Empowering Lives in Rwanda: Highlights from Our July Mission Trip
Our recent mission trip to Rwanda was filled with inspiring moments and significant milestones. From exciting developments at the Byumba Life Centre to celebrating Graduation Day at Icyizere Academy, we witnessed the impact of our vocational sewing programs and spent meaningful time with the Widows Farming group, seeing firsthand how these initiatives are transforming lives and communities.
Byumba Life Centre Building Update
On 24th June 2024 the diggers moved in to clear the land for the building of Hope (Icyizere) Nursery. The ground was cleared in time for the July Graduations to take place. Please join us in prayer and the Life Link Rwanda team for the construction permit to be granted. There is need for deep foundations, and our hope is that the nursery phase of the build can start soon. We will update you as the project progresses.
Graduation Day at Icyizere Academy
It was a privilege to take part in the graduation ceremony for the top class at Icyzere (Hope) academy. The nursery teachers, and the team, dressed in traditional Rwandan formal dress for the occasion which was attended by many local government officials in addition to parents and grandparents of the graduating class.
The event was held on the newly purchased land, to the rear of the nursery, which gave the sense of taking ownership of the land as well as providing the opportunity for a much grander occasion.
All the children were presented with a scroll marking graduation and a graduation gift of toys, pens, pencils. The children were dressed in caps and gowns and there was a real sense of occasion. They looked so proud as they marched and sang. There was a real sense of achievement.
Education is so important in the development of a nation. And as we watched the children sing, dance and march in their graduation gowns it was a graphic reminder that these children are the future of the district, the future of Rwanda. Having completed their nursery education the children can now move onto primary education with a sound foundation in structured learning, English, and most importantly the love of God and a foundation in biblical studies.
Sewing Girls Given Vocational Training
A new project has recently begun, focusing on empowering vulnerable young women, aged 17 to 24, who are all single parents. Many of these young women have endured severe trauma, with some conceiving their children through rape and all having experienced abuse.
They have been brought together to learn a vocational skill—sewing—that will help them support themselves and their children. Alongside this, they receive emotional support, trauma therapy, mentoring, and education on reproductive health, children’s rights, and parental responsibilities. Daily Bible studies and devotionals are also a key part of their journey.
As they spend time together in a safe and supportive environment, a strong sense of family and fellowship is beginning to blossom. Their self-confidence is growing, and they are learning to trust and find belonging, something many have lacked in their lives.
It was a joy to share lunch with these young women after leading a morning devotional earlier in the week. All of them have now embraced a relationship with Jesus, experiencing healing from emotional trauma and newfound freedom. Witnessing their confidence and trust develop during our time together was truly a privilege.
The widows’ group was also on-site with the young women, and it was heartening to see the interaction between the two groups, with the older widows offering a motherly influence.
Visit to the Widows Farming Group (Daughters of Jesus fellowship)
It was such an honour to spend time with and minister to the daughters of Jesus fellowship group. They were truly hungry for the word of God
These are all widows, mostly Genocide widows, aged between 52 and 82. All the ladies work the land and are connected with the Mission24/Lifelink Rwanda farming project.
Before they formed the fellowship, these ladies were all isolated and scattered and largely lonely and struggling emotionally and spiritually as well as financially.
They have all become followers of Jesus and there is a tangibly strong bond of unity, love and fellowship between them. They have become a family.
As they lead others in their community to the Lord their number steadily increases. And they are a real inspiration and example to the younger women in their community.
The DOJ have begun a sort of credit union; all pay into a savings fund that is then used to support each other in times of need. The strength and dignity in these ladies, that have been through so much, is truly beautiful and humbling. It was wonderful to share a meal of sorghum porridge with them in fellowship. They were all presented with a gift of rice and soap.
A Remarkable Man Named Habimana
Our recent mission trip to Rwanda was an incredible journey of service and faith, filled with moments that touched our hearts deeply. We had the privilege of building goat pens, fences, and even rabbit hutches, creating sustainable resources for the local families. One particularly memorable experience was helping a family move into their new home after they had been living in an outhouse. Seeing their joy and gratitude was an unforgettable blessing.
During our work, we met a remarkable man named Habimana. His kindness and dedication were a total blessing to us. Working together, we forged a deep connection with him and the community. We felt inspired by his hardworking spirit and are excited to sponsor him with tools and practical support to help him start a business. We believe this will empower him and create positive change in his community.
Throughout our mission, the Gospel was preached and lives were touched by God’s grace. We were humbled to share the love and message of Jesus through our actions and words. This mission reminded us of the powerful impact of faith and service. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and are excited to see how God continues to work in Habimana’s life and the lives of those we met.
Vestine and Emileen Update
In January 2024, Mission24 contributed towards rebuilding widow Vestine’s derelict house, focusing on the costly installation of a new roof. During a follow-up visit, we discovered that Vestine and her family had been sleeping on dirt floors in a single room of an outhouse, with nothing but sheets for bedding. Vestine’s 19-year-old daughter, Emileen, was 8½ months pregnant and due to give birth in the next two weeks. Unfortunately, they couldn’t move into their rebuilt home because there was no glass in the windows, making it too cold at night and allowing mosquitoes to enter.
The surrounding land, meant for crop cultivation, had remained untouched due to the ongoing construction. The family owned one dilapidated wooden chair with a single thin slat for a seat.
To address these challenges, we first ensured that the lack of window glass was resolved. After discussing Vestine’s situation, it became clear that she needed a quicker and less labor-intensive source of income than the planned rabbit farming. Vestine preferred raising goats, as they would require less work while she cared for a newborn and cultivated the land.
We added fencing around the house to secure the property and constructed a goat pen to house up to three goats. The rabbits can come later when the family’s situation is more stable.
As a surprise, Mission24 also provided two high-quality mattresses, while one of our team members purchased four wooden chairs. Additionally, a member of the LifeLink Rwanda team donated two mats, bedspreads, baby clothes, and underwear for Emileen.
On handover day, we presented the mattresses, chairs, rugs, bedspreads, and clothes to an overjoyed Vestine and Emileen. Their reaction was priceless. As Vestine expressed, “This is very special, beyond words. We are so thankful. We will be sleeping and looking around, looking up to the ceiling. Then we will be kneeling down, praising and saying, ‘Thank you, God, for providing.’ This is like a miracle for us.”
Two weeks later, Emileen gave birth to a healthy baby girl, whom she named Ineza (Kindness) Hope, Neila (Victorious).
