Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter, Vol. 6

April 12, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – God is good! He is forever faithful. I witness this every day in my walk here in Rwanda. He keeps me strong and hears my prayers. Forgive me if there are not as many photos of people in this bog, but we went to visit sensitive and dangerous places where taking photos were not appropriate. [NOTE: To see larger photos, Click on photos enlarged and Backspace to return to blog]

As I enter another season of my mission in Rwanda, I asked God to refresh the vision and to stretch my understanding of the needs and solutions here in Africa. I asked God to show me the truth behind what seems. So, I decided to venture out of Kigali, to see more of Rwanda. I was on a week and a half mid-year holiday from KICS. I started out to places I have heard much about and had yet to see – Gisenyi (west Rwanda) and Goma (the Republic of Congo). My good friend Francis was my guide and guard. He was an appropriate guide because he grew up in Congo and Gisenyi area as a child and knows much about the locations as well as their past history and current status.

We drove about 3 hours out of Kigali, through beautiful rich green land covered with banana trees. We passed through Rhuengeri to Gisenyi. I had heard much about Gisenyi from many muzungus (white people) and Rwandans. Its been described as one of the most beautiful areas of Rwanda. Many muzungus travel to this area to visit the gorillas that Diane Fossey studied, but I did not go see the gorillas because it costs a huge fee to visit them ($500 for foreigners and $250 for residents) and I am on a modest missionary budget. Nevertheless, there was plenty for me to see as God led the way. I purposely did not make any specific plans because I wanted to allow God to lead me where He wanted me to go. I just asked Francis to take me out to see the land and visit the people.

Oh, this entire week turned out to be Genocide Memorial week. So the first day everything was closed. The rest of the week places opened, but in the evenings people gathered to watch movies about the genocide. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stop to see any of them.

This border area of Rwanda (Gisenyi and Rhuengeri) faces many physical challenges (volcano eruptions and land erosions) as well as continued frequent attacks by Interhamwe rebels (those responsible for the genocide) who hide along the border and sneak in to kill innocent people. Rhuengeri is heavily guarded 24 hours by military forces because of these attacks. Apparently, these and other areas of Rwanda used to be separated into Hutu and Tutsi villages, but today the government has mixed them up so that there is no distinguishing between the two – all just one Rwandan peoples.

We arrived in Gisenyi by early afternoon and after exploring several lodging options, which turned out to be very expensive, we checked into a quaint hotel called the Diane Fossey Lodge. Then we had just enough time to explore awhile before it got dark.

We visited the beach and then Francis showed me where he used to live with his brother, before his mom joined him from Congo. He truly lived less than modestly. Gisenyi is a beautiful place that is now growing into a resort-like area because of the beaches along Lake Kivu. But amidst all the wealth are areas of dire poverty. What would look to us like abandoned buildings with squatters is a normal home for them. The streets are unpaved rocky black volcanic rocks. Francis and his older brother literally squatted (claimed stake) on a small part of a building that was left after the genocide. He said after the genocide, many buildings and homes were left abandoned because owners were killed and some fled. So, everyone that came afterwards just staked a claim on the homes (rent-free). Francis and his brother came late so they didn't get any homes, but found a section of a building. They put doors and windows on it and called it home. He grew up selling candy and stuff at the taxi-park (bus park) kinda like a street boy, but Francis refuses to call himself an orphan or street boy because he always had hope and worked for his living. He said he lived in Gisenyi about 3 years. He did a few years primary school, which he showed me, then a year of secondary. Then, he had no school fees for a few years and had to sell candy on the streets for a few years without going to school.

In Gisenyi, I just told Francis to take me to see places and to meet people and that God would show me the rest. I told him I didn't want to be a tourist. I wanted to see the real thing. I didn’t want anyone to expect this muzungu or to prepare any kind of special welcome. I told him he could show me hospitals, orphanages, handicapped people, street boys, and stuff. So, we did just that.

On our second day in Gisenyi, we visited a hospital. I was a bit nervous because I didn't really know exactly what I was doing there. I had only ever gone where people planned and told me what to do. Here we were just walking into a hospital without any direction. But Francis gave me a bit of space and a moment to pray alone in the car and I just gave it to God.

Francis led the way as we toured the hospital. We toured parts of the hospital where they treat lepers (no one allowed to enter) and new moms. We visited the pediatric room and then two other rooms. We prayed together with mothers for their babies - some suffering from meningitis, malaria, etc. The environment was minimally sterile (not really at all). It was mostly beds and doctors and nurses. People bring their own food. Its pretty open, kind of like army barracks. We prayed for one little girl about 7 years old who had HIV and was abandoned to die on the street. A humble man found her and took her to the hospital. She was wasting away. I told the man that he was a blessing and God would bless him for his goodness and mercy upon this child. He was a true Good Samaritan.

We prayed for a woman whose stomach burst and she no longer has a working stomach. Her body literally looked like a deflated balloon. She's been in the hospital for a year. We prayed for an infant (1 year or less) who was suffering from malaria and had an oxygen tube in her nose because she couldn't breath on her own. We prayed with several elderly women who were paralyzed from unknown reasons (my guess is undiagnosed diabetes because its common here). One woman was paralyzed and could not hear nor speak for unknown reasons. There was a set of triplet newborns whose mother is mentally ill and keeps getting raped and impregnated. This is her second set of babies. The first was a set of twins. The triplets were being cared for without their mother. All these people I laid hands on and prayed for. Afterwards my spirit was very tired. I had to rest so we went to have lunch.

We also visited a Catholic run orphanage. This one was much more hopeful than some of the orphanages I visited in Kigali. The Director said the orphanage dates back to 1954. I was able to ask her many questions about how she gets her kids and how she identifies them as orphans, what she provides them etc. They used to take just babies, but after the genocide they had to take older children. They work with the local government to affirm a child's need and orphan status. Some have parents, but were abandoned because of poverty. She was very helpful. Then, we went to meet the kids. They were very healthy and loved. She gets trained staff from a catholic organization. She encourages them to be like nurturing and loving parents to the children. The children learn social skills and language etc. I was very pleased. They sang songs about the love of God and being rescued. They were happy children. They care for about 400 kids and even have a trades training business where the older children are trained to make furniture to sell. They also have a clinic and hospital with a doctor and full-time nurse to care for the kids. They also have partnerships with other hospitals for more serious needs and socialize with other orphanages. They send the older ones out to school, but have a real nursery for the little ones. I shared a little of my vision and she welcomed me any time and wished me well. We were going to visit an orphanage for street boys, but it moved to another location because of growth.

Francis showed me one of the two very first Catholic churches ever built in Rwanda. This church was also a place where Interhamwe murdered many who sought refuge there during the genocide war. Now it has been rebuilt.

OK, then there is Goma, Republic of Congo. On our third day we ventured into Congo. This place was scary. I almost got arrested and taken by thieves for taking a photo. So, I didn’t take many photos. Oh, it was horrible. For the first time since I have been here in Africa, I was truly scared for my life. And Francis was so busy trying to get us out of it that he didn't translate much to me and I got even more scared.

