The excitement began to grow as the class settled into their seats. It hit a crescendo when Howard started pulling Rwandan Francs out of his pocket! Hope Haven Rwanda students are used to guest lecturers, and they look forward to interacting with hundreds of Americans who visit each year. But it is definitely rare for a substitute teacher to start pulling cash out of their pocket and setting it on the table in front of them!
These Senior 1 (7th Grade) students were treated to a world-class lesson from an experienced finance professional. Their teachers, Ernest and Eme, invited Howard to take all of the training, knowledge and wisdom that God has given him over the years and to funnel as much of it as he could into these young lives. It was another premier example of someone praying, “I give you my time, my talent and my treasure—use it as you see fit in this context!”
Ultimately, despite their hopes, these students would not go home with a wad a cash in their pocket. Instead, they went home with something much more valuable—education! They learned how to be better stewards of whatever God has entrusted them with and how to multiply those treasures into even greater things for God’s glory.
Each one of us can do this. Take a look at the gifts God has given you. How are you investing your time, talent and treasure? Our Master invites us to be good stewards, without obsession, but with clear intention. As Peter wrote, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Did you notice the part about “various forms?” Our stewardship will not look like our neighbor’s stewardship. There are no easy formulas, textbook ventures or strict metrics when it comes to spiritual investments. God asks us to be faithful with what He has given us—not what He has given our neighbor. However, as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit each day, each one of us will find opportunities to invest along the way on this grand adventure of faith!
Rwanda remains among the world’s poorest, least-developed and most densely populated countries. But Rwandan leaders are eager for change, and they trust us to serve alongside them. Our students are growing…in faith! They are on their way to becoming the next generation of Christian leaders in our world economy—teachers, doctors, engineers, IT professionals, business and government leaders. They will be a part of the strategic decisions made on the African continent of tomorrow. What a tremendous call and opportunity—we can shine the light of Jesus for others and give them the chance to shine too as they grow in their stewardship, knowledge and wisdom.