Miracles happen every day in our community in Rwanda!
Miracles probably happen regularly in each one of our lives, but sometimes we fail to notice.
This miracle was too specific and too clear to be overlooked.
Earlier this year, in a mud hut in Murindi, Rwanda, a desperate mother wrestled in prayer. She pleaded with God for the security, health, and well-being of her family. When she met with her pastor, he told her he believed a significant blessing was on its way. One of the most pressing needs she felt at that time was for mattresses for her family. They were used to sleeping on the dirt floor, but the rainy season was coming soon and the mud was always a challenge. Sometimes water leaked into their home, and everyone suffered.
She was especially concerned about Noah, her teenage son who had just begun attending Hope Haven Rwanda. He had tested in the top division at his Primary School late last year, and was therefore able to begin attending Hope Haven for Secondary School in January of 2020. The top division represents the upper 3% of students in the entire nation. Almost every one of the primary six students at Hope Haven also scored in that division, so he was joining a group of his peers at the same level, but he was coming from a government school with shorter school hours and much larger classes. She longed for Noah to continue on the path of educational success.
Noah’s mother left the meeting with her pastor filled with hope. She prayed that God would provide mattresses for her family so that they wouldn’t have to sleep on the dirt any longer.
She couldn’t imagine how God would provide. Even thin foam mattresses are expensive, especially in her family’s economy. What seems like a simple purchase for many of us in the US is a major expense for families living at the lowest poverty levels in Rwanda. This mother had many mouths to feed, and at 70 years of age, her blind husband was unable to help as much as he wanted. Personally, she was struggling with an intestinal blockage, which caused severe pain and discomfort. The family was barely hanging on.
Meanwhile, Noah’s Hope Angel, who lives halfway around the world, near Denver, Colorado, was asking God how she could bless her Kugaba Kid. Her family knew that God led Noah to Hope Haven. Now he had an opportunity to flourish beyond anyone’s expectations. His Hope Angel prays for him, writes letters to him, and ensures that he can study at Hope Haven until he graduates.
Following a series of small miracles, Noah’s Hope Angel visited Hope Haven in February 2020, just before the pandemic struck. When she became aware of the devastating situation inside Noah’s home, she knew God was asking her to help even more than she already was. She decided to consult with Hope Haven’s social workers, Priscillah and Henriette. Together, they worked out a plan to provide mattresses for Noah’s family.
When Jason, Hope Haven’s CEO, visited this dear family’s home in October, he was thrilled to hear this incredible story for the first time and to celebrate with this grateful family. He walked into their home, to see a warm, dry place for the family to sleep and another room for them to cook and clean in. A toothbrush was stuck in the cracks of the mud home, allowing it to dry adequately. Jason smiled as he thought about the hygiene practices Noah has learned at Hope Haven. As Noah’s mother excitedly shared that they were doing better, she made sure to mention that God has exceeded their expectations—miracles are happening!
During the pandemic season, Noah has been able to work half days at the school farm to help earn money for his family. In many ways, he is growing into the primary provider for his family. Just imagine what Noah will be able to contribute after earning a top-notch education at Hope Haven. There are bright days ahead for this young man, and his Hope Angel will be cheering him on, and praying for him, each step of the way!