Change in Ruhango is Beginning

Written by: Liz Henrich

We revisited Ruhango today. We first met these folks last year and we followed through on our promise to return. Coming back to a village helps establish a relationship with them and promotes trust. It also shows them that they have value and that we care for them. Ruhango is at the lowest level of poverty but it felt different this time. We saw smiles and the women looked like they were in better health. For example, here is Josette from last year and now today.

We met with their children first, about 100 in all. Unlike last year, they are no longer afraid of us and many gave us hugs. After our Fruit of the Spirit activity, the children did a coloring activity and had juice , cookies, and a lollipop.

Next, we met with the women’s cooperative of 40 women. When we saw them last year there was a sense of sadness and despair. We gave them a $400 savings bonus last year and the difference it made in a year was exceptional! Today they were very excited to meet with us and tell us about their progress. They still have a ways to go but there is a sense of confidence that was not present before.

The government is working to develop this village and an executive secretary named Mark lives here. He says AWHI is following the government’s goals. “Women being part of the development of home and family, not just the husband, helps the development of the home as a whole. The will of the woman is the power of the country.” We are leaving the women with another savings bonus and we told them we would see them again to see their progress.

Mark and Pastor Emmanuel with our team.

Four of the women in the cooperative specialize in crafts, such as jewelry, and woven baskets and other products. They did well today because all of us bought goods to bring home to sell for fundraising and gifts. It was a beautiful selection.

We also met Pastor Emmanuel for the first time this year. He was on a trip last March when we visited. He took us on a walk through the village to view the land they would like to purchase to build a meeting place for their church, and for their preschool. Right now they have no place to meet except out in the open. If it rains, they cannot meet. The cost for the land is $7000 which is insurmountable on their own. We have been asked to pray that somehow God will provide this for them.

Towards the end, we met 79-year old Ellen who lives in this house with her 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is a widow. She had 11 children, 8 of which died. Her daughters live next door but her grandchildren stay with her so she is not alone. In her home, she has a small sitting area, kitchen and in her bedroom, she sleeps with her grandchildren on the floor with some linens.

Ellen tells us she “lives a miracle every day.” Young women in the village will sometimes give her a kilo of potatoes, some sugar or occasionally a t-shirt. The neighborhood looks out for her. She says she is just waiting for her final day.

It’s sobering to see the way people here live. We are blessed that they are willing to share their lives with us, and we are grateful to God that He assigned us this task. Praise God for these people and this mission!