They could not be defeated: 265 RHEMA Haiti graduates overcome political, gang violence, earthquake and economic crises

On May 20, the 265 graduates of RHEMA Haiti’s class of 2021 finally had the opportunity to celebrate their commencement ceremony.  Unrest and security issues had made it necessary to postpone this celebration for two years. A presidential assassination, violent kidnappings, gang warfare, earthquake, food and fuel shortages are just a few of the challenges they overcame. The obstacles faced by these world changers is a testimony to their faith and perseverance.

Unfortunately, of the 265 graduates, 116 are missing in these photos. Living in the most dangerous regions of the country, they were unable to find safe passage to the venue. Nonetheless, they were present in the thoughts and prayers of the 149 graduates that did don their red robes, walk the stage, and receive their diplomas. The 116 others will receive their diplomas as soon as the security situation allows.

In November a new group of 210 students (Class of 2025) also began their ministerial training. Though the situation in Haiti remains extremely dangerous, the tenacity of the alumni that preceded these current students will doubtless inspire them to remain faithful until the end.

“Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.”Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Team180 members and Campus coordinators, Andy and Ruth Joseph (2015 RHEMA Haiti graduates), did a stellar job organizing and overseeing the entire celebration. Approximately 1,600 were in attendance.

Campus coordinator from the RHEMA Kinshasa, DR Congo, Pastor Frédéric Kazadi (left), travelled to Haiti to give the commencement address. He is a 2010 RHEMA Qubebec graduate.

RHEMA Kinshasa team travels from DR Congo to Nigeria for strategic meetings and ministry

From April 20 -27, eleven key leaders from our RHEMA Kinshasa team travelled to Abuja, Nigeria to participate in strategic meetings with teams representing RHEMA Bible Training Colleges from six African nations. It was also a powerful time of “cross-pollination” as our team arrived several days early to shadow the RHEMA Nigeria team whose years of experience and excellence has helped them grow to over 5,000 students. Our team returned to Kinshasa with an even stronger vision to facilitate exponential growth in the DR Congo and make a meaningful contribution to the vision of reaching the 34 nations and 11 territories of the French-speaking world.

Delegations of RHEMA Africa teams representing Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia met for strategic meetings in Abuja, Nigeria.

Team Members from The Congo ministered in three local churches in Abuja, Nigeria

In addition to sharing at some of the sessions during the RHEMA Africa continental meetings, team members from the Congo were honored to share the Word at three local churches in Abuja. With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria is one of the most influential nations on earth and the Nigerian church is playing a strategic role in the fulfillment of God’s plans and purposes. Our team was humbled with the opportunity to have a part in what He is doing!

Powerful ministry times in France

In addition to its obvious strategic role in reaching the French-speaking world. France holds a special place in the Taylors’ hearts as the first country they moved to when leaving the USA as missionaries in 1992. Ken & Tonja Taylor recently ministered in three local churches in France on their way from the Congo to Quebec, Canada.

April 30 - Nice, France: Pastors Philippe and Rebecca Boulanger (Église Etincelle)

May 7 (a.m.) - Nantes, France: Pastors Paul and Olga Tagbo (Église Grace et Vérité pour les nations)

May 7 (p.m.) - Nantes, France: Pastors Maurice & Marcelline Kanda (Église Centre Evangélique La Bergerie)

Philippe & Rebecca Boulanger are the daughter and son-in-law of John & Laura Madan who founded the church they now pastor in 1984. Philippe and Rebecca are doing an amazing job, bringing the church into a new season of significant growth. Since passing the baton, the Madans continue serving as directors of RHEMA France and RHEMA Switzerland. In 1992 the Taylors moved to Nice for two years to work with the Madans in their church and Bible school and have closely collaborated ever since to reach the French-speaking world. So many in this photo are like family. (The lady in pink was a student at the Bible school where Ken taught in 1993. She has faithfully served in this local church ever since and is part of the pastoral staff.) Jesus is building His Church and He builds through divinely appointed relationships!

