My trip to Rwanda with Africa New Life Ministries allowed me to enter into the remarkable stories of pain and restoration that flow out of the Rwandan genocide, as well as the natural beauty of “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” Africa New Life, which is contributing to this restoration, was founded by Charles Buregeya Mugisha.
When Charles, who was born to a Rwandan family living as refugees in Uganda, arrived in Rwanda following the genocide, he saw signs of death everywhere. When he saw the orphaned, widowed and homeless, he knew he had to do something to help these people. Child sponsorship – now touching 7,000 children and their families – is the heart of Africa New Life. Sponsorship helps break the cycle of poverty and allows children the freedom to dream. Children receive education, shoes, a school uniform, scholastic materials and basic medical insurance. Among the moments I delighted to photograph were of women visiting children whom they loved from afar through sponsorship. I also found it remarkable to compare the lives of the children who are sponsored with those in their village who are not, proving just how impactful sponsorship is.
My trip with Africa New Life was enriched by the wonderful group of women with whom I traveled – women from all over the United States. We entered together into the stories and places of the genocide – like the church where thousands were brutally murdered. And the stories of healing and forgiveness that have allowed families touched by unspeakable violence to move toward restoration. Africa New Life, by helping the children of Rwanda, is a part of this restoration.
Learn more @ africanewlife.org and watch Grace as she learns of her own sponsorship and prepares to start school.
With over 35 million slaves still in the world today, International Justice Mission fights against injustice throughout Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In broken justice systems, the poor are incredibly vulnerable. When the laws aren’t enforced, violent people can abuse, exploit and enslave others without consequence. IJM investigate crimes, rescues victims, helps bring the perpetrators to justice and helps restore victims of crimes like forced labor and sex trafficking with aftercare. They also enable systemic change in justice systems so that they work better for the poor.
Since 2008, our family has set up a lemonade stand in front of our house during our town’s annual Mushroom Festival. A typically small quiet town becomes a bustling place with over 100,000 people milling about. We sell fresh squeezed lemonade and share about the work of IJM while raising funds to support the cause. To date, thirsty Mushroom Festival visitors have helped us raise over $10,000 and are fighting slavery one cup at a time.
The lemonade stand was featured as part of IJM’s “It’s Your Move Campaign.” Learn more about how you can support IJM’s work.www.ijm.org