“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”(Hebrews 10:24).
Since his graduation from the inaugural “Men of Hope” program, Banga has saved every single day. In just the first five weeks following his graduation, Banga was able to save 22,000 Rwandan Francs ($25.49 USD). His family is also gaining traction from Banga’s infusion of hope. His oldest daughter is training at Hope Haven as part of a cultural dance troupe, and Banga is learning how to lead his family as the man God wants him to be.
As part of the “Men of Hope” group, Banga received a Bible and has been reading it every day. He especially loves the story of the Gospel. Banga said that when he thinks about Jesus paying the price for his sin, he is encouraged. He shared that he feels like he is in spiritual kindergarten, but he hopes to grow in his faith so that one day he can be a leader of other men in his community. Banga wrote down many of the important lessons that he learned as a member of the Men of Hope program and he is trying to apply them to his life.
Banga did not believe that it would be possible for any of his children to attend Hope Haven. Because he is a graduate of the Men of Hope program, Banga’s twin four-year-olds have received priority registration and will now begin studying at Hope Haven in January. The “Men of Hope” initiative has changed the trajectory of this family’s life!
We are pleased to report that the second “Men of Hope” group has completed their training and started their businesses. They have also experienced spiritual growth and the development of a tight community during their journey through the program together. Now, these men have banded together and merged the two groups for long term accountability and encouragement. They recently had a meeting, where they prayed together for God’s guidance and agreed to focus on three priorities as a group (in their own words):
1. Knowing God and making him known in the communities we live in by soaking ourselves deep in the study of the Bible and committing ourselves to apply its teachings in our everyday lives.
2. Striving to build healthy and happy families, starting with our own families.
3. Promoting adult sport outreach by creating a soccer/football team which will meet on Wednesdays for training.
What a joy to see these men coming together to focus on what really matters! Is there a brother or sister that you can intentionally connect with this week to “spur on toward love and good deeds?” We need each other on this journey of faith.