Re: Travel Concerns - Rwanda

[richard everett]

For what it's worth Rick Warren and his team will be there when we are.

I also received a call from Pastor Charles, the head of Africa New Life. He said all is well in Rwanda.

I have been there a number of times. I have never felt at risk. It is a very laid back and relaxed country.

The trip will be an amazing blessing!

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From: Ed Downing <e...@ourcitychurch.org>
To: Carol Samuelson <samuels...@yahoo.com>; Amy Hubbard <peace...@gmail.com>; Caleb Kenny <caleb...@gmail.com>; heather guinn <hmgu...@gmail.com>; Heather Kirkpatrick <hkf...@gmail.com>; jon wiscarver <j...@holyfireministries.com>; Joseph Silva <joeyt...@gmail.com>; Justin Kendrick <justinada...@gmail.com>; Justin Kunz <justin...@gmail.com>; Kristina Kern <kjk...@gmail.com>; Lindsey Raynor <lmra...@albertus.edu>; Madison Bollinger <mad...@holyfireministries.com>; Nicole Acerra <nmac...@albertus.edu>; Scott Samuelson <scot...@gmail.com>; "joet...@yahoo.com" <joet...@yahoo.com>; Ketlie Guerrin <ketlie....@gmail.com>
Cc: Richard Everett <rrever...@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2013 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: Travel Concerns - Rwanda

Also, here's a little reassurance from the local team in Rwanda. :)

Dear Friends,

Yes it's true  the US embassy closed since yesterday up to 10th  I hear , but I want to assure you all that Rwanda is safe,  no problem. If it was not safe Bill Clinton would not have traveled to Rwanda , for he and his team are here in Rwanda  right now.

Yours truly ,

Fred Katagwa

Pastor & Executive Director

Africa New life Ministries - Rwanda. 

Tel: +250 788652503

Email: fr...@africanewlife.org. 

On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 10:57 PM, Ed Downing <e...@ourcitychurch.org> wrote:

Hi Team -

I know that some of you have reached out about the recent security situations in the Middle East and Africa, resulting in some embassy closing across the region. Just know that we've been monitoring the situation and will continue to monitor it as our departure date draws near. 

Now the good news. From all of the official State Department communications, it seems these actions are precautionary and don't affect travel to/from the region. (As of today, there have been no "travel alerts" issued for Rwanda - or any of the affected countries specifically). All that to say, the trip is still a go!

Here are some things to keep in mind over the next coming days:

• The entire leadership team will be keep a very close eye on the situation and if anything changes, we'll let you know. We'll be monitoring the State Department's site for details. 
• The U.S. Embassy in Rwanda is not advising to make any changes to existing travel plans (i.e. - they still think it's safe enough to travel). With all of the traveling I've done, I've learned that the local embassy often has the best and most accurate information. 
• The embassy is planning to open again on August 9, which is still before our departure date.

Here are three things you can do:

• Pray. For the region. For our trip. For the safety of the people stationed at embassies around the world. 
• Register with the  "Smart Traveler" program (this is mandatory). This will let the embassy know that you plan to be in-country and is being requested by the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda specifically. Please go to this URL and enter in our trip details. https://step.state.gov/step/
• If you have any further concerns, or would just like to talk through this, please don't hesitate to give me a ring on my cell (502) 262-5078.

Thanks everyone! Praying that God will use us all in a mighty way next week. 

Ed