They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.
~ Psalms 112:9
As we are celebrating with new lives in Jesus of our brothers and sisters, I have been reflecting on these words (in Kinyarwanda) Our God is full of grace and mercy! Today, we baptized 9 people. It has been a long time of waiting for this special event, for some almost two years since baptisms were not allowed since the beginning of Covid-19. Our brothers and sisters took time to share their testimonies and I would like to share with just three of them among nine.
~ Charlotte Nyirabugingo
(edited and posted from her November 11, 2021 Whatsapp update)
Odette (32 years old): “Before I met Jesus, I was a prostitute, aggressive, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and a thief known in my neighborhood. People nicknamed all sorts bad names. I had lost my dignity even in front of my two sons. I got to know Peace house through my son whom they sponsored. I was ashamed to join the group of other moms because of my background but the first day I joined, it was in August, 2019. They were studying the story of Jesus healing a crippled woman in Luke 13: 10-17. I was bent over because of my sins. I have been in jail many times and I was warned by some guys in security that if was going to be caught in same crimes, I would be finished but I continued sinning. I was tired. But I heard the voice of Jesus telling me ‘Odette you are set free from your infirmity!’ I felt free but the devil and my fellow prostitutes kept telling me that I will turn back into my old ways. I didn’t stop gathering with other moms and I like the Word of God. We share in Discovery Bible Study that kept me strong in my faith.”
Christine: “I was born and grew up in a Catholic church and married to a Muslim husband. I changed my religion to my husband’s. After 12 years, he died. I stopped going to Mosque but didn’t go back to my old church either. I felt isolated and I was afraid to approach Christians, even saying a prayer in the name of Jesus was not possible. I knew about Peace House moms prayer and Bible Study that takes place in my neighborhood and finally I decided to join them. They talked about the love of God that He gave His son Jesus. I decided to give my life to Jesus. I am happy that I can call God my Father, He loves me and cares for me.”
Damascene: “I was born and grew up in a broken family. My dad rejected me since my birth. He selected me among my other five siblings. I grew up with hatred and bitterness. One day my day was beating my mom, I tried to defend and protect my mom and beat my dad. He cursed me. I dropped out from school and as I grew up, I believed in my father’s words. I saw myself as failure. I became a drunkard. I was just invited by a friend to Peace House prayer by a friend whose girl was studying sewing at Peace House. I just sat and listened. I kept going after four months, I made a decision to give Jesus my life when I home with my wife. I feel Peace and I decided that my marriage won’t be like my dad’s. I will love my wife and will love my kids.”
