandi tuyiragiza kubw’undi twari dutangiye. Mu by’ukuri, bamwe bari banafite ubuhamya butangaje bwo guhamiriza abandi uburyo Imana yabitayeho n’imiryango yabo. Twagize ibihe byiza byo guhimbaza Imana, byo kuyiramya no kusenga, ndetse tunasangira amafunguro ababyeyi bacu bari baduteguriye. Ku rundi ruhande, nk’Itorero, twari tuvuye mu bihe bikomeye; ni nkaho umuyaga wari wahushye ! Ariko, Imana yatubanye Iyo kwizerwa icyo gihe cyose. Buri cyumweru, yagiye itwohereza abakozi bayo, batuzaniye Ijambo ryo kuduhumuriza: burya zahabu igomba kubanza gucurwa n’umuriro kugira ngo ishobore kugaragaza ubwiza n’agaciro byayo (Yobu 23:10, Malaki 3:3, 1 Petero 1:6-7). Ubwo twari tugeze ahasoza umwaka, twumvaga twasubijwemo imbaraga kandi dutuje twizeye ko Imana ituragiye mu nzira nziza: twabonye bene data bahaguruka bagatangira gukorera Umwami mu mirimo itandukanye (abaririmbyi, ababyinnyi, abakira abashyitsi, abakora ku buhanga bw’ibyuma, …).

Kandi Musenyeri Bienvenu yatwigishije ibyerekeye ku Mwuka uduhindura abana bo mu rugo. Ni cyo dukeneye kugira ngo dushobore kubaho no kugira umugabane mu byo Uwiteka yaduteguriye muri 2008. Umushumba wacu yatuyoboye kureba inkuru ya Rusi. Naho yari umunyamahanga, yihambiriye kuri nyirabukwe Nawomi, ubwoko bwa Isirayeli abwakire nk’ubwe n’Imana yabo nk’iye. Nuko muri icyo gihugu gishya, yahaboneye umugisha utangaje: yinjiye mu gisekuruza cy’Umwami Dawudi, wakomotseho Yesu. Bibiliya itubwirako muri Kristo, twahawe Umwuka utugira abana b’Imana (Abaroma 8 :14-16) kandi ko turi abo mu muryango y’Imana, mw’Itorero, haba kw’isi yose cg se mu karere aho turi (Abefeso2 :19-22). Nuko rero, dukwiriye kwita ku birebana n’Itorero no kwiyemeza kugira uruhare muri ryo. Muri ubwo bumwe, niho Imana isuka imigisha yayo (Zaburi 133). Ubwo tuzaba dufatanye muri ubwo buryo, tuzabona uko dusohoza ibyo twahamagariwe gukora muri uno mwaka (Abaroma 8 :19-21).

Ku cyumweru cya mbere cy’umwaka 2008, Musenyeri Bienvenu yatubwiye Ijambo rivuga ku bwoko bw’ibiti Bibiliya y’igifaransa yita « Térébinthes » (Yesaya 61 :3b). Ibyo biti bitandukanye n’ibindi kuko byo bigumana ibibabi bitoshye igihe cyose, nyamara biba ahantu h’ubutayu, aho imvura idakunze kugwa. Impamvu bishoboka nuko bifite uburyo bwo gukura amazi mu butaka kubw’imizi yabyo miremire cyangwa mu kime cya mu gitondo bikoresheje ibibabi byabyo. Mbese ni ishusho ry’abantu bazi guhindura ibihe bari gucamo kugira ngo babikuremo ibyiza kuko bashinze urufatiro rwabo mu Mana (Zaburi 1 :2-3). Urugero rwiza rubyerekana, ni Yozefu : yakomeje kugendana n’Imana aho yajyaga hose nuko abona byose bimubera umugisha. Ubwo bwoko rero bufite icyiburanga: kumenya nta gushidikanya ko baremewe kuramya Imana no gusohoza ubushake byayo. Ni abantu nkabo bahamagariwe muri ZTCC-Bruxelles kubaka Ubwami bw’Imana muri kino gihugu.

