I fly to Kigali, Rwanda on July 13. With a team of six spiritual directors, we plan to offer a soul care retreat and training for 25 Rwandan ministry workers. With Lifelink Rwanda, we will co-labor to offer witness to each unique story of the retreat participants and extend grace for their spiritual journey.
Through spiritual practices and teaching, we will provide space for the participants to experience the care of God to their souls. Mark 6:31 provides the framework for the retreat and training: “…Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Over the next year, with continued connection and support from the team via zoom and future visits, participants will grow in the practice of receiving soul care. We hope that within the next 12 months, the retreat participants will develop their own way of offering soul care for those within their communities.
The dates for the trip are July 13-21, 2026.
July 13-14 – We fly from Denver to Dulles to Brussels to Kigali
July 15-16- Meet up with Rwandan teammates and Lifeline Staff. In-country preparations.
July 17-19 – Soul Care Retreat and Training
July 20 – Team debrief and workshop at Africa College of Theology
July 21-22 – We fly from Kigali to Brussels to Dulles to Denver.
Partner with me.
I could not serve well in this capacity without your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support. I believe prayer invites partnership with God and His work. As we release and receive from God in prayer, we encounter and connect with the Lord of the universe. Please allow this acronym to guide your prayer for my trip, as well as guide prayer for yourself. May you experience the love and presence of God through this prayer practice.
R – Rest and refreshment. Pray the retreat provides space away from the rigors of life and ministry, offering rest. Pray the 25 participants experience the presence of God refreshing their souls through Scriptures, worship, community, and spiritual practices,
What is the state of your soul? Are you in need of rest and refreshment? Plan an afternoon, day, or weekend to step away from the demands of life in order to be filled up by God.
W – Wholeness and unity. Ask the Holy Spirit to unify the team as we serve. Pray that we serve as one Body using the various gifts given by God.
In what ways do you use your gifting to care for others? With whom do you need to pray for wholeness and unity? Make time for authentic conversation and connection with family, friends, and ministry partners.
A – Adaptation to the Rwanda culture – Pray for flexibility and humility as we encounter fresh perspectives and ways of living life. Ask God to help us see His beauty in the unfamiliar.
How well do you adapt to differences with co-workers, neighbors, and family members? Take time to value and honor distinctions between yourself and others.
N – Nourished souls. Pray for physical stamina, emotional resilience, spiritual fervor, and relational cohesiveness. Ask the Lord to meet the team with all that we need to lovingly serve those attending the retreat and all others with whom we interact.
What nourishes your soul? Wonder with God about your needs surrounding physical stamina, emotional resilience, spiritual fervor, and relational cohesiveness. What do you notice as you talk with God about the impact of these areas in your life?
D – Dependence upon the Trinity. Pray for surrendered hearts to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ask God to align our hearts and minds with Himself throughout the duration of the trip.
How well do you depend upon the Trinity? What helps you recognize the degree of your reliance upon God? Ask God to increase your dependence upon Him for all of life. Yield to Him and let Him take care of everything.
A – Air travel. Traveling to Kigali, Rwanda incurs 19 hrs in the air and an additional 8 hrs in layovers. The return trip includes 23 hrs. in the air and an another 8 hrs in layovers. Travel within Kigali will remain within about an hour radius. Pray for safety with all fights, airport layovers, and vehicle travel. We are taking bags with extra supplies, please pray for safe transport. And, pray for peace and trust along the way.
When was the last time you prayed for your drive to the store, church, or work? Thank God for His protection over your travels. Ask God to provide safe travel for you and others from place to place.
I invite you to pray through R-W-A-N-D-A beginning today, and especially once a day from July 13-22. As you meet with God, receive His care to your soul. Let His loving presence meet with you and tend to your inner being as you rest in Him through prayer.
This week – – –
Reflect. Soak in Mark 6. Notice what occurred before verse 30. Consider the condition of Jesus and His disciples. How would you feel? Now, read Mark 6:30-46. What seems highlighted to you as you read these verses? To what does Jesus invite you today? What does going away with Jesus for some rest look like for you? How might you receive rest for your soul today? Allow God to pour into you.
Request. Ask God to meet you through the R-W-A-N-D-A prayer. Does a particular letter stand out to you? How does praying this way impact your relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? In what ways does your soul encounter God?
Receive. Take some deep cleansing breaths. Breathe in for four counts – hold for four counts – breathe out for four counts – hold for four counts. Repeat at least four times. Receive the gift of slowing with the Holy Spirit. How does your body feel as you take time to slow and settle? Receive the unhurried attention of God to your entire being.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Colossians 4:2-3 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message…
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
G. Dwayne McCrary. Marked by Prayer: Five Traits Of People Who Pray. Brentwood, TN. 2026.
John Eldredge. Moving Mountains: Praying with Passion, Confidence, and Authority. Colorado Springs, CO. 2017.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Fee. Send Me Out. Click here to watch & listen.
Casting Crowns. Until the Whole World Knows. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
July 6-10 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
July 13-21 – Kigali, Rwanda – Soul Care Retreat and Training
August 3-7 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
August 13-17 – Lincoln, CA – Visit my parents and siblings
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund.
Thank you! 🌷
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot