Hospitality seems like a lost art these days. Being invited into someone’s life in the space they call home is a rare event indeed.
An open house begins with an open heart.
We long for connection with others in these spaces. There is something beautiful about a warm, welcoming home. I have visited the homes of many of the families we serve in Rwanda. The homes are usually simple, with few material possessions. Yet, the sense of community in these contexts is often stronger than what we experience in the US.
Encounters like this prompt me to ask a question. “Is it easier to focus on people and relationships when we have fewer material possessions?” There seems to be a correlation.
I also believe it’s possible for our “hospitality muscles” to atrophy due to inactivity.
Hebrews 13:2 is an intriguing text. “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” We may never know the impact of our hospitality!
John and Leah recently modeled incredible hospitality by inviting friends to their home to learn more about Hope Haven Rwanda. In this beautiful setting, imbued with a sense of generosity, we shared stories about the miracle of Hope Haven. We can’t thank them enough for their advocacy and deep investment.
I asked John about their motivation for hosting an event like this. He replied, “We’re inspired by what goes on at the school. We found it really interesting that when we talk about it with our friends, people just get excited.”
And it was exciting! It was wonderful to meet new people and to watch their eyes light up as they heard these stories. We discussed a vision for long-term impact, the incredible value of education and the deeply personal ways many of us have been touched by students and families in Rwanda.
Keeping open houses—and open hearts—is one way we will continue to love and grow. We want to continue to invite others in. We will never close the door on the possibilities of healthy, flourishing relationships.
How can you “work out” your hospitality muscles this week? Would you be willing to invite a few friends over to learn more about Hope Haven Rwanda? We’d love to meet them!