Ku italiki 13 Mutarama 2008, Musenyeri Bienvenu yatuzaniye Ijambo ritangaje. Mu by’ukuri, Umwuka Wera wari waganirije abakritso bamwe, ubatera kigira icyo bakora. Ibyo yatwigishije biri muri Hagayi 1 :5 na 2 :9. Twahuguriwe kuzamuka ku musozi no kuzana ibiti kugira ngo twubake urusengero Uwiteka azanerererwa kandi ruzamuhesha icyubahiro. Kugeza ubu twasengeraga ahantu twakodeshaga. None harageze ngo tugure ikibanza n’inzu byacu. Habaye gukora kw’Umwuka w’Imana mu minsi mike y’icyo cyumweru, abantu bakorwaho. Batangira kujya kureba Musenyeri bafite Ibyanditswe bahawe mu masengesho yabo n’amafaranga bari barabitse cyangwa se ihishurirwa ry’ukuntu bakwiye gushyira hamwe uburyo bwo kugura iyo nzu. Ni koko, iyo abantu bahagurutse bagatangira kubaka Urusengero rw’Uwiteka, ibikomeye birakoreka mw’Itorero, ndetse no mu buzima bw’abo bantu. Nyuma y’amateraniro, twakoze inama yo kureba ukuntu twasohoza uwo mu gambi mu buryo buhamye.

Ku cyumweru gishize, twahawe umugisha wo kubana na Dr Spencer Duncan, wo muri Haggai Institute, Singapour. Afite iminsi mike ino kuko akomeje inyigisho yari yatangiye z’abayobozi mw’Itorero. Yatwigishije ijambo rivuga ku “kwambuka twinjira mu kunesha” kandi ryaje mu gihe gikwiriye! Dore, twari dutangiye umwaka mushya, ndetse tuninjiye no mu bihe bishya (nyuma yo kugeragezwa) nk’itorero. Yaduhaye ingero 3 zo kwambuka kandi buri rugero rurimo inyigisho. Urwa mbere, ruvuga ukuntu Yakobo yambutse icyambu cya Yaboki. Ni igihe yakiranye na Malayika w’Imana, agahabwa izina rishya, mbere yo kubonana na mukuru we Esawu wari waramurakariye. Nyamara, Bibiliya itwereka ukuntu abo bavandimwe bahuye bagahoberana n’amarira menshi, bakiyunga. Muri uko kwambuka habaye kubabarira, kwiyunga no gusubiza ibyari byaribwe (Intangiriro32:22, 33:4). Urugero rwa kabiri, ni igihe abana ba Isirayeli bavaga muri Egiputa, bageze imbere y’Inyanja Itukura, bagoswe n’abanzi babo. Icyo gihe, Imana yabaciriye inzira, itandukanya amazi, bambukira ahumutse. Imana yarabatabaye, ihinduka indirimbo yabo nshya (Kuva14 na 15, Zaburi 40:1-3). Urugero rwa nyuma, ni igihe Yosuwa yari agiye kwambukana n’abisirayeli Urunzi rwa Yorodani kugira ngo binjire i Kanani (Yosuwa 1:1-11 na Yosuwa3:1-17). Aho hantu ku Ruzi rwa Yorodani haratanganje, ni ahantu uburyo bwo gukorera Imana bushaje busimburwa n’ubushya (Mose-Yosuwa, Eliya-Elisa,…). Ubwo bwoko bwavukiye mu butayu bumaze kwambuka, bwarakebwa bukurwaho igisuzuguriro, manu irahagarara, batangira kurya imbuto zo mu gihugu cy’isezerano.

Ku rundi ruhande, twanejejwe no kubana n’umucuranzi Jérémie Hakeshimana, igihe cyose yamaze muri kino gihugu. Kandi yatubereye umugisha ku buryo butavugwa: yahuguye abaririmbyi ba Asaph, yigisha abandi bacuranzi gucuranga, agerekaho kudukorera na concert ku rusengero (12 mutarama 2008) nyuma y’indi yari yabaye kuri Rayon Vert.

Returning the Ark of Glory with Pastor Colbein, by Eric Mashakano January 2008, ZTCC-Kigali.

