As many of you know, we have been working hard at Hope Haven Rwanda to finish our most recent building, which will include classrooms, a dining facility, kitchen and multi-use space. It is so exciting to be on the building site and to witness the craftsmanship on display. In Africa, skilled workers often improvise to get the job done. They may not have access to the equipment or resources that many countries take for granted and they often develop clever solutions.
It has been thrilling to observe masons, laborers, plumbers, engineers and electricians making something beautiful with their hands. They are using the gifts that God has given them to serve a greater purpose, working alongside each other to construct something that will bless our community for many years.
It is also a profound reminder of the building that we do every single day in the classrooms, the fields and through vocational opportunities at Hope Haven Rwanda.
Scripture reminds us to “build” spiritually into the lives of people and to rely on Jesus each step of the way: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:10-14).
We are building into the lives of the people around us every day and our King loves to watch us use the gifts, skills and passions we have been given. God will use us to construct masterpieces for His glory if we are willing to give Him our hands and our hearts!