Recently,
I have been thinking about the impact that we have on peoples’ lives.
We don’t just touch the people we come in direct contact with, but
their friends and family, and people with whom we have no direct
connection. With that thought in mind, I want to share some snippets
of stories about people we have had the pleasure of meeting this past
month in Rwanda.
At
the first ceremony of one of Mama’s sons
(She
is the fourth one in from the left)
Mama
Akiki. Single mother of 13 children. She left her husband when he
decided to marry more women; when she left she took in two of his
kids from another woman. By finding scholarships, she helped all of
her kids gain a college education and a good career. They are all
grown now, live all over the world and have good careers. She is
such a great testimony of perseverance and standing by your
convictions, knowing that God will provide.
Mama
Magdaline
Mama
Magdaline. During the 1994 genocide she lost three of her five kids.
About seven years ago she hit her head in a bike accident and went
crazy. She told us that God has since healed her of the insanity.
She has no money; Pastor Rose and the church have provided everything
she has, her home, clothes, and food. Tragically some of Mama
Magdeline’s grand kids steal her things, they have taken her
mattress, blanket, food, and other various supplies. She never once
complained when we were with her; she is all smiles, full of joy, and
love for God.
Mama
Christine
Mama
Christine. During church service on Sunday she shared a very
encouraging testimony. While she was pregnant with twins, her fifth
and sixth children, her husband left her. Her family had rejected
her, so she was feeling alone and forsaken from friends and family.
But she told us she wasn’t alone because she had Jesus. Mama
Christine has no job, but has seen God’s provision over and over
again in her life, bills being paid and her needs being met. When
she visited her wealthy family they commented on how well she looks
in comparison to themselves, since she has no money to take care of
herself. She told us that experience is such a great testimony of
how God has sustained and kept her. Through all things Mama
Christine turns to God and trusts He will take care of her.
much
love!
