The Ripple Effects of Human Connection
Melissa hugs children in the community of Nyamata. They are another community in critical need of resources that we, God willing, hope to help in the near future.
Blog 6: The Ripple Effects of Human Connection
Written by: Melissa Daggett
The first twenty children who are looking to become sponsored at the Child Hope Center in Batima.
Our Rwandan hosts welcomed us with huge smiles and hugs, as brothers and sisters the moment we stepped off the plane. I felt instantly at home and have come to love this Christian family. Bishop Theo and Madame Bishop's hearts are on fire for God. His enormous outreach in the community to bring Christian schools and aid to families and children is heartwarming. I couldn't help but see his joy and enthusiasm every day as we were introduced to new families, children, volunteers, teachers, pastors and students. When Bishop learned I was an Esthetician, he brought me to a small building with cosmetology students in training. We spoke of his vision to open this training center to help prepare them for good jobs.
To stay connected is a need not only in this community but especially in remote villages we had a chance to visit. The outreach is growing and I am so encouraged and uplifted serving with our local and Rwandan teams. Every day we are in the field, I can see how this experience has brought out a servant's heart and beautiful qualities in each of us.
Though we just met the families and their young children in the village of Batima, they melted my heart and I felt close to them. They invited us into their homes and we embraced each other. I'm so grateful to receive their kindness and hospitality. They are rich in faith and trust in the Lord even considering the challenges they face everyday including land that is not supportive for agricultural use (This area is not known to get much, if any rain). The Rwandan families are discouraged but they have hope through prayer and love for God. Ambassadors here in Rwanda and around the world are spreading the word about the growing need for children and families who would benefit greatly from the services at the Child Hope Centers.
Melissa with her sponsor child, Divine and her mom
I'm so grateful to God for opening our hearts during this entire trip. For showing us His creation of animals and land to enjoy. For letting us see the beauty of this culture and peaceful people. For allowing us to be here to pray, advocate and bring awareness. Everything is in God's hands and we will never walk alone. God is so good.
Shalom,
Melissa