Zion Temple Kigali was blessed from the 22nd to the 27th of January with the special visitation of the Holy Spirit through the teachings on the Ark of the Tabernacle that were carried by the servant of God, Pastor Colbein. Pastor Colbein is who a good friend of ZT and regular visitor to Rwanda came on the 12th of January, this time not alone but with Brother Ernie whom too the Lord used to impart a Prophetic Word to the church, the nation and the continent of Africa as a whole. 

Before the teachings that commenced on Blessing day to Transfiguration day, Pastor Colbein and Brother Ernie travelled to the DRC-Bukavu where they were hosted by ZT Bukavu.There was a great visitation and manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Bukavu and there too, they made the clarion call to the people of God to approach the Holies of Holies in the presence of God. 

From Blessing Day to Transfiguration day, Pastor Colbein taught on the tabernacle of Moses and its relationship to our walk with God. He emphasised on the Ark of the Covenant that God had instructed the Israelites to make and be placed in the Most Holy place of the tabernacle. 
According to Scripture, the tabernacle or the tent of meeting was divided in three parts; the courtyard, the Holy place and the Most Holy place. Combined, these divisions were in the form of the Cross of Christ the Messiah. God gave the tabernacle to His people in the wilderness so that he would meet them and commune with them through the workings of the tabernacle. 

In the courtyard, there was the brazen altar for the sacrifice of animals and the brazen laver for the washing and cleansing. In the Holy place, there was the golden altar of incense upon which the Levites offered sacrifices of incense made of various spices, the table of showbread which had twelve loaves of bread that the High Priest changed every Sabbath and the golden candlestick which illuminated the Holy place. In the Most Holy place, there was the Ark of the Covenant made of shittim wood and overlaid with pure gold. In the ark were the tablets of the law given to Moses, the rod of Aaron that had budded almonds and an omer of manna.

Pastor Colbein took his time to explain each of the aspects of the tabernacle on Silence day and the church was tremendously blessed and challenged to move to a higher level, to come from the outer court to the Most Holy place, to grow from immaturity in the things of the Spirit to full maturity. All along, the underlying message was repentance and holiness and steadfastness in our walk with God. At the end and through out the week, the church was blessed and baptised in the Holy Spirit with healings, deliverances and new tongues. It is therefore with pleasure that the church hosted Pastor Colbein and Brother Ernie and invites them to come back and be a blessing to the church.

Pastor Colbein preaching and laying hands on people

We are changing the names of the days of the week!

Our spoken words have the power of life and death and we can use our tongues either to bless or to curse. We have been calling the days of the week Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These names are based after the gods of this world and have meanings that are not compatible with the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit has given us a 'new word' to rename our days so that we may no longer fall under the curse of these gods of war/violence/hate/immorality/destruction etc. This is the start of a blue print to provide us with blessing "on earth as it is in heaven"!

Sunday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Sun, is now called Transfiguration Day (Luke 9:28-36).
Monday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Moon, is now called Glory Day (Haggai 2:9).
Tuesday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Mars, is now called Blessings Day (2 Chr. 20:26).
Wednesday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Mercury, is now called New Song Day (Rev 4:3; Psa. 149:1, 96:1, 33:3).
Thursday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Jupiter, is now called Silence Day (Rev. 8:1, Ps 65:1).
Friday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Venus, is now called Victory Day (Josh 6:15-16,20).
Saturday, which was a day dedicated for the worship of the god Saturn, is now called Covenant Day (Gen 17:12-13).

This Calendar was given to the Leadership of the Forerunner Movement in Rwanda in the context of the preparation of the 777 Conference. The Holy Spirit revealed to us that if we really wants to experience true Revival, we have to change the names of the days of the week as we know them today. Interestingly enough, everywhere where this new calendar is presented to the Church, the Holy Spirit consistently makes it a point to give an independent confirmation of this revelation. Personally, I believe every Authentic Christian should get this new millenium calendar and start using it immediately! "Let him who has an ear to hear - hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying"!

Pastor Leo Mana, Zion Temple Celebration Center, Atlanta.