Part of our mission last month in Kigali, Rwanda was building relationships with women involved in Hope Rwanda’s sewing and discipleship school. Hope Rwanda targets vulnerable women in surrounding communities to train, equip, and empower them in the skills of sewing and tailoring through a one-year, Christ-centered program. They aim to grant dignity and community to women who have come out of prostitution, have been sexually or verbally abused, or have lived in extreme poverty.
Last month, we had the honor of participating in lively morning devotions with the women, teaching English, and simply spending time encouraging and showing them the love of Jesus. One of the last days we were in Rwanda, we were able to put on a “Beauty for Ashes” event for them. Beauty for Ashes is a program that awakens women to their God given identities, worth, and voices, based off Isaiah 61:
“To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Throughout the event, we studied scripture about our identities in the Lord, worshiped, made gratitude lists, drew and shared our stories, ate cookies and drank coffee, played some relay games, and painted nails. Below are some photos and a short video I compiled of the day:
Beauty for Ashes – Kigali, Rwanda from Jennifer Olson on Vimeo.
PS: We are currently in Rukengiri, Uganda. We are partnering with an organization called Unified in Mission. It’s the last month of the race — crazy stuff! More updates to come on Rwanda and Uganda.
