Reunited with our Brothers and Sisters
Written by: Liz Henrich
Wow! Our first full day in Rwanda! There’s lots of housekeeping to do when we first arrive. Money needs to be exchanged to Rwandan francs, bottled water acquired and distributed, and shopping for essentials. All of this is on about three hours sleep, if we we were lucky. It sounds ominous, but this AWHI team is amazing and even doing mundane things is fun and such a joy with these folks.
The highlight and most blessed part of our day was visiting with a women’s cooperative in Kimasagara which is a large neighborhood in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. We had a warm greeting from the ladies. So many hugs and smiles, it was almost overwhelming. A few of them enacted a foot washing. It was explained that they knew we came from afar, and this was a way to greet and serve us.
We each introduced ourselves but we didn’t really need an introduction. Most of the women in the group we have met several times before. It was almost like a family reunion.
Pastor Eric of Hermon Church told us of some of the improvements that they have made to the building, such as much needed soundproofing. They still have work to do but it’s really coming along.
The theme of their worship this year is 1st Chronicles 4:10. “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.“
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV
In the past few years that we have visited with this church, we’ve seen this theme play out. Tremendous growth has taken place and the women’s cooperative group is 54 members strong. It was amazing to hear their stories and testimonies. A few of them told of their businesses which included selling used clothing, empty gerry cans and homemade bread. They described how the saving bonuses and micro loans that have been provided through AWHI, with the support of our donors, have changed their lives. They are so proud to be able to support themselves and their families through their own hard work. The best part is that they give the glory to God!
One of our team members, Jenn O’Neill shared a moving testimony of how God has worked in her life over the years, giving her hope through the struggles and blessings through her faithfulness.
We visited with our Mission Life sponsor children whom we have watched grow over the last few years. We have really grown to love them, and they love us too.
Before we left the city, we made a visit to the home of one of the ladies in the cooperative. Pelogie is a seamstress who was so proud to show us her work.
It was a day! Can’t wait for sleep and to see what tomorrow brings.
