2018 has begun, and we continue to be amazed at how fast 2017 came and went! We would say that 2017 has been a really remarkable year in our ministries. We have witnessed God transforming lives day after day after day. More people have experienced deeper and closer relationships with God. For so many of them, it was their first time to hear that God is for all things; spiritual and physical. Our ministries moved more toward teaching the kingdom message as experiencing Shalom rather than just being a means of escape. We believe that everything deserves and needs restoration. In God’s kingdom nothing should be ignored; not even the prostitute or the vulnerable farmers with no hope. We are all his people as the Scriptures say.
Peace House Boys Program
2017 saw 11 former street kids reunite with their families.
This was said by one former street kid who lived in Peace House’ transitional home:
I can`t say enough to describe the love that we experienced in Peace House. Peace House has been a family where we’re taught how to be kids of God. Whenever we get back to our family, we will be sharing these scriptures with them.
Peace House Girls Program
2017 saw 11 former prostitutes and vulnerable single mothers regain their value and become disciples of Jesus.
My mother used to sell me to various men, and it started at young age. She has destroyed my life. Today I am pregnant with a child that I am not sure who is the father. This is because of my bad mother. Peace House, thank you because you accept and love me. You have been my family, and helped me to know Jesus ~ A former prostitutes who joined the Peace House Girls Program.
Xtra Miles Vocational Training School
In 2017 we trained 17 new welders in the Xtra Mile Vocational School.
Because of Xtra Mile Vocational School, I regained confidence and purpose for life. Today, I work for the biggest cosmetic company in country where I work as a welder, and only after nine months of welding training! This proves that God can make right what went wrong” ~ An XMM Vocational School Graduate
Community Development
2017 witnessed 219 farmers trained in farming God`s Way! Through this ministry, farmers regained hope, trust, and confidence. They also gained a spiritual community and the recognition that farming is a very spiritual act!
I was a part of the poorest of the poor in my community. But today, with what I harvest, I help others who are poor! Even when I am sick my fellow farmers help to weed my fields and help with other farming work. It is more than farming, it is God`s Love family. ~ Farming Community Member
Sustainability
Our goal in 2017 was to find ways to be more sustainable financially. In 2017, ATN-Rwanda started a shop where most products from the welding school and the Peace House girls’ ministry have a place to be sold. Because of this, nearly 20% of the vocational training school’s budget will be funded by income!
Community Water Wells
2017 offered two new wells drilled in two villages. In both of these places people have not had access to clean water. For them, the nearby swamp was the only source of water. Praise God that more than 100 families can access clean water. Everyone deserves access to clean water.
I was born and raised in this village and never thought that we could get clean water. Today I lift glory to God for this well! ~ A man in village where ATN-Rwanda drilled a well.
Thank you for your Partnership, Support & Prayers!
2018 has begun and who knows what it holds! If 2017 has been any indicator then we are very excited about the possibilities! Our commitment is to continue to be faithful and open to what God wants to do in and through us.
We thank everyone who has played a role in our being able to do what we do. Without joined efforts, ATN-Rwanda would not be where it is now. Thank you for your gifts, kind support, and prayers. In Africa we have a proverb that claims that in order to raise a child it takes a village. We hope that you will choose to keep joining with us to expand this work in 2018.
~ Charles Kabeza, ATN-Rwanda Executive Director
