(Enjoy this week’s guest post featuring Wendy Raffaeli, Director of Finance and Development for Hope Haven Rwanda)
I don’t know about you, but I prefer to do a lot of things with other people. Fun things, exciting things, scary things – doing it with others makes the experience more tenable and more enjoyable. Ministry is no different. We gain the added benefits of different perspectives, varied expertise, and more opportunities when we involve others.
When we were in Rwanda this summer, I had the privilege of spending some time with John Nkubana, Rwanda’s country leader with Compassion International. My family and I have been supporters of Compassion for over a decade. Their valuable work in releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name reaches to many countries around the world, and over 2 million sponsored children. In 2018, my family and I traveled to meet three of our Compassion students in Uganda, and it changed my life. It is truly an honor to work with and be part of such an amazing organization.
We talked with John about potential partnerships between Compassion and Hope Haven in Rwanda. What a refreshing time – talking about how we might enrich each other’s organizations and help build even more human capital for God’s purposes in the amazing country of Rwanda!
When God first created man, He also created woman. As Genesis 2:18 says, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” We are ALL created to be in relationship – relationship with other humans, and relationship with God our Creator. How fulfilling it is when we spend an hour, a day, or a lifetime with others.
It might not always be the easiest route to travel with others. Sometimes we’re tempted to “go it alone” for ease and lack of conflict. However, Jesus didn’t journey alone during his 30 years on earth. He had many friends, disciples, and supporters along the way. He modeled what it looks like to partner well with others.
As we continue to pursue partnerships at Hope Haven Rwanda, we are encouraged by fellow travelers in ministry, from 2,000 years ago in Jesus’ example to today with John Nkubana and Compassion International.
What partnerships are you open to developing in your life?