I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?  I said, "Here I am.  Send me."    --Isaiah 6:8

Sponsorship and Advocacy with Compassion International in Rwanda

In Genesis 12:1, God calls Abraham to leave his native country for a land He will show him, God called me on a journey in July 12, with my church to Shyogwe Diocese in Rwanda.  I was 61 years old and thought this would be a once in a lifetime journey.  However, July 16th, God sent me for a 4th trip to Rwanda to share time with my brothers and sisters in Christ and for a 3rd visit with our 4 precious Compassion children, Belise, Solange, Alexia and Thierry.  Little did I understand in July 2101 how the Lord would "break my heart with what  reaks His" as He called me into Sponsorship and an Advocate for Compassion International!

On my first journey in 2012 our Rwanda Team visited the Shyogwe Compassion Project, which gave me a desire to become a Sponsor for Belise, Solange and Alexia.  Also, I was able to find 5 more Sponsors for children the evening of our Rwanda Dinner.  In 2013, I and 2 others on the Rwanda team visited our children for the first time!  I will never forget the hugs, laughter, tears, singing and dancing of that day!  We had 2 mothers who joined us for the visit.  The Compassion Project Staff, Rwanda Field Office staff were very helpful in planning our visit and explaining a out the ground work of Compassion in Rwanda.  I also, learned how important compassion is the local church in Shyogwe Diocese.  Compassion and the church provides such hope for the children in such great poverty.

Once again, the Holy Spirit nudged me and I became an Advocate for Compassion.  Since the 2013 visit, as an Advocate, the Lord has provided 75 Sponsors for children in Rwanda through Redeemer Anglican Church, Church of the Apostles, friends and family.  The majority are in the Diocese our church partners with in sharing the gospel.  Also, our Sister Church of Gikomero has applied for a Compassion Project.  I have been blessed to write letters of recommendation to the Rwanda Field Office.  They are waiting for final approval.  I am so grateful for Compassion International allowing me to help my Rwanda family in some way.

This past July, the Rwanda Team returned and 5 Sponsors me their children for the first time and I was blessed to visit mine for the third visit.  The joy and excitement in watching the children and sponsors meet was deeply moving.  Compassion granted me permission to also visit Fabrice, who my brother and family sponsor.  This year all 4 of our children's mothers cam for the visit.  The children's smiles were bigger, there was more laughter, sharing through hand motions when a translator wasn't available, singing and dancing!  We are forming a strong, trusting relationship!  Belise, 16, will graduate from the Diocese Vocational School in sewing this October.  She is a very good student and we are so proud of her accomplishment.  Her desire is to make clothes and sell them in the market. Craig and I will give Belise a sewing machine for a Graduation gift!

Surprise visit with  Belise while she was in sewing class!

I witnessed Luke 21:2...this widow has given all that she has.  The widowed mothers our our girls brought all they had to give, eggs, pineapples, beans and a rabbit, to share with me.  The joy on their faces as they give me their gifts is burned into my heart!  These mothers taught me a lesson in loving and sacrificing for others.

                                                                                                          

I have learned much about Sponsorship and being an Advocate from a wonderful Advocate Manager, Amanda Pfeifer.  She is always available and willing to help with any questions.  The Compassion classes offered have been very helpful tools in sharing Compassion with my church, family and friends.  Also, my friends and family, know when an occasion for a gift arises, they will receive one from the Compassion Gift Catalog, which is meaningful to them and those who receive the much needed gift!

Syoni Student Center where we visit our children.

Jean Baptiste, Director and great friend!

Compassion International Sponsorships have strengthened the relationship with the Shyogwe Anglican Diocese in Rwanda because they know how much we sincerely love their children and desire to give them hope for a future and help them grow strong in the Lord.  We are able to participate with Christ in the redemption of all things together as a family in different continents!

Thanks be to God!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
           --Psalm 98:4

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!  One week ago today, I arrived home from Rwanda.  It was an amazing journey filled with much laughter, catching up with old friends and meeting new friends, smiles, big hugs, holding hands with friends, eating, singing, dancing and some tears.  Yesu ishimwe!  We were making a joyful noise to the Lord!

A friend at church asked, "Why do you feel this trip was so special?  As I have thought about this question, I have come to realize that we are truly family, loving each other, sharing our joys, problems, visions, holding hands in prayer, dancing, sharing meals, laughing with each other as we tried to speak Kinyarwandan and just "being present" with each other!

                                           Liberta and Festof                   My prayer partner, Joy,
                                                                                                                   is in the middle!  Joy is also
                                                                                                                   an amazing dance partner!