First, it took us four hours just to get across the border. We tried to go with the car, but it turned out impractical (you have to buy special insurance) so we walked. I believe the car would not have been safe there so God placed obstacles. Everything here in Africa takes multiple paper tracking and multiple fees. They also have separate visa fees for different colored visitors. The border patrol is unfriendly and intimidating to foreigners. They kept taking my passport and disappearing and then making me wait. Everything I touched or did was forbidden and I got screamed at a lot in a foreign language and looked at suspiciously. Thank goodness Francis was around. I realized that there was no way I could ever travel on my own in Africa, unless I did it the expensive luxury resort way.

Now, Congo is a place plagued by about 5 volcanoes (one which erupted only a few years ago) and rebel wars. There were many soldiers in trucks all around because they were having a rebel convention or meeting. So, the city of Goma looks like a disaster and a ruin. It actually reminded me of Juarez, Mexico. There are a few signs of wealthy builders coming in, but most of it was huge black lava boulders and dirty sewage. There is little sign of organization or modernity. Few paved roads, no traffic lights. And it’s infested with corruption that includes the police. The main language is Swahili and French plus many other indigenous languages. Francis actually grew up in Goma before going to Gisenyi. But when he lived in Goma, he was with his father who was a wealthy coffee producer. It was when his father dies that this little rich boy was thrown into dire poverty.

We began by visiting the hospital where Francis' father died. We met with the Director, who spoke French and Swahili, to ask permission to visit the pediatric ward. He was welcoming and commended me for my work and said that the need to care for street boys is tremendous in Congo. He said that he looked forward to seeing how i could help his country. I told him that I would do and go where God leads me and God has told me to start in Rwanda, but more will come out of it. We were escorted by a nurse into first the premie ward where all the premature babies are. They do not have incubators like US. The premie ward is a small room that is just kept very warm. Babies are bundled in multiple blankets and just placed on the beds, but kept in open air. Its sterility is very minimal. Many babies had their own mothers at their sides to care for them. Here, we joined hands with the mothers and prayed. Mind you, each time I prayed in English and Francis translated. We prayed special blessings upon each child and mother and families. The mothers had hope. We prayed over a few other babies in other areas and then we left.

OK, now came the trouble. Francis started just showing me the city and landscape and I started taking photos. He took me to the port area, which is a tiny water area with one boat. Then 5 people, including one old lady in police uniform, but led by other non-uniformed men came and started questioning us and screaming. They asked to see my passport and I showed them. Then, the non-uniformed man wanted to write an infraction on my passport. I pled with Francis not to let him write on my passport. They started arguing in Swahili and took my camera. I kept asking Francis what was going on. They said it was forbidden to take photos of the seaport. I told them we didn't know. There were no signs. I told them we could show them the photo and delete it in front of them. They insisted on taking us across the water to the police station. I kept telling them we didn’t know. Francis argued with them. Then, we started walking. I was scared and angry. Who were these guys and what did they want? We walked up a steep hill and I was ready to call World Relief and the U.S. Embassy. Finally, we stopped and Francis finally told me to pay them $5 to let us go (saying that the police would charge us much more), but it took a while for me to get clear with Francis what they wanted. I took out $5 and they said it was too little. They wanted $5 for each person. We didn't even know for sure where they were taking us, but the guy had my camera. I kept telling them they were evil and I was a missionary with no money. Finally, one man told them to take the $5 and let us go. So, we went. I was so furious with this country. I was now scared to take any photos. I was a bit angry at Francis for not translating, but he said he couldn't. They kept him talking and arguing. He said he was afraid for me and my camera. He wasn't sure where they would have taken us either and the police are also corrupt in Congo. I was also a bit upset that he hadn’t warned me enough how corrupt this country was. I guess I got my harsh warning. I was so afraid that I wanted to leave, but didn’t.

We got on a moto to ride to the market. As I was riding, I prayed. God reminded me that I was a bit spoiled by the safety and cleanliness of Rwanda. This Congo was actually what I expected Rwanda to be like, dirty and corrupt Africa. It was what most people imagine Africa to be. So, I was brought back down to the reality of whom I was. I have been protected from all this by God. I committed to live in a place like Congo, but God gave me Rwanda, much safer and more developed than Congo. So, now I was able to suck it up and continue to see Congo. I was no longer afraid and angry, just careful. Truly, this place is horrible. There are barely any muzungus around because no one will serve in a corrupt and unwelcoming place. The only muzungus I saw were riding around in UN trucks and one World Vision truck.

Francis took me to where his some of his relatives live. Most of them were at work, bu the woman we met was nice. They lived in a very slummy area. Later Francis showed me an even more slummy area. Houses are piece-mealed spare rusty found metal parts nailed together. Children run around barefoot on the ground that was a mixture of black lava mud and rocks with sewage. It was worse than the slum areas of Uganda.

Later we walked into the main area of town, which is a far cry from Kigali's town. There are no "gas stations". The gas stations were boys on street corners with large jugs and water bottles filled with petrol. This is their gas station. Besides cars and motos, the transportation included makeshift wooden bicycles which were wooden pieces held together by rags, tape, and pieces of tire treads. There are also old-fashioned wooden pushcarts used to carry supplies, but powered by human efforts, not animals.

This city (which is only a small portion of huge Congo) is even more of a paradox than Rwanda because its markets have newer and more modern products than that of Rwanda, but the physical city and the moral culture is far below that of Rwanda. Rwanda has very little corruption because it is strictly forbidden by the government. The Rwandan culture also shuns theft. Strange to hear from a country where people just started killing each other. Hugh?

So, as I returned from Congo and Gisenyi I got an alert from the US Embassy not to travel to Goma because of the ongoing rebel conflicts. Wow! Kinda late. And a good friend begged me not to go back because it was unsafe. Wow! I guess God allowed me to be ignorant because He wanted me to see the truth. Nevertheless, He covered me in His protection.

So, this was my April adventure in Africa. God continues to teach me so much. He brought me a guide and a protector in my friend Francis. Please continue to pray for our safety and our relationship as we venture out into other areas of Rwanda. Pray for God to lead me where He wants me to be. Continue to pray for this country as the reality that there are still Interhamwe rebels coming into the country secretly to kill and influence people is a harsh awakening that things are still not as safe as it looks. God says that it takes just a little bit of yeast in the dough to spread and ruin the whole bread. These are the same rebels that once influenced the entire country into mass killings – genocide. Pray for Congo as they get very little hope and help due to the ongoing rebel conflicts. There are still children in that country that need rescuing. Pray for them. I thank God that He allowed me to enter this area unknowingly, and protected me.

