The Rwandan community in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland were joined by the Rwanda Embassy officials, friends of Rwanda and various clerics for the 11th Annual Rwanda Prayer Banquet at Sheraton Hotel Silver Spring, Maryland.

The friends of Rwanda included the Deputy Director for African Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Michael Atingi-Ego.

Estaphania Fallas, an IMF staff who recently visited Rwanda and was truly touched by the Rwandan people argues that Rwanda has been ordained as a lighthouse to help guide the African continent towards a brighter future.

In his remarks, the Rwandan Ambassador to US, James Kimonyo, thanked all the participants and the banquet organisers for making the event a success and for providing the opportunity to celebrate the country's achievements.

"We've come together, as a people, country and region to pray for the struggles we are facing and we can proudly say we are a country on the move," the envoy said.

"This evening, we thank God and ask Him to help our leaders continue to build upon what we've achieved."

Kimonyo thanked members of the community who participated in different activities of the day, and called upon the congregation to strengthen their commitment to make a difference in the lives of the people, the communities and the country.

The prayers were led by Rev. Janice Steele and Rev. Andrew Appiah.