Pastor Etienne is a compassionate, strong, humble shepherd of Gikomero Church of the Apostles.  The Lord used Pastor Etienne and the people of Gikomero to teach me a lesson in sacrifical loving andd giving.  Many times I heard the words, "we want to help those in much need, and  youth at risk because they can't get an education."  These are not empty words, they are being lived out!  Our friends who don't have electricity, running water, eat what they grow and walk miles to church and school, are giving of themselves to re-build a widow's home.  She lost her husband and all of her children in the Genocide.  When her home was destroyed, the church decided to come together and build her a home.  They are giving their time and meager resources to help a widow in much need!  Also, older women in the Mother's Union are walking with the young single mom's to share the love of Jesus, help them realize just how special they are, show these women they are not alone, teach them how to feed and care for their children and teach self-sustaining handcrafts.  These single mom's are understanding that "together" they can be strong in their faith and love for one another.  They can smile and laugh together!  Last year, we didn't see these precious women smile, however, this year we heard laughter and saw beautiful smiles!!   Yesu ishimwe!

They "love" their neighbors well!!  They love Jesus with all their heart, mind and soul!  They love their neighbors as themselves!  The Lord used my friends to teach me an important lesson, "they give all of themselves to love and support their friends/families in Christ, who are in need."  This is a powerful lesson for me to learn as Craig and I prepare to move downtown this Fall.  My prayer is to be the "light" of Jesus to our new neighbors, as my family in Gikomero is to their friends and neighbors!  It is too easy for me to stay in my comfort zone.  Jesus has been calling me out of my comfort zone the past 3 years and I pray He doesn't stop, even though sometimes, I do get anxious and uncomfortable.  This move is a new beginning of getting out of the boat to walk on water with my eyes focused on Jesus.  I know that there will be times that I begin to sink, but also trust if I look into the eyes of Jesus and remember the faith of my dear, sweet prayer partner Joy, I will walk on water, follow Jesus and "love well," through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Walk before God in the light of life!

Amahoro y'Imana abane namwe

(God's peace be with you)

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?"  And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I.  Send me!"
--Isaiah 6:8

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  At once they left their nets and followed Him.
--Matthew 4:19

                                                                                   In 2012 I heard these words from the Lord and I stepped way out of my comfort zone to make the journey to Rwanda with Church of Apostles Rwanda Partnership Team.  I fell in love with Rwanda and wonderful friends, who are now family!  As my friend, Clementine, and Belise, Compassion child we sponsor, said, "our hearts are attached."  Oh, how I feel this in my heart!   Now it is July 3, 2014 and I depart for Rwanda for the 3rd time tomorrow.  I am an ordinary child of God's, like the fishermen Jesus asked to follow Him.  
Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
---Mark 10:27  
WOW, it is amazing to live this promise!  God is faithful to accomplish His plan and purpose for my life and I am truly, truly grateful.  He has taught me and continues to teach me that we are never too old be to be used by the Lord!  Yesu ashimwe!!  (Praise Jesus)

While in Rwanda last year, the Lord spoke to me heart about becoming an Advocate for Compassion International.  When I arrived home, that was one of the first things on my "To Do" List.  What an amazing experience!!  The Lord has provided 54 children in Rwanda with Sponsors through Compassion International from our Church!!  Six members on our Team this year will meet the children they sponsor on July 10.  Four will meet their children for the first time.  Eric and I met our children last year, but Thierry, our new little boy we sponsor for Cayden, and I will meet for the first time!  It is soooo exciting!!!  Cayden wrote Thierry a letter and drew a picture with a star and planets.  Cayden wrote, "Thierry, you are the star of the planets!"  Cayden also dedicated a story he wrote for their end of the year "Author's Tea" to Thierry!  This brought me to tears.  Cayden has such a sweet, loving heart for Thierry and I am so grateful!! 

I am praying, listening and waiting with hopeful expectation for what the Lord will call me to this year!  I know and trust He has a purpose and plan for my life...Jeremiah 29:11.

This week our Team has been praying Ephesians 3:14-21, so I will close with these beautiful verses.
     For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in Heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen!

My Grandson, Cayden, wanted to write a blog, so we are writing this together today.  He wants to introduce to you, Thierry, his new friend in Gikomero, Rwanda.  Nana and Pap sponsor Thierry through Compassion International for Cayden and Kody.

Thierry is 5 years old.  He lives with his mother and father.  Thierry is in Kindergarten and likes school.  Thierry's birthday was February 16 and we sent him Birthday money.  Compassion Staff took Thierry to the market and he purchased a pig for his birthday gift.

I will be in Rwanda and meet Thierry on July 10th and I am waiting with eager anticipation for this first meeting with him and his family.  Cayden said, "Nana, I am tracked out then, so why can't I go with you? I would love to go with you, please!!"  I just love Cayden's heart for Thierry and desire to meet him.

Here is a picture of Thierry and his pig, also a picture of Cayden holding Thierry's picture.  Love both of these boys!!!!

