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!
