“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:9-11
During the month of July, our 2022 Intern team enjoyed studying some of the most direct and counter-cultural words spoken by Jesus. Known today as the “Sermon on the Mount,” these words are as applicable today as they were 2,000 years ago.
During our study, we were challenged and inspired to “be careful how we serve.” The words of Jesus drive to the heart, asking us to examine our motives and to always walk in purity. We have kept each other accountable, asking tough questions and discussing appropriate ways to engage in development work abroad.
The context for these discussions has been ideal. Hope Haven Rwanda exists to “to transform Rwanda through Christ-centered education and discipleship.” We intentionally work to lift up entire communities of our vulnerable sisters and brothers. The most obvious aspect of this project is the direct impact on thousands by delivering world-class education every single day.
But that is not the end of the story.
Another important aspect of our work is economic impact. This week, an American PhD student is exploring a project validating the impact of our work in this community on levels well beyond education. One clear example of this is the employment we offer. We have full-time employees, parents paying school fees by working on our campuses, and hundreds of local laborers working each day on the new academic building and boarding facilities—unbroken economic results.
There is also an unequivocal economic impact on local businesses. For example, each day we purchase bread for teachers, guests and others from a local bakery operated by poverty-stricken women. To be frank, it is unlikely that this special business would exist without Hope Haven. It certainly wouldn’t flourish like it does today.
So, the next time you are in the neighborhood, why not sample some delicious bread and reflect on the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount? We love to “give good gifts” and our reinforcement of this bakery is just one tiny example.
Why wait until you are here in Rwanda? Is there a “business doing good” in your neighborhood you can support today? God has given good gifts to each one of us, let’s share the wealth!