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.  They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works...I will proclaim your great deeds.  
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
                                                                                                                 --Psalm 145:1-7

 Nzabazamariya Alexia has a birthday on February 15th.  She will be 11 years old.  Nzabazamariya's home was destroyed this past Fall.  My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for His provision of a new home, which Nzabazamariya's family will be moving into soon.  What an amazing 11th Birthday she will celebrate!  Thanks be to God for His abundant goodness.  I can't stop singing His praises and offering thanksgiving to Him!
(Alexia'smother, Alexia, her sister and Compassion Project Accountant).
Photo below:  Alexia's mother, her sister, Alexia and Daniel the Project Director.
                                                                                    

Craig and I very grateful for the experience of walking this journey with Nzabazamariya and her family.  We have prayed daily and watched the progress through the pictures Daniel has sent, as well as, his faithful updates.  We praise God for the Compassion parents, the Shyogwe Parish Church and others who raised funds to build another home for Nzabazamariya's family.  
I am deeply moved and humbled by the generosity of those who sacrificed for Nzabazamariya, her mother, brother and sister.  What a joyful moment it will be to hold Nzabazamariya in my arms when our Partnership Team returns to Rwanda in July!!!

My dear friends in Rwanda consistently are teaching me lessons in waiting, complete dependence on the Lord, hope in His faithfulness to provide, hearts of gratitude and willingness to give with a sacrifical heart.  The Lord has much more to teach me through my Rwanda family!

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever!  Thanks be to God for Compassion International!!!  They are the hands of Jesus reaching out in obedience to provide for the least of the least.  My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the Lord's protection as Nzabazamariya has waited for her home and His abundant provision!  I joyfully sing of glory and honor to God, our Father!

...and He saw a poor widow put in two small cooper coins.  And He said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them."  
Luke 21:2-3

Last Thursday, I received a letter from Alex, one of the young girls we sponsor in Rwanda.  In the letter, she shared that her house had fallen down and her goat passed away.  My heart was crushed for Alexia and her family.  Immediately, I emailed the Compassion Director at the Project she attends to obtain more details.  Tuesday, I received an email indicating that Alexia's house had been destroyed.  Alexia, her mother and 2 brothers are living in a building for animals with their pig and another goat.  

In the Director's email, I read Luke 21:2-3 being lived out in the lives of other Compassion parents with the Project.  They have collected 50,000 RWF towards helping Alexia's family rebuild their home.  Also, the Parish Church has collected 118,000.  The Lord showed me what sincere, sacrifical giving looks like.  The Compassion parents are giving what they don't have to help Alexia and her family rebuild their home.  People are being the hands of Jesus as they make the mud bricks, cut trees for lumber and give their time to provide for a family in need.  Compassion International Sponsorship releases a child from poverty in the name of Jesus, but also, the Compassion parents work together to love, sustain and care for their families in Christ.  They are living examples of James 1:27 -- Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and keep oneself unstained from the world.

What a powerful lesson I have learned this week through sponsoring Alexia and my relationship with Compassion International in the Shyogwe Diocese.  My brothers and sisters are teaching me much in regard to true sacrifice for the sake of others.  Imana ishimwe for His abundant grace and mercy.

Alexia's mother in front of the house that was destroyed.

This is the building they are living in with their animals.

Alexia is on the right.

In January 2013, I began praying, "Lord break my heart with what breaks Yours."  He is answering this prayer.  As difficult as His answer is at times, I am forever grateful because He is strengthening my faith, hope and transforming my life beyond what I would ever have imagined.  I am praying diligently for Alexia and family.  These pictures are on my desk.  Now I wait for the Lord to show me what the next step is and I trust He will!  Thank you Jesus for the cross and Your amazing grace!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29: 11

PRAISE and GRATITUDE to God!

Saturday, 10/19 the Lord provided 10 children with Sponsors! Saturday, I had the privilege to serve at a Compassion Event for the first time.  It was a Matthew Smith Concert.  It was so much fun to help Moms, Dads and children find a child they wanted to Sponsor from Asia, Africa, Central America and South America.  What a blessing that 10 children received Sponsors...given hope and a future by God.  

Sunday, at Church, we had a Compassion table with 20 child packets available from Rwanda. Once again, it was amazing to help many families find a child to sponsor.  The children eagerly searched the packets for a child with a birthday close to theirs, some chose a Priority child because the child had been waiting 8 to 11 months for a Sponsor or they really liked his/her name. PRAISE GOD 10 children now have Sponsors!!  I was asked to bring the packets back next week by other people.  God's promise of providing hope and a future became a reality for these children on Saturday and Sunday.  They will be rescued from poverty in the name of Jesus Christ!  What a huge blessing this is for the Compassion children, their families, the Sponsors and their families!  My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God!

Sunday, at church, we also sold handcrafts made by women from the Mothers Union of the Shyogwe Diocese in Rwanda.  Once again, I was overjoyed with the generosity of my Apostles family as most of the items were purchased!  Many people asked us to bring back more next year!!!  What a privilege that will be for the Rwanda Team.

I am deeply grateful that the plans God has for my life include a wonderful relationship with brothers and sisters in the Shyogwe Diocese of Rwanda, as well as partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in the name of Jesus!  Thank you Lord for showing me that I am not too old for you to make incredible changes in my life!  Amen.