Press Release 2020
On February 8, 2020, the 18th 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 diplomats from various countries, Rwandan fromn different states of USA, and Canada.
For eighteen 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 Psalms 100:5 “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations.”
Hon. Anastase Shyaka, Minister of Local Government, representative of the First Lady, her excellency Jeannette Kagame. Minister Shyaka gave a very warm and thoughtful speech about the qualities of a strong leader and also encouraged the diaspora to remained connected both as a community and to the nation of Rwanda.
Mr. Dale Dawson is an investment banker, entrepreneur, and founder, Chair & CEO of Bridge2Rwanda. He serves on the Presidential Advisory Council of President Paul Kagame. In his keynote remarks, Dale recounted how Bishop John Rucyimara inspired his first visit Rwanda, during which he found his calling to support the people of Rwanda. Since 2002, Dawson and B2R have helped launch and grow a number of businesses and social enterprises in Rwanda.
Ambassador Dr. Charles MURIGANDE serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (i.e Vice President) for Institutional Advancement of the University of Rwanda since August 2016. Prior to this appointment, he served the Rwanda as an Ambassador to Japan, Minister of Education, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Minister of Transport and Communication. Amb. Dr. Murigande reflected on his journey from the time he first left Washington DC and return to Rwanda in 1994; the difficult but considerable progress the country has made since; and how his faith has guided him throughout his public service.
Her Excellency Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana said in addition to the Embassy staff, she asked to pray for the Rwanda Leaders in Diaspora, the organizers of Rwanda Prayer Banquet USA to be able to perform their tasks and commitment for a great nation.
Antoinette Kanyabutembo, President of the Rwanda Prayer Banquet, started by an opening remarks by thanking the participants for taking their time to be part of the event to re-dedicate the nation of Rwanda to the Lord, praying for the remaining months for Rwanda Vision 2020, and the future for Rwanda Vision 2050.
