What do you do when you can’t work? This is a question that many are facing during this pandemic.
While we may all have an imaginary picture of our “dream job” entrenched in our minds, it is rare that anyone finds the perfect fit for all their gifts, skills, personality and experiences. The concept of a “perfect job” is foreign to many workers around the world.
In keeping with our theme of wisdom literature during this season, let me draw your attention to Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
It appears that the biblical recommendation is to work hard at whatever you find to do. Work is indeed a gift from God. Difficulties in our work may have been part of the “curse,” but both Adam and Eve were gainfully employed stewarding a lush garden before they succumbed to temptation.
When we can’t work the way we want to, we have an opportunity to improvise. It has been wonderful to see the creative improvisations put in place by our Rwandan leadership team during recent weeks. They are taking a very difficult situation and adjusting norms so that they serve in new ways. Here is an update from two of our key leaders.
Shortly before the pandemic, we purchased nine acres of land for the new High School and dormitories. Liz Ingabire, Managing Director, enlisted mothers of our students to help clear the land. She writes, “All the trees cut down will be used as firewood. Our full-time staff cooks and cleaners have done an amazing job cleaning up the new land with the mothers.” Liz met with this group and discussed “how they could be productive and keep earning.” Liz reported that they welcomed the idea, and as a bonus, they also get breakfast and lunch while on campus.
For our Men of Hope groups, this pandemic has been especially tough. We recently launched a carpentry shop for them to develop vocational skills, but they have limited access because of the lockdown. Many of them operate bicycle taxis as their primary means of income.
Government restrictions have prohibited these taxis from carrying passengers. The Men of Hope are still able to transport cargo, but their client load has plummeted. With family members facing starvation, they faced a difficult ethical decision. “Should I transport passengers on my bike even though it is illegal?” They risk impoundment of their bikes and possible jail time if they choose this option. Further, they want to be men of integrity—doing what is right even when no one is watching.
Under the tutelage of Chaplain Shema, they have been studying how to be men of God. During the pandemic, small groups have begun with these men’s families. They are continuing to grow spiritually together. Chaplain Shema sent
me a note this week. He said the pandemic is affecting the society and economy “more than any time in history, especially for those who depend on daily basis wages, like Men of Hope members. They are no longer allowed to go out to work. Some have run out of money, food and used all their savings. Honestly, I’m worried for the impact this is going to make on their lives and their families.”
In a creative measure, Liz ordered new book bag racks for Hope Haven’s classrooms from the Men of Hope carpenters. They delivered the first racks last week, and they are making more this week. Shema shared that they are paying the men “with the money we got from those few orders and that has been very supportive and encouraging to them.”
Will you pray for these dear families? Please ask God to provide more opportunities for them to do the work that their hands find “with all of their might.” We also implore you to pray with us about the Rwanda Leadership Team. They are buffeted by requests for help, and, like any of us, they can experience compassion fatigue. May God grant them extra grace and strength during this season. If you are willing to pray with us, please send an email to PrayerTeam@HopeHaveRwanda.org to sign up. Your prayers make a difference!