Pictures from Rwanda Presidential Scholar Reception

Presenting the Ten Presidential Scholars:
Minister of Education: Dr. Mujawamariya Jeanne d'Arc:

Reverend Gasatura Nathan & Missionary Dave Jenkins:

Bryan Hixson's comments during reception for Republic of Rwanda, Oklahoma Christian University Scholar Reception in Kigali, Rwanda:

"... (welcome & guests recognized)... Thank your presence here today, as we honor Dr. Mujawamaria for her distinguished work on behalf of the children & students of Rwanda. Through her efforts and the efforts of her staff we have established the first Republic of Rwanda - Oklahoma Christian University Presidential Scholar Program.

In this program ten of the finest students in Rwanda will join our campus community for the next few years as they work toward their bachelor's degrees in science or technology. These ten students are the reason for our celebration today as they become ambassadors for Rwanda, who will prepare themselves for future service to the continued development of this great nation. Just over two years ago the president of Oklahoma Christian, Dr. Mike O'Neal, along with several others, including Dave Jenkins visited Rwanda as guests of His Excellency, President Kagame. During that visit Dr. O'Neal was very touched by Rwanda and felt compelled to do something to assist in the development of the country, in support of Vision 20/20.

As a president of a university who's foundation is in faith and learning, Dr. O'Neal felt that a starting point would be to establish scholarships for Rwandese students. Today we witness this vision as it becomes reality. This reality continues a growing relationship between your nation and our university.

We pray that this relationship will continue as we believe this program will bless both Rwanda and our campus community. We have been blessed during our six weeks in Rwanda. You have welcomed us warmly and treated us well. We have been made to feel at home in Rwanda. Your great Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Nsenga told us that when people come to Rwanda that they "catch the fever" and find that they must return. He was correct as each of us who have been here, now have the "fever" or a love for Rwanda and her people that will always draw us back. Your resilience and desire to mover forward draw us.

We have a deep respect for the great distance that you have come in a short time. We pray that this nation will be a nation of God, and a people of faith. we hope for a bright future and expect that the ten students will play a significant part in Rwanda's future. The investment in these young people today shows your confidence in them and in Rwanda's future.

Family of these students, we want you to know that we too have confidence in each of these ten and we commit to serve them and love them like family. Oklahoma Christian has a strong faith-based community that functions like a big family. You are now part of the extended family who can feel good about these ten students.

To the officials in the audience we thank you for your partnership and for your trust in us. We have been honored to work with you and to see the love you have for the people of Rwanda. You inspire us, and in your actions demonstrate to us Vision 20/20 becoming a reality. The hopes of the people of Rwanda are on you and your leadership. We believe that a leadership who's hope lies in God will carry a nation to greatness and we have seen greatness demonstrated in many here today.

May this partnership that we have be led by God and facilitated by man to bring more greatness and hope to the people of Rwanda. May each of these ten students be blessed in this program so that in turn they can bless this nation."