I am afraid that I returned with a fever, the chills, and other symptoms so I am going to the hospital to get checked for malaria. Pray that whatever enters my body shall disappear because it cannot live where Christ resides. [Praise the Lord! My blood test came out negative for Malaria and my fever is gone]

Please pray for my blogs as I send them out because the enemy attacks everything as I report on them. Truly! I do not exaggerate. The enemy does not like that I share the mission. But I will not stop him from allowing me to share God’s truth and miracles. God bless you for your support and for not forgetting me. Thank you for reading my newsletters and for all your prayers. I love you and appreciate you all! Imana ibane namwe (God be with you)!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda
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PRAISES: Yesu ashimwe! (Praise the Lord!)
• God is strengthening me and my relationships
• God’s protection in Congo
• God continues to grow me and enlighten me spiritually
• God continues to protect wherever I go and whatever I do

PRAYER REQUESTS: Please help me pray for the following…
• Please pray for God’s Protection of my equipment (camera, instruments, appliances) as this is where the enemy likes to poke at me.
• Please pray for God’s Provision – for my Support Fundraising for my 2nd year so that I may continue to serve God here in Rwanda.
• Please pray for God’s wisdom and direction as to where to explore and how, where, and when to set up the child advocacy NGO and leadership school for orphans (Christ Is Our Hope School).
• Please pray for funds and opportunity to visit US to see my family and to raise funds to start God’s vision for the kids. For 2 round-trip tickets so I may bring a Rwandan friend to testify.
• Please pray for the spreading of God’s Word and maturing of saints – for donations of NIV/NASB Bibles for Rwandans who can read English and thirst for the Word of God.
• Please pray for Language & Communication – for me to learn Kinyarwanda faster. It’s a tough language with many irregularities. And to get more fluent with my French.
• Please pray for Help – for strengthening of Rwandan friendships and confidantes.
• Please pray for the remainder of the school year at KICS.
• Please pray for smooth transitions into my 2nd year in Rwanda.
• Please pray for God’s Direction – for God to continue to show me where, what, and how to accomplish His will, His vision.
• Please pray for continued Protection in everything I do and everywhere I go, for my health, and for these blogs that I share.

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Journal Blog: Friendship in A Foreign Land

As I immerse myself deeper into the culture of Rwanda I discover great hardships in discerning trust and friendships. These are the same challenges that I would find in my homeland, but with the added difficulty of differences in cultural meanings and language. I have many Rwandan friends whom I have become very close to and we've come to a place in our relationship where I am examining truths. There is alot here in Rwanda that is quite misleading and one can be fooled or blessed without knowing which. So, in my turmoil, I always seek God's Word and prayer for some answers.

I began by examining friendship in the Bible and this is what I found in order to measure true friendship. JONATHON was a true friend to DAVID:

"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." (1 Samuel 18)

"And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God." (1 Samuel 23:16-18)

"Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and gracious...I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. " (2 Samuel 1:23-27)

So, to summarize, a true faithful friend 1) loves you as himself and gives everything to it (Jonathan gave his robe, tunic, sword, and belt - literally the "shirt off his back" and his protection - to David) 2)helps you find strength in God, 3) is a love that is different and more wonderful than romantic love. With these I shall guage what I can.

Secondly, I was steered toward a faithful servant-friendship, that of Eleazar (the "faithful stewart") to Abraham. Eleazar was the most trusted servant of Abraham, whom He trusted to send out to find the right bride for his son Isaac. But there is more to this story. When Abram was barren, Eleazar was the first born male in the house of Abram, which in the Jewish law, makes him legal heir to his estate.

"And Abram said, ‘Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eleazar [Lazarus] of Damascus and lo, one born in my house is mine heir.’" Genesis 15:2–3

But Abraham sent Eleazar on an assignment which would disinherit him from the fortune and blessings of Abraham. Eleazar did this willingly and unquestioning. He was faithful and did not waver in his efforts. He trusted God and prayed for God to point him to the bride for Isaac. Later on in Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the Lazarus and the Rich Man. Lazarus is a transliteration of the Hebrew Eleazar which means "God has helped". Lazarus was the "beggar" who ate scraps from the Rich Man's table, while the Rich Man (Judah) inherits everything. In life, the Rich Man inherited "good things" while Lazarus received "bad things". But in Heaven, Lazarus ends up in the "bosom of Abraham" and is "comforted" while the Rich Man is in "agony".

So, from Eleazar I learn that a true faithful friend puts his own blessings aside for the sake of friendship, risks everything for his friend. And in the end, a true friend receives his treasures in Heaven.

This is what the Lord has taught me. Friends, I ask for prayers that God would show me how to use this knowledge to make decisions and discern who are my true trusted friends and who are not. I cannot exist in a foreign country without true friends. I need help to interpret the culture. I have to have someone to trust that will care to rescue me when there is danger, that will care about me despite what I can give them. I need some kind of safety. This is tough because my love language of receiving is giving time and actions. My love language of giving is things, time and actions. This is how I love people. So, I struggle and I focus my attention on Jesus, for if I keep my gaze upon Him I will be safe. I don't want my friends and family to be afraid for me, just pray for me. God will make a way for everything. He has shown me miracle upon miracle His great protection over me. Right now, my heart is being tested in strength, and perhaps I am being taught and taken further in my ability to discern.

You [God] will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You [God]. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

I welcome any encouragement and prayer. I thank you for your trust and support. God will bring me through this. I love you all sincerely. Be blessed by His Word and cherish true friendships. Please pray for me for I am here to serve Him to the end. God bless you all, truly!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda

P.S. Pray for this blog as its packed with truth as I perceive it and the enemy does not like the truth. I pray protection over this blog in the name of Jesus, that it would only bring blessings.

Bridge to Rwanda Newsletter, Vol.5

March 18, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – This is an extended issue - reporting from December 2007 through March 2008. I apologize for the tardiness. You will see that God continues to keep me so busy. I can barely stop to write and sort through multitudes of photos. So, in this issue I will attempt to catch you up on the many activities that God has brought along my path. Again, God bless you all for your patience, for not forgetting me and for all your support. [Note: Click on photos to enlarge]

February 23, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for His love and mercy! For me, the theme of the year 2007 was “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” God’s message of the year to me has been “I am with you.” I got through both a tough year and a blessed year. 2007 will always be the year God sent me off on a new and climactic season of my life to start my mission journey in Rwanda (East Central Africa). I’ve only been here for 7 months, but it’s been quite a journey. I can’t imagine what else God has in store for me, but I know it is good. I thank Him for every battle and every victory for I have grown so much more in love with my Jesus and so much more stronger.

First, I could never have imagined the welcome that I have received from Rwandan friends and the adopted family that God had prepared for me. From the moment I stepped off the airplane and saw the warm face of my friend Eddy, the Lord has shown me many more good people who help me transition into life in Rwanda. They have helped to ease the culture shocks, going out of their way to make sure I am not alone, and are a comfort to me when I miss my family and friends. It’s been a tremendous blessing. And I am deeply aware of the special privilege and honor that has been bestowed upon me.

Secondly, there have been tremendous hardships to endure. There are many cultures that I have had to acclimate to and not all were easy or welcoming, but God stood by me all the way and has taught me to press on past the pain and towards the blessing. The longer I am here the more intricate the cultural adaptations are. There are ways that all people of all cultures are alike and ways that each culture is unique. There are ways that we are accepting and ways that cultures are exclusive. Then, there are the usual deceits of human flaw. But best of all, “God works all things for the good of those who love Him”. So, I am blessed.

Let me now share the activities of my journey since my last blog. Again, please forgive me for the long duration in between blogs. God keeps me so busy with so many tasks and responsibilities, beyond my own capability to accomplish. Perhaps this is His way of keeping me humble and dependant on Him.

