Rwanda (MNN) — For the first time, an entire country is taking part in Purpose Driven Ministries' Forty Days of Purpose. Entire cities in the U.S. have taken part,
but Rwanda will officially be the first country.
Forty Days of Purpose is an evangelism and discipleship effort. The movement is tied to the church-based P.E.A.C.E. plan projects going on in individual churches.
The global P.E.A.C.E. plan was announced by Rick Warren of Purpose Driven Ministries in 2005. It stands for: Promoting reconciliation, Equipping servant leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation.
Forty Days of Purpose kicked off in Rwanda with a traditional celebration. Warren spoke as
well as Rwanda's President Kagame. Kagame praised the P.E.A.C.E. .plan which helps bring together the talents of the public, private, and faith communities. He also commented on the strength of Saddleback Church's Western Rwanda HIV/AIDS Healthcare Initiative which utilizes churches as medical clinics.
He said, "This model can be replicated in other parts of our country. More importantly, more Rwandans of faith need to adopt this mindset."
Also during the celebration, 200 pastors wearing cap and gown were recognized for completing two years of training in the principles of the Purpose Driven program.
The Forty Days of Purpose will overlap with Rwanda's yearly observance of the 100 days of genocide that began on April 6, 1994.
