This past month in Rwanda has been as colorful and beautifully vibrant as the African fabric that we have found here. There are so many different patterns and colors of fabric to love; as has been our time and experiences here in Rwanda. It reminds me of a patchwork quilt, where you can love each square for its beauty and uniqueness…but when you step back and take it in in its entirety, you appreciate the beauty of each piece even more.
Too many stories to tell, but I especially want to share one in particular. Today. God showed me His amazing grace in the middle of a patch of farmland being cleared for planting. It was hot and sweaty and uncomfortable. We were meeting mothers of physically or mentally handicapped children who farm the land, and sell the crops in a co-op. Amazingly beautiful women who are clearing and planting land by hand…most of the time while bent over and with a child strapped to their backs. As we were being shown around, and introduced, I get a look of urgency from one of my squad-mates who is with us. She makes eyes at me to come “do something”, and waves me over to come see one of the boys who is with his mom in the field. The boy is probably 8 or 9 and has epilepsy. I’m not sure what happened, if he had a seizure while standing near a fire or if he didn’t understand that the fire would hurt…but he had severe burns on his arms and hands that are now healing. The interpreters with us let us know that he had been in the hospital for a few months prior for treatment, and even though it looked like he was healing…it still looked pretty bad and like it might be infected. As I got closer to him and he started interacting with me, I saw the severity of the burns and my heart began to ache for him. My squad-mate whispers to me “We need to do something…now…” so I begin to silently pray for him as we are listening to the leaders deliberate over what to do. In the midst of the adults talking, the interpretation happening between them, and our own conversations…I get lost in this boy’s excitement and pure outpouring of joy. The multiple conversations faded into the background as I watched this boy jump and dance around as he greeted each of us in hugs and handshakes. I stood in awe of this boy’s heart and innocence…in awe of how he was so joyful despite being in pain…despite being covered in dirt and files…despite being hot and sweaty. If that wasn’t enough to humble me and my heart…God took it a step further. After the boy greeted each of us in the entire group, he went back and took each of us by hand and knelt down in front of us. The other deformed hand he used to cover his eyes…as he prayed…for each one of us. I have no idea what he was saying, but it was the most beautiful act of prayer I have witnessed in my life. The only word I understood was “amena” at the end of each prayer, and with each “amena” more and more of my tears came.
I don’t know that my words will ever be able to accurately convey how I felt God’s power and presence in that moment…but it was truly humbling and amazing all wrapped into a few brief minutes. This boy, who is one of many of the handicapped, underprivileged, and needy that we came to be a blessing to…blessed me before I had a chance to pray for him. He taught me more than I had to teach him.
As I write these updates, please know that I am praying for you. I pray that my words, as simple as they are, will open your awareness and that God will stir your heart. I am so thankful for the privilege to serve God in the mission field, and to share with you how God is working through you and your prayers.
Thank you for your continued prayers for me, my team, and my squad. If you have some extra time in your prayer life, please add the Ubumwe Community Center and especially Jessi’s Place in Gisenyi, Rwanda. They are doing amazing work and have such a heart for the physically and mentally handicapped population of Rwanda. Check it out and if God puts it on your heart to give, this organization is more than worthy of your generosity. I also have several teammates and squad-mates who are still in need of funds to continue to serve here on the field. If you planned on supporting me during this year, but have not had the opportunity to give, I hope you will consider donating to one of my teammates.
Love y’all.