Pastors Paul & Olga Tagbo, originally from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), graduated from RHEMA Paris under the leadership of John & Laura Madan. They are now campus coordinators of the RHEMA campus in Nantes, France which will have its first graduation June 17. They founded and pastor a growing church in Nantes that is making a significant impact in this region of Northwest France. There was a powerful time of ministry after the message with many receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit following the example of Acts 19:6.

Pastors Maurice & Marcelline Kanda, originally for the DR Congo, are both graduates of RHEMA Paris. They pastor Centre La Bergerie in Nantes, France. During the service, several accepted Christ and many were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many of the congregation are members of the Congolese diaspora. We felt so much at home!

Many filled with the Spirit in Quebec on Pentecost Sunday

Ministering at Église La Vie Comblée in Drummondville, Quebec on Pentecost Sunday.

May 28 was Pentecost Sunday and Ken and Tonja were overjoyed with the opportunity to minister at Église La Vie Comblée in Drummondville, Québec Canada. The Taylors were senior pastors of this church for over 23 years before passing the baton to Pastors Ken & Valerie Mafu (RHEMA Quebec graduates). The Mafus are doing a tremendous job leading the congregation. During the service, two received Christ and many received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Tonja also ministered at a special lady’s meeting on Saturday May 20.

With Evangelicals accounting for only 6/10 of 1% of Quebec’s 8 million inhabitants, it remains one of the least reached mission fields. It was in 1989 that the Holy Spirit supernaturally led the Taylors to begin praying for Quebec and in 1990 they they received instructions from the Lord to “Go to Quebec, establish a base, and from there you will be able to reach other nations of the French-speaking world.” This vision continues to become a reality.

Thankful for a few days with kids and grandkids

In addition to ministry times during our recent visit back to Quebec, it was especially good to have a couple of days to see our children and grandchildren where they all still reside. People often ask if it’s been difficult living in the Congo. Our response: We absolutely LOVE the Congo and there’s no place like the will of God. The only thing that’s hard is the long periods between being together with our precious family. But God gives His grace. We also know that the reason our family is in Quebec is because we answered God’s call to “go”. Had we not obeyed, we wouldn’t even have our beautiful Québécoise grand-daughters. It doesn’t really cost to obey God, it pays! When preparing to move away from the USA in 1992 (We haven’t lived there since.), Tonja put a note on our refrigerator that read, “Life is too short and eternity is too long, not to do the will of God.” It has been an adventure so far and the best is yet to come!

“Life is too short and eternity is too long, not to do the will of God.”
— Tonja Taylor

Check out these amazing 2 minute video reports from the Congo and Haiti.

For over 35 years this ministry has been faithfully following a God-given mandate to help impact the French-speaking world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord has been gracious to give us fruit that remains and that is multiplying exponentially as we equip leaders in different parts of the world. But we could never do this alone!

Whenever God gives a vision to a missionary, He also gives the provision - for the vision. As was the case with the Apostle Paul and the Philippians, the Lord does this by calling individuals and local churches to partner with the one who is being sent. In a very real sense, these partners go to the nations with them by bringing their supply of prayer and financial support that is essential to the accomplishment of the mission. Without ever leaving home themselves, partners in missions are literally able to change nations!

Three ways you can become a nation changer today!

You can help keep our team on the field during the month of June, throughout the summer and beyond. Skyrocketing costs in airfare and other necessary ministry commodities have translated into an immediate need to boost our partner base so we can continue training more and more leaders in the Congo and throughout the French-speaking world.

Should God lead you to partner with nations180 in one of these ways, you can know that you’ll be helping turn nations around with the Gospel! You can also know that we’ll be praying regularly for you and trusting the Lord with you for His supernatural provision in your life. It’s a powerful Biblical principle that has kept the mission of the Church going since the first century, and it still works today!

“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:15-19

Ken Taylor