Rock climbers understand the demand for both clear communication and hard work. Their lives often depend on it. When the person on the other end of the rope, the “belayer,” in rock climbing parlance, is ready to ensure a safe climb, they shout to the climber: “Belay on!”
This is equivalent to saying, “The slack in the rope is gone, and I am ready for you to proceed.”
It is then up to the climber to begin the hard work of the ascent. In a similar way, we have hundreds of laborers showing up each day to help make the dream of the best secondary school in Rwanda come true. Their support is in place, and they are ready to do the hard work!
Earlier this year, I spent some time interviewing construction workers on the site of our new $8M Secondary School. As I wandered around, it was fascinating to see so many faces I recognized, along with many new ones, and hear some of their stories.
I felt like shouting “Build on!” to groups of them as they showed up eager to serve.
In 2 Chronicles 8:16, the author celebrates the building of Solomon’s Temple. He writes, “Thus all the work of Solomon was carried out from the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord, and until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was completed.”
While we are not quite there yet, we look forward to the day when we will celebrate the completion of this significant project. The halls will be filled with learners, shouts will ring out on the sports field and young Rwandans will be coached into the leaders we believe that God has shaped them to be.
None of this would be possible without laborers who tirelessly work each day with their hands. In our unique situation, many of these laborers are parents of the same students who will populate this campus—how cool is that?
We are all building something. What are we investing our time, energy and resources in each day? Will we ask God to help us build what lasts?
“Build on!”
Here are a few vignettes:
Merikiyoro — A carpenter and father with two kids at Hope Haven, one in 3rd grade and one in 2nd grade. He lives with his wife, who serves at Hope Haven as well. Sadly, their oldest child, who previously studied at another school, was forced to stop school in 9th Grade because the family did not have enough money. Today, Merikiyoro brings a hammer and a saw to the site each day. He helps build scaffolding and is also qualified to operate the sand and cement mixer as needed. After walking 35 minutes one way from the deep valley just south of Hope Haven, he works from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM each day. He has noticed that his kids are much more active than other kids he sees in the community. He also said they are more disciplined. He said, “Before, it was very hard for me to feed my kids, but with this job, I can pay their school fees and feed them. I never had a chance to be in school, like my kids, but I see there is a bright future for my kids. Hope Haven has inspired me to work more so that my kids can continue in school. I have so many hopes that my kids will help me to survive when I am not strong enough to work anymore.”
Benard — This 28-year-old father of two also serves alongside his wife to pay school fees for their children. He said, “I just started recently on this job, but I have seen a lot change and I have a promising life because I am at Hope Haven. I am not scared of feeding my kids now that I have this job!”
Paul — One of the earliest Men of Hope group members, Paul is known as a leader in the group. He helps facilitate their weekly study of “The Purpose Driven Life” and also worked in the carpentry shop. Today, you can find him swinging a hammer to help construct Hope Haven Secondary School. He is very grateful for the opportunity to work and faithfully shows up when requested. Paul is well on his way—not only building a new campus, but a better life as well!