Christine Mastin’s involvement with Hope Haven Rwanda was written in the stars. A long-time friend of our founder and attorney for our partners at His Little Feet, an international children’s choir, God predestined Christine’s involvement with Hope Haven Rwanda. Today Christine has visited Hope Haven three times and generously works pro bono to help meet Hope Haven’s legal needs.
“Hope Haven has impacted me personally and professionally. Personally, there is no greater joy than to see the beautiful Godly vision of a dear friend literally become a reality. It has built my faith! Professionally, Hope Haven has reoriented my law practice. I am now focusing more of my time on transactions for Hope Haven and other international ministries in East Africa,” says Christine.
Despite her career as a busy international attorney, Christine is also a wife and mom of three (which, let’s be honest, also counts as a career). Recently, Christine became a second “mom” to another little girl. Through the Kugaba Initiative, Hope Haven’s unique relational investment program, Christine and her family became connected to Ciara, a sweet 9-year old girl who attends school every day at Hope Haven Rwanda and dreams of becoming a teacher.
When asked why she decided to join Kugaba, Christine said, “All children need someone ‘in their corner’, cheering them on, praying for them and taking the time to individually connect with them. To be able to do this for one student is exciting and I look forward to seeing Ciara excel. As it turns out, Ciara is the best friend of another Hope Haven student that I got to know very well through His Little Feet. So, adding Ciara to the wonderful group of kids I already get to work with was a great joy!”
This past summer, Christine (along with her daughter, Fikki) took her third trip to Hope Haven Rwanda to chaperone back our students that had spent the year touring with His Little Feet. While there, Christine and Ciara got to meet in person. Christine even got to meet and spend time with Ciara’s father and younger sister. Something truly special!
“I got to meet Ciara and her family while I was at Hope Haven this last summer and it was a highlight! I’m excited to continue our relationship with her through our letters, and be able to pour God’s truth into her life and encourage her in her schooling, family relationships and her dreams. It’s a long-term relationship and I look forward to the years ahead.”
We couldn’t agree more, Christine! If anyone reading this today would like to get “in the corner” of one of our students and experience a life-changing relationship, we encourage you to jump in! And, this is the perfect month to become a Hope Angel because we are giving away a free trip for two to Rwanda! Here are the details: hopehavenrwanda.org/hopeangel
In conclusion, Christine says, “Your ability to impact the life of a child is huge, regardless of your background or what you think your abilities are. Just offer it all up to God and take a step towards supporting a student, or if possible, visit Hope Haven. You will not only be blessing these kids, but God has a tremendous way of blessing those who do take steps of faith for the sake of His little ones.”
(This is a guest post by our friend and colleague, Paige Steele. Thanks, Paige!)