This year we would like to share a story with you that has inspired us, and that will hopefully be a blessing to you.
Said is one of those children who were born in 1994, during the most difficult time for Rwanda due to the genocide. Said’s father passed away, and his mother was left alone with four children, struggling to make ends meet. She was forced to place the children one by one with relatives who promised to take care of them. This is how Said ended up in the family of his Muslim aunt.
2007
2017
Relatives didn’t let Said die of starvation, but they couldn’t do more. Said recalls that a constant sense of hunger haunted him; even at night, dreams were filled with thoughts of food. He always wanted to learn, to become someone who would achieve much in life. If he shared these aspirations with his relatives, he would hear: “Dream on! Where do you think you’re going? If you grow up and learn to grow vegetables in the garden – be thankful even for that!” Said will never forget how, still a little boy, he prayed to God and said, “You are the only One who can help me. You can do anything. Lead me to a better life. I entrust my life into Your hands.”
Said finally managed to attend primary school when he turned 10. However, he couldn’t focus on learning properly for two reasons. Firstly, he was so hungry that he couldn’t think about anything other than food. Secondly, his family duty was to herd goats – he could only come to school by tying them to stakes nearby. Said tried to concentrate on his studies, but he couldn’t – he was always worried that the goats would escape, and he would face the consequences. During this challenging period of his life, around 2007, Said became part of our ministry. At that time, we built a cafeteria at the local school and started feeding the neediest children, providing them with the opportunity to study instead of begging on the streets, or resorting to theft. Once Said started eating properly, he turned out to be a brilliant student.
Said’s Muslim relatives, aware that we were helping children in the name of the Lord, became concerned – what if the boy converted to Christianity? They went to talk to me saying, “Look, don’t convert our Said!” I promised, “I won’t pressure him!” but added, ” if the boy wants to learn about Jesus, I won’t stand in his way.”
Having completed primary school, Said successfully passed the entrance exam for the higher grades. (In Rwanda, the system of basic education is divided into two levels: the so-called primary, from 1st to 6th grade, and secondary, from 7th to 12th grade. Only those who pass a very challenging exam for the entire first level can move on to the second level.)
Said wanted to join our children’s choir. During choir sessions, where we also teach the Bible, Said became acquainted with the Word of God. He embraced the truth, repented, and later entered into a covenant with God through water baptism.
When Said finished school, seeing his earnest desire to continue his education, we sponsored his university studies through our ministry. Said pursued a degree in teaching, methodology, and school administration, graduating with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The topic of his thesis was “Developing the Creative Abilities of Children.” We recently celebrated his graduation from university at our school, rejoicing together with Said. During his studies, Said also worked as a teacher in our kindergarten and lower classes. Recently, he has started leading an English language program for adults. Said often mentions the prayer he made to God in his childhood when he talks about himself—a prayer that received such a generous response. God blessed him with salvation, the ability to have daily bread, the opportunity to develop his intellect and creative abilities, and, in turn, to serve God and people.
We thank you for your prayers, financial support, and all the participation in the work of our mission! Said is not the only graduate who now teaches at our school. Ndungutse, Daria, Brigitte teach at our centers in Rubona and Gisa. Our former kid known as Kiki, overseeing discipline in our school in Karongi, and our former “boy” Innocent managing the school’s affairs; and many, many others. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We thank you again for joining us on this journey of love, helping the needy and bringing them hope and faith. May God in His love richly bless and reward you all.
