The Final Chapter: Rwanda

When we left the rest of our team in South Africa over 2 weeks ago, it was sad and a bit daunting — we were leaving one incredible trip and heading into a lot of unknowns. What exactly are we going to do for these 2 weeks? What will this time look like? What if it becomes a waste of time? As we prepare head back to the US tomorrow and I reflect back on this whole month, I can’t use any other word but grateful. I’m so humbled by being able to be apart of the ministry opportunities that’s came our way the past full month!

It was so special reuniting with some sweet friends I met in January who work with Arise Rwanda Ministries, a ministry that works to bring the love of Jesus to the poor and needy in Boneza through education, small businesses, clean water, and more.

After a few days of relaxing and experience Rwandan life (also attending a wedding!) we came to western Rwanda on beautiful Lake Kivu to camp out for 2 weeks. Pretty quickly as expected, ministry opportunities came about! Gaby spent a few days working at the new medical center, providing top of the line medical care to people who didn’t have it for a few hour drive before. I ran 4 different days of Bible studies for men and women who run small businesses in this part of town. It was such a gift to hear some of their stories and take some time to encourage them to remember their hope in Jesus.

I could go on and on telling stories — the wild church experiences, meeting new friends who are doing teens ministry in this country and running other summer camps, hearing heart breaking stories from the genocide in 1994, getting to last minute sing and share at the high schools final chapel (graduating highschool dress here is a HUGE accomplishment and blessing), and sweets time of rest in this slower pace of life. But the sweetest part was the summer camp this past week.

When I was asked to plan a summer camp for teens in Rwanda (like, literally an overnight Camp Carl in Rwanda…), I legitimately asked ChatGPT “Where do I start to run a summer camp in Africa…” How do you begin to plan for a camp for students you don’t know in a culture and language you don’t understand? But God! From the schedule and ideas changing 100 times before the camp started (no, not even joking) to the students showing up a full day early without us knowing (also, true story), God knew and He prepared perfectly as you imagined He would.

We had about 35 students from age 11-17 come from different parts of Rwanda, most from pretty poor areas. We split the students into teams for the week with many competitions, we had 2 days of service where they got to help build a house of another poor women in the village, and so much sweet free time with many activities (THANK YOU to so many of you who helped purchase the supplies — I can’t tell you how much they loved EVERYTHING).

Throughout the week, the students received their own Bible and journal, and we taught them an easy 3 step process so they can learn to read the Bible for themselves, as well as the same prayer method we taught the church in Mozambique (thanks Corners Kids!) The topic throughout the week was identity — learning that you are made in His image, with purpose.

It would take me too long to tell you all the stories and precious moments. But the last 2 days, I just sat and cried a few times as I watched these kids talk about some of the discussion questions about what is forming them (Romans 12). Many of these kids work so hard in their homes to provide for their families, they maybe don’t always sleep on a mattress, and they probably don’t get even 2 full meals a day. Knowing these kids were treated like KINGS and QUEENS — 3 full meals a day, a place to rest and fun, a clean shower, and to sit and learn about God’s love for them? Maybe they don’t always feel loved in their life — but they got the chance to hear about His love for 5 days straight and got to experience that love from so many of the camp leaders.

Thank you Jesus.

So thank you for your prayers. For the kids, for Gaby and I, for all the things we got to do.  Again, I could write a book, but it’s 10pm and I just finished a full week of camp with 30 kids…. So ask me sometime and I’ll tell you more about it. Here’s what Gaby has to add!

When I was given the opportunity to travel to Rwanda after our time in Mozambique, I didn’t know what to expect. Truth be told, most of the time during the trip I didn’t really know what was going to happen because plans are fluid here! African time is real and things change on the hour!

At the start of our time in Rwanda I really struggled. I had such an incredible time in Mozambique and Cape Town and I didn’t want to leave. I missed the team and my family, and I got pretty sick. At this point I realized I had a choice, to either be miserable for two weeks or lean on the Lord for the strength to push through, and see what the He had in store. Let me say, we serve an extremely kind God. He showed up for me over and over again in both big and small ways.

The first week Maggie and I enjoyed some time of reflection, rest, and we got to grow closer to some very special people. I had the chance to visit the medical center for a few days, which was really eye opening and an opportunity I am so grateful for. I also spent time preparing for the camp which ended today!

I was little bit overwhelmed by the constant changing of plans, but specifically surrounding the camp. When the kids showed up 8 hours earlier than we were told on the first day, I began to worry that maybe this week was just going to be chaotic and not as fruitful as we had hoped. I knew that the Lord had a plan and had everything in control, I just had to choose to trust Him. Even if I didn’t know what was going on I could lean on Gos in hard moments or in the unknown, and yet again He provided. The kids started the week as what appeared to be very closed off, quiet, and unsure, but left today begging us to do this again next summer and sharing openly what they learned about God this week. There is something really special about watching kids figure out what it means to follow Jesus and be bold in sharing and asking questions. It’s such an honor to be apart of that and I don’t know why God wanted me here, but I am grateful he allowed me to be included in such an incredible ministry!

The last four weeks have changed my life. This opportunity to travel across Africa and to see different parts of the Body of Christ have left a mark on me. I have been encouraged and challenged in my faith and the fruit of that is so beautiful! There truly is nothing better than seeing the Lord work in people’s lives, including my own!

Thank you so so much for all your prayers over the last few weeks, and look forward to seeing everyone at church next weekend!