How important is it to arrive at your destination with the same crew you left with? When you are journeying together with a group, it is always nice to arrive around the same time. For participants in our 2020 Family Missions Experience, we encourage them to either travel together or to arrive on the same day. This is a great way to develop healthy group cohesion and to promote positive dynamics in the group. As they share the entire experience together, incredible bonding occurs!
It is also important to be well prepared for the journey. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a very interesting story, which we know today as “The Parable of the Ten Virgins.” Jesus says that there were ten bridesmaids invited to share in the celebration of their friend’s wedding. Sadly, some were less prepared than others. As they waited to the wedding party to begin a processional march at night, five of the bridesmaids realized that they did not have enough oil in their lamps. They decided to sneak away to buy more…
And they missed the wedding.
Not cool.
They definitely didn’t “arrive together.”
Later in the same chapter, Jesus shares another parable with a profound challenge for all. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
This is a foundational verse for our team at Hope Haven Rwanda. From the youngest students to the oldest, we are working hard to help each one succeed. Teaching English at every single level, including preschool is one way we do this every day. English became the national language more than a decade ago, but many citizens of Rwanda still use their native tongue of Kinyarwanda. Strong English skills are a key that will unlock many opportunities for these students in the future. As the economy continues to boom, many firms require high English proficiency and it is still hard to find.
Visitors today are stunned to learn that Hope Haven welcomed its first class of 97 students just eight years ago. Classes began under a giant acacia tree which still shades the campus today and stands as a symbol of growth. Now more than 750 students attend a rigorous academic program, complete with healthy meals and bursting with potential. Today, with a team of 80 incredible teachers and staff, Hope Haven is one of the top-ranked schools in Rwanda.
We want to help our students “arrive together” to a bright future. They will be well prepared and spiritually grounded. Every child of God has a purpose and a calling, and by His grace, we will help these students fulfill theirs together!
(If you would like to join us in mid-July for the 2020 Family Missions Experience, there are still slots available. Don’t miss this incredible adventure! Learn more here: Hope Haven Rwanda Family Missions Experience)