Thank you all for being in this journey with us. Your prayers, and encouragement mean a lot in this Kingdom work. Below is a new story!
~ Charlotte Nyirabugingo
(edited and posted from her September 6, 2021 Whatsapp update)
You all know that changing the mindset of someone takes time. Working with families from backgrounds full of brokenness is difficult. In a community where many parents feel irresponsible, some have abandoned their children or they only raise them because they must. It is rare to hear the word “I love my kid! You are a smart boy!…”
In our boys program, We are trying to make our boys program sustainable by partnering with parents asking them to contribute some money for their child’s school fees. We put a lot of energy in empowering families emotionally, spiritually and economically. There is a light that is shining in the darkness.
Last year, we encouraged the parents to save small amount of the money, depending on their income, so they would be able to surprise their kids at the end of academic year. Unfortunately, the kids had a gap year because of Covid-19. The parents kept saving and this last Saturday we organized that ceremony at the Peace House office. It was a good ceremony full of emotions, tears of joy from both the parents and boys alike.
We heard parents speaking some words of affirmation to their sons! “My son, I love you!” For most of the boys, that was their first gift from their parents in the journey of their studies! Even today, we are still receiving calls from some parents thanking us for giving them that opportunity. (They usually call when they have problems.) My co-workers and I are happy and thankful to God because of the healing and reconciliation that is taking place in these families.