December 2007 KAMPALA, UGANDA ¬– UGANDA MISSION: As the first term of school ended for the Winter Break, I was privileged to have been invited to visit the ministries of Pastor Everest Bizimungu in Kampala, Uganda. This was my first trip out of Kigali since I arrived in Rwanda and definitely my first venture in another country of Africa. [PHOTO 1: Pastors Bizimungu and Shyaka’s family and home welcoming]

I took a 10 hour bumpy and rainy bus ride escorted by the pastor and my dear friend Francis. First, the enemy tried to thwart our plans by delaying Francis’ passport for 2 weeks and sending news of an ebola quarantine in Uganda. We prayed and prayed and nothing could stop us. After days of waiting in line, Francis finally got his passport and we crossed the border.

My trip to Kampala, was such a blessed growth experience. I learned so much about God’s will and power. Pastor Bizimungu and Pastor Shyaka hosted Francis and I in their homes in the Kisugu slum district of Kampala. It was amazing! His wife, children and household were amazingly gracious. This is the most humble pastor I know as he surprised me by giving Francis and I his pulpit at Kisugu Christian Fellowship to teach every night and one Sunday for an entire week. We taught about the Heart of Praise and Worship. This is no small thing as it is not common for an African pastor to give the pulpit to lay people. I prayed for God to bring me the words and lessons and He did. We also taught the worship team English worship songs. And God had me share my life rescue testimony with the church. Now I am blessed with a Ugandan family and church. I love them so much!!! [PHOTO 2: Streets and children of Kisugu district, Kampala UGANDA]

The pastor also took us around Kampala to visit families of his Hope Prison Ministry, which serves families of women whose husbands are doing time in prison and are left alone to support their children financially and spiritually. Some are suffering with HIV and struggling to feed their children or provide school fees. Their weathered faces told of their hardships, yet they yearned for hope from Jesus. I hope to help collaboratively with this ministry to find a sustainable future for these people. [PHOTO 3: Wives and families of Prisoners of Hope Prison Ministry]

December 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – CHRISTMAS NYABUGOGO MISSION: When we returned from Uganda, it was time to prepare for my first Christmas in Rwanda with my church family. Spending the holidays with Victory Mission Church was a blessing, but not without challenges and lessons.

First, God blessed me with a move to a miraculously affordable house of my own across from my church in Kanombe district. Now I am not only close to my appointed church, but can now have the privacy to fellowship and conduct ministry business. This would also now allow me to partake in more activities without fighting transportation challenges.

My first task was to plan our first outreach mission activity as the officially elected Worship Team Missions Outreach Coordinator. My co-leaders and I went to the market to purchase food and clothes for 140 boys. Then, on Saturday, December 20, 2007 we visited the Nyabugogo Orphanage to bless the children with Christmas greetings from Jesus. We praised and worshiped with about 200 boys and girls, shared some treats with them, gave them the gift of clothes from Jesus, and showed they the movie The Nativity Story projected on the wall with a Kinyarwanda translator. They loved the movie. You could hear ooh’s and awh’s and the grand applause as Jesus was born. [PHOTO 4: Rwanda Victory Mission Worship Team Bring Christmas to Nyabugogo orphans]

December 25, 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – CHRISTMAS EVE AT RWANDA VICTORY MISSION CHURCH: Next, we prepared for a very special Christmas Eve Praise & Worship and Overnight Prayer program sponsored by the Worship Team. This was the first time the worship team would lead a special event. We planned both English and Kinyarwanda Christmas songs including a rendition of O, Holy Night which ended with a beautiful spontaneous churchwide candlelight vigil. We showed The Nativity Story to a huge turnout of church members and people off the street. Again, a grand applause from the crowd marked the climactic birth of Jesus. It was an amazing birthday celebration for Jesus. This was followed by a morning Christmas service. It was a long night, but blessed. Thank God I lived nearby. [PHOTO 5: Worship Team leads worship for New Years; Crowd watches “The Nativity Story”]

The holidays in Kigali were peaceful and quiet, like a ghost town. All muzungus and tourists were out of town visiting resorts and family in Kenya, South Africa and the US. The city was peacefully barren and shut down.

January 1, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – ROLLING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH RWANDA VICTORY MISSION CHURCH: After a few days of rest, we were onto the New Years Eve overnight prayer service at church. An exhausted worship team again served in the service.

January 7, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – NEW SCHOOL TERM: The holidays were finished and it was time to get back to work as the new school term began. KICS increased in student population to nearly 100 in the student body. My students shifted and increased. It was time to get busy again. [PHOTO 6: KICS Enric Sifa visits KICS students]

March 2, 2008 KIGALI, RWANDA – ENRIC SIFA CONCERT: As I started to write my next blog in February, God brought me a new challenge. I was connected with a local musician with US backing who was releasing his first US produced CD Just A Moment and needed help with promotions and management. Since I have some experience in the music and entertainment industry in the US, I signed on to promote his album in Kigali and produce his first live concert. This was a full-time endeavor (while I was also working at the school), but a blessed learning experience. I partnered with my friend Francis who knew Enric as a friend and is involved with the local music scene. Promoting in Africa was an interesting learning experience that differs much from the US – different market and limited resources. We placed his CDs all over town, got radio promotions and spots, did a mall appearance, visited several churches, and booked a venue for his concert. We also gathered musicians for his band and booked rehearsal times. I organized the budget, scheduled the program, designed creative lighting and projection, hung posters, sold tickets and CDs, booked some live promotional appearances, organized VIPs, and chauffeured musicians and equipment around.

Enric is not just an artist, but also a music ministry in that he shares his testimony rescue to give people hope. Enric became an orphan in his teens just after the genicide. He lived on the streets surviving off his music and eating trash. Africa New Life Ministries found Enric and sponsored him for school and living while he toured with the group the Hindurwas. Now, Enric and his US sponsor/agent produced his first solo album and were trying to build his own ministry. (Visit http://www.enricsifa.com)

My students at KICS all got involved and were blessed. The middle school volunteered as ticket and CD sales people, stage door security, and VIP hosts. Many more students and their families attended the Enric Sifa Just A Moment Concert hosted at Christian Life Assembly (CLA) on March 1, 2008. Even the mayor of Kigali joined the concert. It was a truly international event and testimony of God’s miracles. After the concert Enric set out for a 6 month US tour with the Hindurwas and Africa New Life Ministries. [PHOTO 7: Enric Sifa at rehearsals and in concert]

March 7, 2008 AKAGERA, RWANDA – AKEGERA WILDLIFE PARK: After three months of non-stop work I needed a rest and to see more of Rwanda and refocus on God’s plans. I also wanted to get some African animal photos to show my niece and nephew in the US. So, Francis (the African Diego the Exploreer) and I (Jungle Linda) took off to see the animals of Africa at Akagera. It was amazing. Jungle Linda set out in her double cab pickup truck (an acquisition that was a miraculous answer to prayers) to explore the wilderness.

We drove about three hours outside of Kigali to reach a reserve park where wild animals are contained and protected. With our park guide, we roamed the wilderness with antelopes, baboons, buffalos, elephants, deer, giraffes, and hippopotamuses. We actually got out of our car and roamed around near the animals (except for the buffalos). It was an amazing reminder of God’s wonderful creations. I also got to visit the villages in between where I was greeted by many children screaming “agachupa!” (water bottles they use to play games). And I got to see the lavish farmlands of Rwanda. [PHOTO 8: Animals at Akagera Wildlife Park]

So, now I am back in school and finishing off the second term of my first year in Rwanda. I plan to venture out more to reach out in the heart of the land. So, keep an eye out for the next few issues as my special Rwandan friend Francis Kambale (the African Diego the Explorer) takes me to the heart of the Rwandan land and people. I still have many more projects that I am working on and will share with you as they come to fruition. Your prayers are always appreciated and felt. God bless you for caring and for reading this.

