The energy of an African market is intense! In fact, in every developing country in the world, there are bustling markets, filled with people selling their wares, demonstrating cultural traditions and deepening community. Not far from our “umudugudu,” or village, is the bustling market of Kugaba. We have hiked to this exciting place to purchase gourds, goats and gifts. Visiting Kugaba usually brings a smile to your face and a quickening to your heart as you navigate your way through the chaos.
This is not a new phenomenon. This is how humans have interacted for millennia, the foundation of historical economies in every culture. In 1 Corinthians 10:25-26, Paul reminded the church at Corinth that everything on the earth is ultimately a provision from God. When addressing the issue of meat that had been previously sacrificed to idols, he wrote: “Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Priscillah recently led Katie, a leader with His Little Feet, on a market adventure in Kabuga. We were on the lookout for items that would richly bless the families of students who participated in this special program. The goal was to find practical items that they would use each day. And our prayer was that as they used these items in the months to come, they would remember to pray for Hope Haven Rwanda and the students traveling abroad this year.
The Apostle Paul closed his instruction by quoting from Psalm 24:1, a prayer that is often used at Jewish mealtimes as a blessing: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Our hope is that the simple gifts that we are honored to give will serve as daily reminders. May we remember that everything originates from God. One of His gifts to us is to allow us to share good gifts with others. Is there a simple gift you can give someone this week to demonstrate God’s love to them?
THERE IS STILL TIME: We have seats available for the Fabric of Hope Event! Visit hopehavenrwanda.org/fabric-of-hopeto join us on April 24thin Denver with Priscillah Kembabazi, six Hope Haven Students, author April Graney, our Hope Haven Rwanda team and hundreds of other characters in this incredible story. Join us and learn how you can become a Hope Angel!