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It is very late Sunday night here in Rwanda. Today was an exceptionally long day that involved several hours on the bus, but a very enlightening and inspirational day.
The past two mornings, I’ve gotten up early and gone alone to breakfast as soon as the hotel dining room opens and enjoyed a very quiet and peaceful solitude on the veranda overlooking the hotel grounds. The morning temperature has been in the low to mid 60’s, cool and dry. I’ve enjoyed being the only diner outdoors on the deck, watching and listening for the birds to wake up and flit about the trees at eye level from the second floor dining area.
Being alone is not being lonely. My experience is that God tends to show up when we’re alone, quiet, and make room for Him at our table. I’ve had the opportunity to reflect and renew in those peaceful moments before the busyness of the day starts.
Our delegation attended church at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Ruhengeri. The two hour bus ride was worth it to hear the powerful message by Bishop John Rucyanhana, known throughout Rwanda and in much of the USA as “Bishop John.” He has be a strong force for spiritual revival and reconciliation in this nation and his rapidly growing congregation swells to over 1000 each weekend. A luncheon on the tourism market was followed by a visit to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project where we saw several mountain gorillas up close. The connection between all of God’s creations are stunning and many of the keys to discovering causes and cures for diseases rest with better understanding the balance of humans, animals, and the world we share. There were some intense and powerful spiritual lessons to be learned from the integration of our interdependence with the other parts of what God made. AIDS, anthrax, and avian flu first existed in animals before it was found among humans, and just as astonishing, some of our vaccines to save our lives come from the animals.
After a dinner discussing economic challenges and opportunities in Rwanda, it was back to the hotel around 11pm to catch a few hours sleep before trips to health clinics tomorrow and visits to Rwandan homes.
Throughout the trip, I’m reminded of how truly blessed we are as Americans and how deeply grateful we should be. But I have been amazed at the sheer joy in the faces of many Rwandans who have nothing materially, but exude a joy that belies their lack of “things.” Maybe they don’t have much, but what they have doesn’t “have them,” and what they don’t have doesn’t bother them. They have hope and look forward, not backwards. It’s a reminder that what we are inside is always more important than what we have outside.
From Rwanda and the ONE campaign—Mike Huckabee
One.org just posted this video:
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Smith, Mary
07/30/2008 01:34 PM
Huckabee is a man of hope. We desperately need hope in our world today where we are under constant spiritual and temporal attack. I continue to pray for him as a leader of our country.
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Gruetter, Richard
07/30/2008 10:27 AM
Everyone should be emailing and calling McCain's campaign and pushing Governor Huckabee for VP!
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Donlon, Thomas
07/29/2008 10:35 PM
Mike Huckabee wrote,
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“The connection between all of God’s creations are stunning and many of the keys to discovering causes and cures for diseases rest with better understanding the balance of humans, animals, and the world we share. There were some intense and powerful spiritual lessons to be learned from the integration of our interdependence with the other parts of what God made. AIDS, anthrax, and avian flu first existed in animals before it was found among humans, and just as astonishing, some of our vaccines to save our lives come from the animals.”
-----Our genetic makeup is surprising similar and yet we are more than genes. We are physical like the animals, and yet we ponder the universe and its origins. We wonder why we are here. We read and learn that we are here for a purpose. We understand the greatest commandments. We learn to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We learn to love our neighbors as ourselves. Whether elected or not we are called to service. The greatest person in the sight of God is the one who serves as if he is the least or least worthy of human beings. Jesus according to scripture gave up the rights associated with being creator of everything so that he could come and serve and put an end to rule of evil.
Now we are free and empowered to do good - if we know him.
Even those who don't directly know Jesus see some of his goodness as expressed in his creation. They see the sun rise and the rain come to all people. Paul and Barnabas said, “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."
Paul in Romans says that these people have heard the truth. “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Paul was quoting Psalm 19 which shows the revelation given by just observing the Universe.
So, Mike I am glad you brought up what we can learn from the other parts of what God has made. The lessens are profound - but we have to pause to think about them.
The worries and concerns of the world distract us from the important thing - our mission to serve God and to not grow weary in doing good.
