While promoting intentional education and discipleship, Hope Haven Rwanda embodies the truth of God’s Word: “For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth” (Psalm 71:5).
I am so excited when I see youth getting fired up for God! And that is exactly what is happening at Hope Haven Rwanda. This summer, we were joined by high schoolers, college students and other young adults who were passionate about sharing their active faith with our students. Our students were electrified by their words andtheir modeling!
Children’s ministry is particularly exciting because it is laying a foundation for a lifetime of communion with God and service for His Kingdom. I remember hearing about D.L. Moody reporting that “two and a half” people decided to follow Jesus at a meeting where he spoke.
His friend asked a clarifying question, “Do you mean two adults and one child?”
“No,” Moody replied, “I mean two children and one adult. The adult’s life is already half over!”
Caroline arrived in Rwanda with plenty of experience, having taught children in places as diverse as Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and the country of Myanmar. Rwanda was an entirely new culture to her. Just hours after her arrival, she stepped out and boldly taught hundreds of children.
Caroline was just one example of growing faith in action. She was joined by Sarah, Emily, Tiffany, Sam, Jack, Aram, Lindsay, Matthew, Gigi, Emma and Chaplain Shema for some powerful lessons which enlivened the faith of our students. Caroline told stories about the intricacies of God’s creation using our capacity for hearing as an example. During another class, Caroline used a balloon and fire to illustrate God’s provision when we face opposition and pressure in our lives. Together, these young people led several sessions for adults and children and made a deep impact in our community.
With God’s help, Hope Haven Rwanda will continue to deliver outstanding education, life-on-life discipleship, and sustainable agriculture to our community in Rwanda. We will help cultivate God-given purposes for entire families, offering them a brighter tomorrow with the hope of Christ and practical life skills.
As we are able to operate with heartfelt compassion and high levels of competency, we are praying for the creation of a vibrant Christian community. May God enable our community to be a place where adults and children alike are invigorated in their faith, a place where all of our hope is placed firmly where it belongs—in our sovereign Lord!