RW - Gahanda

Choosing Hope

by AfricaBlogConnected CommunityRwanda
written by Mark Logan, Northgate Pastor, Batavia, NY (blog excerpt)

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

Christopher Reeve

August 22, 2019


It’s about 6:15 a.m. the door to my room is open to the outdoors. I am listening to the wonderful birds of Africa wake the world. A group of people are tending to their crops by hand on a plot of land in the distance. A child just walked by with a large bundle of sticks on his head. The motorbike taxis are already transporting people here and there.

Today is our last day at Gahanda. I have mixed feelings. I am sad because my stay is drawing to an end. I am thankful for all that has taken place. The little school and church Northgate has been called to help has changed over the last two years. And the future is so bright. These teachers from Northgate that I have had the honor of being here with have brought so much hope into the lives of the Gahanda teachers. You can see it on their faces!

And the sponsored children and their families have been impacted in a life changing way. I had the privilege of visiting a sponsored child and family who now have a cow and new home because of one of our church members. The sponsored child’s mother told me, “I don’t know why God chose us, because I am unworthy … but I am so grateful He did!”

I sent photos of that meeting to the sponsor from Northgate and this is her reply, “Oh my ! I am just so humbled God chose me to sponsor that sweet child. His direction led me to pick Nadine that day. Isn’t that just like God? My heart is full and I feel so saddened to know how rich I am compared to those you are visiting in the community. It just seems so unfair. This world will end (someday) and then – oh then my friend, all of us that love Jesus will spend eternity in heaven! No rich or poor.”

Today, I continue to choose hope because of all of the above and so much more! Anything is possible!!!

Read more from the October Reflections.

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Light and Life Christian School

by AmericasBlogConnected CommunityParaguay

God gave school director Jonathan Da Cunha a vision for the city of Encarnación. There was only one Christian school in town at the time. Jonathan felt led of God to start Light and Life Free Methodist School with the vision of reaching families for Christ and providing the opportunity for academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. The school opened in 2002, offering Pre-K through 1st grade. Other grades were quickly added and 2011 marked the first high school graduating class. These graduates, many of whom go on to university, are finding marvelous ways to give back to the program that gave them a good start.

  • Encarnación is a border town, central to commerce. In recent years, a major financial crisis drove away families in search of work. God has been faithful to sustain the school through hardships and challenges.
  • The school ministers to many students from humble, single parent homes where it is difficult to make ends meet.
  • Light and Life Christian School beautifully ministers to parents as well as students. Throughout the year, parenting classes, workshops, and retreats are offered. The focus is on strengthening the parent-child bond, helping family members connect and relate well with each other, and assisting in their spiritual growth.
  • The school seeks to be a light and bring life to the children and families of Encarnación.
  • The home began with 10 children on January 6, 2003. It quickly grew to a group of 30, including some mothers.
  • Currently, there are 17 children living at the children’s home, the maximum number allowed according to current government regulations for the size of the building.
  • Four of the 17 are orphans whose parents have died.
  • The father of 4 siblings (a different group of siblings) is in jail for murdering their mother.
  • They have begun adding a second floor for more bedrooms. They lack $8,000 to finish remodeling to government standards so more children can be added. They feel a sense of urgency, having to now turn away children.

[scp_block_quote_alt width=”70%” float=”left”]This school is eligible to be a Connected Community. This new additional sponsorship model allows a church in the U.S. to come alongside as a partner to impact the lives of ICCM children. Contact ICCM Church Relations Director, Jen Finley, 1-800-342-5531 ext. 228, for information on connecting with them.[/scp_block_quote_alt]
Gifts to help complete the expansion that would allow Light and Life Children’s Home to accommodate more children may be sent to ICCM, or give to this need on the ICCM website. (Write Light and Life PA in the comments section or memo line.)