I am unworthy to even speak or write about these things. God created me with wisdom through an amazingly complex process. I don't know all processes that take place in my own body - and I don't know all the specific steps that God used to bring me and all of us into being.
Tom
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Captain Obvious
07/22/2008 08:11 PM
Governor Huckabee, thank you for sharing your impressions as you visit Rwanda.
It strikes me that time alone is probably a rare commodity in your busy life.
You and yours are in our prayers.
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Judge Deborah
07/22/2008 06:55 PM
I just sent this email to Gary Bauer, because I heard that he wants to know who will be deal makers and deal breakers for VP for John McCain.
Email Gary Bauer at garybauer@cwfpac.com
Mr. Bauer,
I heard that you have been asking supporters what they think of John McCain's Vice Presidential pick.
For me personally, Mike Huckabee would be a deal maker and I would definitely vote for John McCain if Mike Huckabee was the V.P.
Mitt Romney would be a deal breaker, and I would definitely NOT vote at all and would let Obama be chosen President if Mitt Romney is on the ticket. McCain campaign insiders have admitted to David Broder of the Washington Post that John McCain has expressed disdain for Romney both publicly and privately and believes that Rommney is a serial flip-flopper and devoid of strong convictions.
In all the debates, Mike Huckabee and John McCain got along very well, but Mitt Romney picked fights with both of them. We could tell that Huckabee and McCain got along and that neither one of them appreciated Romney's vitriolic unwarranted attacks.
Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Bobby Jindal, Michael Bloomberg, and Rob Portman would all be dealbreakers for me also. They are simply either not conservative enough or tied too closely with this administration.
Mike Huckabee won all the eastern swing states and the Bible Belt states, and has a huge grass roots following. Gov. Huckabee has 10-12 years executive experience running a government, yet he is not tied to this present administration and is not a Washington insider.
Mike Huckabee is an excellent public speaker and never has to use notes. He has been faithful to his wife for over 31 years, and will be a good role model for our children and grandchildren. Everyone that I have spoken to in Arkansas says they loved Gov. Huckabee when he was in Arkansas.
Democrats and Republicans alike respected Gov. Huckabee. Gov. Huckabee was truly a public servant, and he had a plaque hung on the wall in the Governor's Office with a new photo every month of one of the citizens of Arkansas, with a sign that said, "The Boss." Mike Huckabee always knew that he was a servant.
I think Mike Huckabee would complement John McCain very well.
Deborah Mulholand
Please cheerfully donate $50 to Mike Huckabee and enter Event or Donor Code R23732.
Thanks to everyone who has donated! God Bless!
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Brant Madsen
07/21/2008 11:54 PM
Very, very cool!
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Rayborn, Linda
07/21/2008 10:13 PM
This was reported over a www.mccainnow a week or so ago. It didn't make sense then, but maybe it does now.....(mad irish is from McCain's camp-he posted this)
Is Huckabee in In?
Posted by Mad Irish Man in Untagged
Has the choice been made? Is it down to Two? Is Huck one of those Two?Dem dem dem dem dem.........Dem Dem convention.........
Or will a certian turn of events force the powers that be to tell us all a lil sooner than planned?
We shall see......................................................*nudge nudge wink wink*
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Rayborn, Linda
07/21/2008 10:08 PM
I wouldn't be looking for an announcement of Mitt Romney as vp. This article appeared today along with another trying to now say Romney does not want to be vp...
www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=13563 While Mitt Romney's set of paid PR minions are busy pushing out Mitt for Vice President spin, McCain campaign insiders say that while it's true they have polled Romney on the bottom of the ticket, the data confirms that such a move would be a political disaster for the party."Mitt tanks the ticket," says a McCain insider. "We lose fiscal conservatives. We lose social conservatives. We lose Catholics. We lose evangelicals. All the groups were spending time and money on bringing into the camp would be lost. He just doesn't help us enough to do something like this, as much as Mitt might think we should. He doesn't even win us Massachusetts."
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PAConservative for Huckabee
07/21/2008 09:21 PM
Thank you Gov. Huckabee for your words of inspiration. I have been praying for you.