I invite you to email and write to me any comments, questions, or concerns. Or, just to say hello. I miss my home country, friends and family very much. Please continue to pray for my support and ministry, safety and strength. Pray for me to continue to uncover and learn the true ways and needs of Africa. As you can see, your prayers have been heard as God has provided me with a car and house on what little funds I have. He gave me manna and I will use it to serve Him and the people. God bless you in whatever situation you face. Please know that I appreciate you. I too am a testimony of God’s rescue from darkness and now I serve with joy in hardship as well as abundant blessings.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda

PRAISES FOR PRAYERS ANSWERED: Yesu ashimwe! (Praise the Lord!)
• God granted me a house near my church and an affordable vehicle
• God brought me special friends for help
• God got me through 1st and 2nd term of school

PRAYERS NEEDED: Still praying for the following…
• I’m praying for my keyboard and all electronics that keep getting attacked and zapped by the unstable electricity here, even hooked up to stabilizers and adapters. I have spent a lot of money in repairs.
• I’m still praying for more support funds for my initial 2 years of service. Please note that new funds will be administered by Grace Deposits at Network for Good.
• I’m also praying for the strategic plans, funds, and provisions to start the child advocacy NGO Christ Is Our Hope International and the leadership school.
• I’m praying for a donation of 2 round trip tickets to US for me and my Rwandan friend Francis (for this summer) so that we can share testimonies, the vision proposal, and begin raising support and foundations for the child advocacy NGO and leadership school. Also so I can visit my family that I miss soooo much!
• I’m praying for Rwanda Victory Mission Church and my Worship Team. To grow them in their walk of faith.
• I’m praying curriculum/books for KICS
• I am praying for donations of NIV and NASB Bibles to share with my precious English reading Rwandese friends and worship team who are hungry for God’s Word. The Kinyarwanda Bible does not translate well. I have given away all my spare ones and still have many thirsty friends.
• I’m praying to learn Kinyarwanda faster so I can communicate on my own. It’s a tough language.
• I’m praying for my university friends who are no longer getting full government scholarships, but must now (starting this term) pay partial tuition. For many in this country this is a huge change and hardship in their lives. Their free education is their only hope of elevating their lives and country. Most students are either orphans or one-parent families. A lot of their parents are elderly and no longer earning income.
• I’m just praying for spiritual and emotional strength as I persevere through life in Africa. I am blessed, but it’s not easy. Cultural intricacies and financial strains are starting to challenge me, not to mention that I am missing my family very much. My faith is strong, but I am still human. God takes care of me, but prayers are always appreciated.

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I LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY. May the Lord shine his face upon you.

Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter, Vol. 4

November 23, 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – Grace and peace to you from Rwanda. Time just runs away from me here as God keeps me so busy. His grace abounds and my cup runeth over. The Lord keeps growing me stronger and stronger with trials and blessings. He has me juggling multi-projects, which I receive as a privilege and honor that He entrusts me to handle. But it is not I who handles anything, but God Himself who orchestrated and manages them. And His presence and covering is felt so strongly within me that I can hardly express it in words at times. There are many days when I cannot conceive of fitting all I have to do in the day, but God miraculously pulls me through. And the ongoing theme of bringing me people and resources continues…all to build God’s dream for Rwanda. Its all about the Worship of Christ Jesus.[PHOTO: Rwanda Victory Mission Worship Team]

The end of the first term of school year 2007-8 at Kigali International Community School (KICS) is coming to a completion. This year I have a full load of classes and an array of students. We doubled the school population with an increase in Rwandese students. I mainly teach Grade 4 and 5 simultaneously. Our supplies and curriculum is still very limited for reasons of budget and shipping challenges, so I pull much from what I know of my life experience. It was a rocky start as the students have such diverse educational, language, and familial backgrounds and levels, but my feet are stable and the kids are growing and learning. Our favorite part of the day is morning devotionals when my class and I learn from God’s word and pray together. They are young, but thirsty for His word.[PHOTOS: My 4th and 5th Grade class at KICS]

I also teach both the Middle School and High School computer classes, which have evolved into journalism classes because of a lack of software and internet access. The High School is assigned the first student-produced KICS yearbook. The Middle School is assigned the first student-produced newspaper called Top of the Hill. They are learning hands-on organizational, leadership, research, and reporting skills. Producing a yearbook and newspaper in Africa is no easy task, but God will bring it.

One of my most blessed assignments from God is integrating into Rwanda Victory Mission church. First, God has filled me with supernatural love for this church. I say supernatural because it’s beyond reason. I have yet to know each individual and the culture, yet I just felt the Holy Spirit place and bind my heart with the heart of the church. They are my family here in Rwanda. God has designated me the task of helping to grow the church, especially the youth, to stand up for their country as servant leaders. First, let me point out that in Rwanda “youth” is officially any unmarried person below age 45. Well, that counts me in as youth. Gotta love it! [PHOTOS: My beloved church Rwanda Victory Mission]

God has designated RVM Worship Team as the doorway to my place in the church. In the beginning there was chaos and now God has breathed a new start for the Worship Team. I advise and help to revamp the management and growth of the Worship team. It has been both a tremendous challenge and a tremendous blessing. My friend Turambe is the Worship Team Director. Our enhanced vision and mission is to serve and honor God by modeling and teaching a lifestyle of true worship. We are now more than singers, but primarily commited followers of Christ. I have been voted into the leadership team as Outreach Missions Projects Coordinator, which I am very excited about. We will be growing together with Bible studies, skills training, and inreach/outreach mission projects. I will eventually help set up a blog for the worship team to use in ministry. I am also teaching Bible, technical sound and stage production, music theory, guitar, and English worship music to the team to enhance their ability to serve the Lord. I have also introduced Powerpoint projection of song verses into both the English and Kinyarwanda services, bringing a new level of focus on the meaning of the songs and a new level of congregational participation. It also allows me to participate as I can now read and sing the Kinyrarwanda songs. I have always desired to participate in worship and praise, but never imagined God would have me work with a worship team in Africa. Imana n’inziza! God is so good![PHOTOS: My Worship Team family]

And when things are rough and I am weak, the Lord lifts me high above the clouds and refreshes me with His presence. I had been praying about being able to afford a keyboard to take on mission trips and for teaching the orphans. I only sought a safe way to transport it from the US (because mail is not safe), but God selected some wonderful godly friends (Bridge to Rwanda organization in the US) who donated and brought a keyboard to me for my ministry work. Praise the Lord!!!! Thanks Jean and Gary!!! It has been a strength and a joy. And the predicted challenges of transporting it here were paved in God’s provision. My precious friend Francis, who serves as Music Director of the Worship Team, is teaching me to play the keyboard and we are having wonderful times of exchanging God’s gifts. He teaches me to play and I teach him music theory. My mother and father would be happy to know that after years of piano lessons as a kid, I know can play accompaniment. I still have more lessons to go in order to play like Francis, but I know its God’s will and his gift. I shall use it to glorify Him. Imana n’inziza cayne cayne!!!! God is so so good!!!

