The Diocese of Southern Virginia held an unusual diocesan council Feb. 12-14 in Williamsburg, Va. In addition to their "normal" business, delegates took the time to share stories of how God is working in their lives, in the lives of those around them and in lives of people across the ocean in the Diocese of Cyangugu in the Anglican Church of Rwanda.

This was the first session of annual council since the investiture of the Rt. Rev. David C. Bane, Jr., as the ninth Bishop of Southern Virginia. Bishop Bane shared a Bible study/small group discussion table with the Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Barham, Bishop of Cyangugu, Rwanda.

At the Lambeth Conference last summer, the two were drawn to each other and the stories they shared. Bishop Bane invited Bishop Barham to Southern Virginia's council to tell the story of his work in Cyangugu.

Cyangugu is in the southwestern corner of Rwanda. In 1994, there was a massive attempt by the Hutu majority to eliminate the Tutsi minority in the country. As part of this genocide effort, almost a million people were murdered and perhaps 600,000 children became orphans.

Bishop Barham's response was practical and prophetic. It is practical because he has become a fund-raiser for his beloved Cyangugu. He builds schools and churches and he employs prisoners to do so, the very men charged with the genocide of their fellow countrymen. Among the buildings is a guest house, where visitors may see the work that is being done to heal the murderous hatreds that plague his country. He wants others to witness first-hand the miracles that American dollars can perform in poor countries.

During the opening Eucharist, he shared stories of the love of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit working wonders in the rebuilding.

After approval of a $1.65 million budget, election of the deputation for the 2000 General Convention, and disposal of four resolutions, the floor was opened for people to share God's wonders with each other. In response to Bishop Barham's words, laity and clergy shared stories - about outreach experiences, about personal trials and victories, about God working in and through the lives of his people.