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RedCentral
07/21/2008 07:35 PM
Hey Mike,
Good thing you are doing a lot of reflecting in Rawanda in the morning. Word out today by Robert Novak is that McCain is going to pick Romney as VP. You said that McCain needs to pick a social conservative. What will you say or do if Mac picks Mitt who is pro-choice? Mitt would be one step away from the presidency. Who will then speak for us? This worries me. I believe if you endorse that ticket many of your supporters will leave ya. If you are outspoken, many will admire you. The GOP is going down the wrong track but the base (your base) with their passion and grassroots movement can change that. Remember the Iowa convention on July 12th? Right after you spoke, the grassroots voted the pres. of Iowa Right to Life and the Iowa Christian Alliance Prez. as the new Iowa national committeewoman and man. The establishment moderate GOP candidates were ousted. With your help, our voice will not be mutted. Don't join the LUKEWORM Christian and other leaders as they put politics above principles and endorse a McCain/Romney tickett. This ticket will lose anyway because the base will vote down the ticket and skip the pres. choice.
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TOGETHER WE STAND!!!
07/21/2008 06:05 PM
Sen. Tom Coburn R. of Oklahoma. really gave congress a history lesson today on what they are suppose to be doing, It was AWESOME!!!! Hope they was listening.......
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Smith Family
07/21/2008 05:40 PM
What a great video!
www.11smithsforhuckabee.com
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anderson, john
07/21/2008 03:58 PM
u can see their halo's before u start the video. u dont see that too often. the Lord is in rwanda right now, blessing those people
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Grandma4Huck2
07/21/2008 03:21 PM
Go to One.org, you can comment on the video of Mike.
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seales, james
07/21/2008 02:33 PM
Mike Huckabee is still number one in my book. No one else that I can think of comes close to speaking from the heart like he does. I think what drove people crazy about him was that he was always speaking from his heart (and that bothers a lot of people). He was "too conservative," and he was "not conservative enough." So, we settle for a presidential candidate that lacks heart (no offense to Obama or Mccain). And, in Obama's case, at least at first, he was said to have "lots of heart." His heart has gone into win at all cost mode. God bless you all:)
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mxnwilson
07/21/2008 12:09 PM
It is such a rare and unique occasion to hear statements such as these from a politician, and I cannot find words to describe my deep appreciation for such inspirational words.
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GOOD, HEAVENS
07/21/2008 09:43 AM
KINGS TAKE PLEASURE IN HONEST LIPS; THEY VALUE A MAN WHO SPEAKS THE TRUTH.
------------------PROVERBS16:13--------------------
A man of integrity runs with truth, not the times; with rigth, and not with might.
------------------ William Penn --------------------
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Helping Huckabee
07/21/2008 08:40 AM
Thank you, thank you! Your reflections meant a lot to me this morning. I needed that.
I too, like "Still Hooked On Huckabee" am a missionary at heart and I agree that everyone needs to go to a 2nd or 3rd world country at least once in their lives. It gives you the reality of what this world is really like - outside of our USA. It is very humbling.
Thank you so much Gov. Huckabee for your reports. You have moved my heart today.
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Judge Deborah
07/21/2008 07:22 AM
I just posted this on the SPEAK UP column at the Dayton Daily News and it will probably print in the paper w/in the next 2-5 days.
"A McCain Romney ticket is a sure loser for the GOP. Only McCain Huckabee will carry the southeastern swing states."
Deborah in Dayton, OH
If you agree, please donate $10 to HuckPAC and enter donor code R23732.
Thanks!
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ashley, jeri
07/21/2008 05:18 AM
Dear Mike, by your post, I can see that God has been answering my prayers for your experience in Rwanda. Thank you so much for your insight and reflections. We need you as this nation's leader in the worst way! Hurry home and return to that quest. But enjoy your time there and allow them all to enjoy you.
When I gave away everything except what I could place in a few suitcases in order to live and serve in Tanzania, I vowed I would never again be a slave to my possessions. Praise God I have not. I think everyone should spend time out of this country, at least those who take for granted the freedoms and comforts this nation affords. It is natural to take things for granted when you have nothing to compare it to.
Last night I saw that the Gallup's survey results of Congress' approval rating was at an all time low of 14%. They are in our faces in Washington. Do they think we won't rise up and revolt? They are ignoring us and our voices. Either they will do the people's bidding or they will be run out of Congress on a rail. I am tired of hearing each side blame the other. Each side will be forced to answer for their own inactions, soon. Unfortunatley things have to get so bad before people will be motivated to change them. We have become so comfortable in our ignorance.