On November 11th I had the privilege of attending the Robert Kayanja Miracle Crusade at Amahoro Stadium. The football stadium was flooded with people wanting to witness miraculous healings. Kayanja is an internationally known evangelist and miracle healer from Uganda. He has been featured on TBN and Benny Hinn crusades. Kayanja preached about sowing seeds for the country of Rwanda, about healing and forgiveness of the soul. Then, he led the multitudes in worship and prayer. The blind received sight and the deaf received their hearing. The crippled began to walk and the short of breath began to breathe. This is what I saw. I don’t judge, validate or invalidate it. It’s just what I saw. It was a wonderful time of seeing the people of Kigali joined in one stadium to worship God.[PHOTOS: From Kayanja Crusade]

The day before, on November 10th, Jessica Kayanja, Pastor Kayanja’s wife, led the women with her Girl Power ministry at the Petit Stade. It was packed and overflowing with women. Mrs. Kayanja taught about God’s unique purpose for each woman with the illustration of Joseph’s dreamcoat. Her message is that God the Father has “made” a very special “coat” for each woman. It was a message of encouragement and empowerment.

The time is also drawing near for me to spend my first Christmas in Rwanda, and my first Christmas away from my birth family. It will be hard, but God has already made blessed plans with my church family. First, I was invited to spend a week in December in Uganda, visiting the church and ministry of Pastor Everest Bizimungo. I will be bringing another RVM Worship Team Leader to join me in ministering and learning from the adventure that God has appointed. Please pray for safe travel all the way as the pastor is driving 10 hours to Kigali, just to drive us 10 hours back each way. What a precious man of God he is.

We are also planning a very special Christmas Eve Church Overnight at the church where the Worship team will lead in worship, prayers, and devotional. Then, we will project the movie The Nativity Story with Kinyarwanda translation. I will miss my family soooo much, especially my nephew Tyler who has not spent a Christmas without me until now, but I am looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus with my church family. I wish Pastor Josephine could be here to join us, but I wish her a blessed Christmas in the US. Her church family misses her very much.

I am also hoping to plan some Worship Team Christmas missions. I hope to have a Christmas gift drive (toys, clothing and food) at the church to gather gifts for the orphans of Nyabugogo and Ndera. I plan to bring the Worship team to celebrate Christ’s birth and deliver gifts.

I thank you very much for being witnesses of God’s handiwork in Rwanda, and for your prayers and support. And to all those who have sent me packages of provisions, my heart is so thankful. God bless you truly and abundantly!!! I love you all and miss you all so much, but God has me right where he wants me and I give my all to Him. My every waking hour and every decision is focused on serving and pleasing my Lord. I will write again soon to share about my Christmas in Rwanda.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda

NEEDED PRAYERS: Still praying for the following…
• I’m urgently seeking an affordable house of my own, preferably near my church in Kanombe, to freely use in ministry small groups and for quiet peace time with God. There is little peace in my current living situation, but I bear it with the strength God grants me.
• I’m still praying for a large affordable vehicle (SUV or van) to transport equipment, supplies, orphans, and ministry teams. I have not been able to see my Ndera orphan kids because I don’t have transportation to facilitate tight schedules. I spend much time waiting for pick up rides.
• I’m still praying for more support funds for my initial 2 years of service.
• I’m also praying for funds and provisions to start the child advocacy NGO Christ Is Our Hope International and the leadership school. Also, praying to finish the strategic plan.
• I’m praying for my student class, all their projects, and peace.
• I’m praying for continued strength and covering to weather the storms and keep the faith.
• I’m praying for Rwanda Victory Mission Church and my Worship Team family. To grow them in their walk of faith.
• I’m praying for peace and joy this Christmas in Rwanda.
• I’ praying for my family in the US to know how much I love them and miss them. And that they would see Christ in me.
• I am praying for a digital camera because mine broke. I now use my video camera to take stills, but it is not good with stills. Praying to get one sent from US so I can continue to take photos for the blog.
• I am praying for donations of NIV and NASB Bibles to share with my precious English reading Rwandese friends and worship team who are hungry for God’s Word. The Kinyarwanda Bible does not translate well. I have given away all my spare ones and still have many thirsty friends.

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Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter, Vol. 3

NOTE: Click on photos to view enlarged version. All photos are Copyright 2007 Linda Huang. All rights reserved. Photos and articles may only be used or duplicated with the expressed permission of Linda Huang. Please respect the privacy and rights of the children. All violations will be prosecuted.

October 10, 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – Muraho (Hello)! It’s been a huge stretch since my last newsletter. God has kept me tremendously busy and running around chasing time and tasks. This newsletter will be a little bit of news and a little bit of culture. God is working out different muscles in me, ones of ultimate patience and flexibility, stretching my creativity and resourcefulness to accomplish tasks in extraordinary ways. And, of course, comes the utmost humility. He is also re-working my independence. In this African climate, I have to depend on people or take risks on them in order to get information or translation. And even though the words can get translated, sometimes the meaning or cultural way has not been translated. Most everything is acquired by word-of-mouth and relationships. But the relationships are still a work in progress.

[PHOTOS: New e3 Partners church plant in Karangazi]
Although there are still many challenges, God has blessed me and I am acclimating well to the African culture. In fact, the Rwandese have initiated me as a fellow Rwandese. Everything here takes 10 more steps and 10 times more energy to accomplish than it would in the US, yet things start later and close earlier so you have a shorter timespan in which to accomplish things. Time management and multi-tasking is literally a foreign concept. And, with limited resources, your choices of equipment or tools are stumbling blocks. However, there is an open market for learning and they are hungry for knowledge and thirsting for hope.

The electricity in Rwanda is very unstable and there are huge power surges, so it’s necessary to carry huge stabilizer boxes to protect expensive equipment. And even then it’s the risk you take with refurbished or low market equipment at high prices. So far, the school has fried two projectors and a several printers, all of which have to be sent in from the States. So, each teacher carries around her own self-purchased 15 lb. stabilizer to and from home to use for projectors, laptops, and home appliances. I spent the entire day running around town looking for a new stabilizer because my cheaply manufactured stabilizer is no longer stable. Stores are not regularly stocked so I had to go from store to store on foot looking for a certain brand that I was told was a more dependable brand. There are no addresses, maps or yellow pages here so it was a treasure hunt looking for stores. Nevertheless, God finally blessed it as I found one at a decent price, which is not at all cheap.

School year 2007-2008 has resumed at Kigali International Community School (KICS) and our new school year started with many new changes and challenges. We finally have a headmaster from the US, Brian Dolinger and his wife Christy, who are a great blessing to the development of the school. In fact, Brian is one tiny step closer to registering the school officially. Praise the Lord! We have a full week and extended hours this year so there has been much to adjust to, but we have a leader to shape the school. We doubled our student population and increased it to 50% Rwandese and added some French, Swahili, Computers, Speech, Chemistry, Biology, and Weightlifting classes for the secondary school. This year I am teaching Grade 4 and 5 simultaneously as well as two secondary level Computer classes so I am swamped with planning and grading. The US Embassy donated 22 computers to us, yet it’s been a process getting the power in the building prepared to handle multiple machines. Then, we don’t have internet cards, software, or curriculum. Luckily I have over 16 years of digital graphic design knowledge and experience so I can pull curriculum from my experience. So, I began computer classes without hands-on equipment or software. We are limited in textbooks and curriculum so teachers have to improvise. We did not have a copier at first, but our new headmaster finally blessed us with one. Hallelujah! Then, keeping a steady supply of ink and paper is quite a task here. All in all we are blessed to have what we have and God is continually adding to His provision.

