...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!