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McMasters, Lynn
07/21/2008 12:54 AM
AP article says James Dobson is changing to a support position per Senator McCain...says he will talk about this on Monday's radio program. God is working in Rwanda and USA!
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Debbi M in CA
07/21/2008 12:29 AM
Thank you, Governor Huckabee, for sharing your experiences with us. It's so neat to hear about your getting up early to have breakfast in the quiet early hours of the morning, and to be alone with God, and enjoying the time..... =) it sounds just wonderful!
and telling us about the many Rwandan people who have so much joy, which has nothing to do with "things" they have or don't have. It's a refreshing perspective, especially for us here in America, who have soooo much....
yet these "things" cannot make us happy or fill us with joy, you are so right! It is
so neat to hear from you about all of this. :)Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. It makes me smile to think about all that you're seeing and discovering over there. :) Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Presley, Gabi
07/20/2008 11:10 PM
Governor Huckabee,
It's wonderful that you take the time to let us know what you are seeing and how it impacts you. It gives us further insight into your mind and character. I truly ache for the number of people who seem to cringe at the thought of elected officials with empathy, compassion and Chrisitian charity. I wonder if they realize that without these we, too, could experience the horrors of a Rwanda. -
SSC - Hardcore Texan
07/20/2008 11:04 PM
I am very grateful Mike for taking the time to post your thoughts, activities and words of spiritual wisdom. I have been praying for this nation ever since I saw two movies about what happened in the 80's. Rick and Kay Warren and their church have done some powerful work to help with reconciliation and to restore faith and hope in Rwanda with the cooperation of the government. Jesus is the great physician who can heal, restore and renew these people and I know that you are showing His love in your travels. May the work done this week reap many benefits and blessings to all everyone involved. GOD SPEED
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Oney, Janis
07/20/2008 10:54 PM
A Message from T. Boone Pickens
"Dear Supporter,
People from both political parties are putting aside their differences to join our campaign and tackle this crisis head on. The time for cheap talk is over. Americans are fired up and ready to take action.
If this thing is going to work we need folks organizing in their communities, meeting each other in person, and coordinating larger efforts.
That’s why today I’m issuing a Call to Action and asking everyone in the army to hold a house party this Thursday, July 24th.
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors into your home for a conversation about the crisis, and what steps we can take to build a movement to end the stalemate in Washington, DC
The goal is to strengthen the connections we already have, and build news ones as quickly as possible.
This is an opportunity to: make a difference
Janis Oney/Brownwood, Tx.
R24666 -
Oney, Janis
07/20/2008 10:47 PM
Starting on Monday, July 21, 2008 I would like to challenge everyone to call or e-mail from the White House to your Local Government that:WE WANT CHANGE NOW!
This is our rallying motto. Lets start saying it, believing it and driving it home.
Here are contacts for:
The White
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/Obama Campaign:
http://my.barackobama.comMcCain Campaign:
http://www.johnmccain.comU.S. House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov/U.S. Senate
http://www.senate.gov/To find your State, County and Local contacts do a "Google" Search.
Example: To find the California Governor just type in California Governor in the search bar and you will be taken to the "Office of the Governor:
http://gov.ca.gov/
Another Example: To Find the Indiana Governor type in Indiana Governor in the search bar and you will be taken to IN.gov"
http://www.in.gov/gov/index.htm
WE WANT CHANGE NOW!
Our National Energy Plan must have
Oil Drilling
Wind
Solar
Hydro
Natural Gas
Coal
Nuclear
Fuel Cell
AND MANY OTHERS that I have not listed.Also it must state that Foreign Money and Interest is to be kept out at all costs. This is for AMERICA and NOT foreign profiteering!
Lets Do It!!!!
Janis Oney/Brownwood, Tx.
R24666 -
Oney, Janis
07/20/2008 10:43 PM
Gov. Huckabee you are a wonder ful reporter . You can and are letting us see this very clearly threw your writtings.. What a gift you have and yet one more hat to wear..