The educational climate of Rwanda humbles me at frustrating times - to know that most Rwandan schools never open a book. From pre-school to university levels, students learn from notes and lectures of unpublished teachers from all sorts of foreign backgrounds. They are expected to "cram" or memorize these notes verbatim and be tested on theories without practicum or demonstration. Some schools may have small libraries, but students must use them at their own leisure if they have time to fit in a book after memorizing notes. It’s an educational climate that is underdeveloped and fails to prepare a student for practical work in real-life. There is no training in problem solving or project management. This is one area that I hope to be able to influence and help advance. It breaks my heart to see my friends study so hard, even missing Sunday church, and not gain any practicum or job assistance. In all of Kigali, there is no library. However, the government is trying to raise money to build their first public library. KICS is blessed because our headmaster’s wife is getting a Masters in Library Science from UNT and is developing a library from ministry-donated books that are arriving soon. So, even before the city’s public library, KICS will have a full-fledged library in due time.

The Lord has also blessed me with many more connections and experiences that affirm the calling to one day start a child advocacy organization and a school to raise orphans as leaders of peace. My church had a week-long conference that I attended nightly and was blessed by. We had pastors from Uganda, Denmark and Rwanda. I had the privilege to meet many pastors from around the Great Lakes Region of Africa, some have invited me to visit. I will visit Uganda on my November or December holidays. I am hoping to explore firsthand the true and specific conditions of children’s lives and needs all around Africa.

I continue with weekly Kinyarwanda lessons and they are going well. I love my teacher Felix. We share our love for the Lord and this country. Its a tough language to learn because there are so many rules to consider, but I am hanging in and will eventually be able to carry on a conversation. Felix is teaching me church words so I can understand my Sundays better. Learning the kinyarwanda songs will also help.

[PHOTO: Rwanda Victory Mission Conference with Pastor Josephine and guest pastors. Children’s Choir “Voice of Angels.” RVM watched “Facing the Giants” as Pastor Josephine translates.]

God has implanted in me a deep love for my Rwandan church and I am beginning to get involved in serving and helping the church to grow as the Body of Christ. I started with the Worship team. We introduced projected song lyrics last week with the projector that God had instructed me to purchase before I left he US. It was a foreign addition to the Spirit-driven group who were used to singing random lyrics and improvising, but it was a hit. People were encouraged to participate more now that they know the real words and feel invited to interact with the worship team. Its brought a new meaning to the mysterious words. We project both English and Kinyarwanda translations. I hope to have some fellowship nights when I might project movies to teach cultural and Bible study movies. I am mentoring the team to be more than song leaders, but ministers and teachers of worship. It was difficult to grasp at first, but we are bonding. And as we bond and work together, God moves and they see. Praise the Lord! There is a work He does in me as well as I have had to step out of my shell and be bold, patient, persevering, and brave.


[PHOTO: Robert's Heart for Kids Rwanda]
My friend Robert who is the Country Director for e3Partners took me out into the countryside to visit some church plants in Nagatare and Karangazi. It was a blessing to meet new Believers who are hungry for Christ. Robert shared the Gospel and AIDs prevention using the evangecube. I had the pleasure of greeting and sharing God’s Word and special messages with two churches. Robert also took me to the beginnings and future home of Heart for Kids Rwanda, his personal kids rescue ministry. Everywhere I went children were worshiping and rejoicing in the Lord. Hallelujah!

The orphans in Ndera are progressing in their faith and their studies. It’s a challenge balancing time and getting to them without a vehicle (which I am still praying about), but I do my best. The headmaster of the Ndera secondary school has allowed us to use one of his classrooms so we no longer have to sit on mats in Mamma Perin’s living room and I will have a chalkboard. I am praying for paper and pencils so I can teach them to write as well as read. Meanwhile, the chalkboard will have to suffice.

We had the wonderful occasion to take another trip outside of Ndera to see a wonderful children’s music show presented by Jana Alayra, a musician from California who creates Christian children’s music with sign language movements. This trip was an accident, but a wonderful one at that. God uses everything. The children were blessed with a new experience outside of their impoverished surroundings and I gained some curriculum that I even use at KICS with my 4th and 5th graders. I am praying for an extraordinarily affordable mini-van so that I can take the children to more events like this. So far, we have had to rent vans for each excursion.

Everywhere I go I share my passion for God and music, bonding with the Rwandese. Everywhere I go I grow to love these people more and more. However, it’s still a spiritual battle to educate and empower the people. There are so many kinds of influences changing the culture already. Like Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, the Truffula Forest is lush and beautiful, just as is Rwanda, and many are coming to reap the beauty and profit from it. But like the story, we must beware not to strip the land of its innate gifts. We must nurture, enhance, and replant. This place of a thousand hills is very special to God and I will spend the rest of my life preserving God’s land and people for His glory. Yesu ashimwe!

Please pray for me as I try to wrap up the proposal for the God’s vision for Rwanda to build peacekeeping leaders out of the rubbles of war. There are many obstacles that I am facing (which I won’t go into detail about), but I know absolutely that this is God’s will and plan, and his plan shall be accomplished by His power. I am merely a vessel for his works.

The support fundraising for my mission is going well, yet I am still raising funds for my two-year initial term here as well as the orphan children’s ministry God has called me to build in Rwanda. Please see my blog for details on donating. As KICS gets registered I will be registering with the school and managing my funds more directly through Grace Deposits and Network for Good. Please direct new donations to Grace Deposits (see instruction on blog). Stay tuned for more information.

All in all, God is so good to me. Your prayers are always felt and appreciated. They keep me safe on the street motos and in cultural trials. I love you all truly and pray for your life to be as filled with joy of the Lord. God bless you truly!!! Drop me a note every once in a while. I love to hear from friends and family at home.

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Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda

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Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter, Vol. 2

NOTE: Click on photos to view enlarged version. All photos are Copyright 2007 Linda Huang. All rights reserved. Photos and articles may only be used or duplicated with the expressed permission of Linda Huang. Please respect the privacy and rights of the children. All violations will be prosecuted.

August 14, 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – “Yesu Ashimwe!” (Praise the Lord!) God has been everpresent and faithful, orchestrating my time here in Rwanda, bringing many players, helpers, projects, and learning experiences. Not one moment has been in vain and I am still exploring all the avenues that He has brought to me. Sweat and tears are accompanied by miracles and joys. I have been so blessed with such sweet precious Rwandese relationships and responsibilities. Since the moment I stepped off the airplane, it has been a nonstop journey of revealing the steps to building God’s dream of a school to raise orphans as leaders of peace. This country has experienced so much social, political, and economic division and poverty. However, there is definitely evidence of revival. Many refugees who had fled Rwanda before, during, and after the genocide have returned to the country they love. There is such a desire to raise their country as a godly example. The topic of genocide is not common because they see it as the past that shall never happen again. All talk is about building the future of Rwanda.

