Press Release 2019
On February 9, 2019, the 17th Annual Rwanda Prayer Banquet convened at the Sheraton Hotel in Silver Spring, Maryland. The event brought together Friends of Rwanda and Rwandan Diaspora from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, including various states of USA, and Canada.
For sixteen years, the Rwanda Prayer Banquet-USA has maintained its mission to re-dedicate the Nation of Rwanda to the Almighty God, to pray for its Leaders, its people, and promote unity, faith, and love in the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year’s theme came from Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
The banquet featured several eloquent and moving speakers beginning with Rev. Dr. Charles Mugisha, Founder of Africa New Life. Building off of this year’s theme, Rev. Mugisha laid out a blueprint for living a life of impact and challenged the audience to adopt a winning mindset by living as eagles, not chickens.
Bishop Darlingston Johnson, Senior Pastor of Bethel World Outreach Ministries, built further on Isaiah 40:31 by explaining that when the Lord renews your strength, He in fact exchanges his strength for your own. And with the Lord’s strength, all things are possible.
The pivotal moment of the event came as Rev. Jonathan Weaver of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, led everyone in a prayer for Rwanda. Rev. Weaver has been visiting Rwanda regularly since the 1970s and spoke passionately about building greater ties between African-Americans and the nation of Rwanda.
H.E. Ambassador Mukantabana then introduced Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, who served as a representative of the First Lady, her excellency Jeannette Kagame. As the closing guest speaker, Dr. Kacyira gave a very warm and thoughtful speech about the qualities of a strong leader. The former UN Asst. Secretary-General of UN Habitat also encouraged the diaspora to remained connected both as a community and to the nation of Rwanda.
H.E. Ambassador Mukantabana then introduced Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, who served as a representative of the First Lady, her excellency Jeannette Kagame. As the closing guest speaker, Dr. Kacyira gave a very warm and thoughtful speech about the qualities of a strong leader. The former UN Asst. Secretary-General of UN Habitat also encouraged the diaspora to remained connected both as a community and to the nation of Rwanda.
This colorful event also featured a number of inspiring gospel music performances and a cultural dance troupe added the Rwandan flavor to this one-of-a-kind banquet.
As the event came to a close, Antoinette Kanyabutembo, President of the Rwanda Prayer Banquet, gave an emotional thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors and participants for their support, presence, and contribution, and encouraged everyone to stay united in prayers for the greater good of Rwanda.