When I was overseas many years ago and all the things I took for granted here at home was not avaliable anylonger.. Just a roll of foil was no where to be found. Took you all day to do shopping because of the different places you had to buy stuff for Ex": Produce , you went to the green grocer, Meats, to the meat market,bread to the bakery, well you get the ideal... Nothing was convenient.. I am talking about New Zealand, the people were so very nice during our stay for one year, but I was super glad to get back home to all of my comforts..
God bless you and hurry back home home.
Janis/Brownwood, Tx.
R24666 -
Lee, Donna
07/20/2008 10:26 PM
Governor Huckabee: Thank you for today's letter to us. I took the liberaty of copying it and sending it out to those on my e-mail list.
Most of us are overwhelmed at the state of our Union. We see evil running roughshod over Christians and everything and everybody who dares to push against the liberal agenda in Washington--the gay agenda, the ACLU, Planned Parenthood..."and everything that vaunts itself above God and His Word." From your letter we are reminded that even if we go through times of great persecution in this nationa as a Christian, it will be for a season--even as it was for Rwanda. And if we lose every material thing but through it experience real revival, it will be a great gain indeed.
PLEASE...for His sake, continue to make those times of alone with God a priority. We will follow you as you follow Christ.
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Noble, Kay
07/20/2008 10:26 PM
Dear Mike,
THANK YOU for sharing such a wonderful time of reflection!
I am so grateful for your discernment that cuts through so succinctly to the issues at hand. You are an inspiration to so many!
Blessings!
PS. HOTEL RWANDA is a featured DVD "sale" item this week at Circuit City ... $4.99 ... great movie ... true story.
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Joy
07/20/2008 10:21 PM
Dear Mr. Huckabee,
AMEN to "It’s a reminder that what we are inside is always more important than what we have outside. " In the end, it doesn't matter what we have materially because we can't take it with us Eternally. In the face of our final judgement, the only "thing" we can take with us...is our faith and belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May our Lord continue to guide and bless you and the delegation. I will continue to pray for all of you there, and the Rwandan people.
Sincerely,
Joy De La Paz -
Centrella, Thomas
07/20/2008 09:58 PM
Thanks for reporting in from Rwanda, Gov. Huckabee. And thanks for sharing your insights and also for mentioning Bishop John.
God bless you!
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Huckateach
07/20/2008 09:50 PM
Thank you for the inspiring reflections, Gov. Travel mercies for you and your colleagues - God bless.
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Huckateach
07/20/2008 09:46 PM
Thank you for the inspiring reflections, Gov. Travel mercies for you and your colleagues - God bless.
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Your Future Your Choice
07/20/2008 09:12 PM
Gov. Huckabee,
Thank you for your posts from Rwanda. I'm a missionary at heart. Reading your posts I can relate and remember the trips I have made. When you are out of this country it seems you are so aware of how big and faithful God is. I love those quiet times of soaking in a new and different culture.
Keep posting as you can, it makes me feel like I'm there and reminds me that it's about time for me to go on another one.
God Bless you.
Regina
Hooked On Huckabee -
JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE, CA
07/20/2008 09:03 PM
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOVERNOR HUCKABEE, YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
LOVE & PRAYERS,JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE 2008!
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All-in-for-Mike
07/20/2008 09:00 PM
Awesome. Thank you, Gov. Huckabee.
Praying for your trip.
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MR., PRESS
07/20/2008 08:26 PM
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mERCY, cAME rUNNING
07/20/2008 08:10 PM
Msrg Hrynuck was always a defender of God ,America and Family.
He is headed for 100 and still in sound soul< mind and body.
God placed it on my heart to unite with him in prayer for the susccess of this Mission as HE renews the face of the eatrh.
I just did the flag ---- flying high on this SPECIAL DAY...three day miracle (anyway...
I wasnt real good at math before either) ! -
in Texas, Brenda
07/20/2008 07:36 PM
Sounds as though this trip has been a blessing and a spiritual renewal for you Govenor Huckabee! Quiet and nature always bring the Spirit closer. In those moments, we always realize what peace can come away from the maddening crowd, and His presence is more readily accessible. May God continue to bless you!
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David R. Schmidt
07/20/2008 07:26 PM