The cultural climate here is an odd paradox of extreme poverty and wealth, a flood of foreign mission groups and new businesses co-existing with hole-in-the-wall shops and self-sustaining agriculture, a mix of cultural pride and insecurities. There are signs of developing higher education and industry yet still lacking competitively against the global landscape. People are thirsting for knowledge and opportunity, many thinking the answer is to leave the country.

GOD'S VISION: SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS
Before I left the US, I knew that God wanted me to someday build a school for Him in Rwanda for 100 children whom He has promised shall come out of the school as great leaders for His country and whom shall influence the rest of the world for peace. God planted the goal of a leadership curriculum founded on biblical principals, a global family perspective, hi-tech, and the arts – Christ Is Our Hope School (CIOHS) Rwanda. This is a unique school and outreach organization that models compassion and leadership to the children it teaches. For this I left my family, my church, and my life in the US. With their blessings and the umbrella of World Relief, I came to this foreign country by God’s will to follow where He leads.

By day, I teach and serve at Kigali International Community School (KICS), a new school of NGO and embassy children, where God grows me as a humble teacher contributing to the welfare of families who come to serve. The rest of my time, weekends and holidays, has been following and exploring God’s will and His call as He places me before people, places, and situations that affirm His vision. I do nothing but follow His steps and what he brings before me. Every step of the way has been one of hardship and learning as well as experiencing His miraculous presence.

FRIENDS IN EFFORT TO SUPPORT ORPHANS
[PHOTOS: Meeting FESO for the first time; Bebe's old home where he lived alone with his siblings and an absent drunkard father (no mother); FESOkids at concert performance]
God has not wasted any time as He has already begun bringing me specific children for the school and the founding of a Rwandese organization that will care for orphans beyond the school. A wonderful miracle happened when I met two young secondary school students from Ndera, Felix and Alpha. We met in a mud-brick house in the neighborhood of Ndera where they attend boarding school. They had presented their dream to me and the actions that they had initiated to rescue 19 orphan children in their neighborhood. As I heard their story, my heart felt God place us together in the palm of His hands and kneeding our vision for caring for orphans together for God. I have come to believe that these two young men are 2 of the 100 kids that God has promised and called me to raise. They are fresh and innocent, but they have God’s dream and the love of the children in their hearts. I shall be a mentor, guide, partner, friend, and teacher in the lives of these two as they grow into their place of leadership. Together we are FESO (Friends in Effort to Support Orphans). FESO will eventually develop into a registered local NGO that works to meet the needs of orphan children in crisis. We already have these 19 kids from Ndera (age 1-17) who have bonded with our hearts. We will be exploring the possibility of helping the 140 boys of the Nyabugogo Orphanage (from Newsletter Volume 1) as well as others that God will bring. Please visit www.fesokidsrwanda.blogspot.com.

JOINHANDS & JOINHEARTS
God has also brought a group of godly Rwandese businessmen and their wives called Join Hands and Join Hearts, who are to come alongside FESO and myself to build this school and initiate projects that model godly principles to the Rwandese. We will partner on business ventures to develop the local economy and generate funds to support community projects. Our role will be unique and direct, one Rwandese generation bringing up another Rwandese generation with godly integrity.

GOD’S SEEDS WITHOUT WALLS
[PHOTOS: FESOkids prepare for concert]
God does not have to wait for walls or funds. His grace is sufficient and active immediately. God alerted me that the Ndera kids were not saved, so on Saturday, 4th August 2007 we went to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the kids of Ndera using the evangecube whereby the children received Jesus Christ as their Savior. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Each child literally confessed their sins to our Lord Jesus and asked Him to indwell in them to change them. These kids are from broken families and accustomed to lives of survival on the streets. They were used to wicked ways of theft, promiscuity, deceit, fear, and desperation. They embraced the hope of the Gospel like their first drink of water since living in the barren desert. God could not wait for walls so He literally planted seeds for the school to begin without walls as we now visit weekly to teach them Bible Study, English, and Music, instilling and activating the Word of God upon their hearts and lives. God’s dream cannot wait for walls, but someday it shall have walls, tools, resources, partners, supporters, and many more kids.

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of taking FESOkids out of their impoverished surroundings to rehearse and perform at a charity concert at the small stadium for Mizero Foundation of Atlanta. It was a treat for the kids who have never been out of their impoverished neighborhoods. They were blessed to venture out to see the city and to spend time with FESO Volunteers as they performed songs written by FESO’s Alpha. (I invite you to visit FESO's blogsite. I designed the logo and site. www.fesokidsrwanda.blogspot.com)

PRAY FOR MORE…
[PHOTOS: Me with FESO, the Ndera kids and Mama Perin]
There are many parts in place and many more I am exploring in order to build this school. Please join me in prayer for FESO, JoinHands, and Christ is Our Hope School Rwanda. And please pray for myself as I will be writing the proposals and plans for the school as well as continuing to research the educational and business climate of the country. Pray for the new school year at KICS which begins September 3rd. Pray for daily strength to overcome trials and reap joy in His work. Please also pray for my raising of funds to build the organization and the school. I will be providing information about opportunities to invest in God’s mission as they are established. Ask God what part you shall play, as financial supporter, advocate, or Prayer Warrior. All is needed, none is too small. I know that God has a plan for you and its no accident that you are in my life and reading this. I invite you to join the mission that God has planned for Rwanda. The table is set and the plans are accomplished. You are invited to sit at the table with your wedding garment and reap the fruit of God’s plans. God bless you for your interest and your heart. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at LHSATORI@YAHOO.COM.

Right now there are some specific needs that I am praying about and I invite you to join me in prayer and support as God has encouraged me to “cast the net in deep water.”

CASTING THE NET
First, I continue to raise support funds through World Relief for my 2 year term. I have most of the first year raised, but still need funds for the second year. Heartfelt thanks to all who have answered God's call to support my commission.

Second, I am praying for God, Jehovah Jireh the Almighty Provider, to provide a vehicle. Taxis are expensive and motos are not very safe, nor can they carry children or supplies. The cost also adds up. A vehicle would be a great asset to building God’s ministry. An entire vehicle was not budgeted into my initial fundraising. I am praying for a vehicle that can carry volunteers and some orphan kids on trips. The cost of a small used vehicle runs from $4K (US) and up. The cost of a decent used van or SUV runs $10K-12K (US). Then, there is cost of insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and international permit. In praying for a vehicle, God told me to “Cast the net out into deep water.” The car would belong to myself and Christ Is Our Hope School (CIOHS) ministry. Whatever is donated shall go into the car fund and future endeavors of CIOHS, including its establishment, general startup and operational costs, and serving the children. So far I have been using my own support funds to rent vans to transport and feed the children for their concert performance. So, if God calls you to invest in this ministry, please...

DONATE ONLINE through Grace Deposits at Network for Good.
DESIGNATE the funds to "HUANG/RWANDA" by clicking below.



Donations through Grace Deposits will receive tax-deductible receipt.

OR
if you prefer, you may WIRE FUNDS DIRECTLY to my account in Rwanda with the following information:

Correspondents Bank:Citibank USA/New York
399 Park Ave.
New York, New York 10022
Swift Code: CITIUS33
Account Number: 36246707 USD

Beneficiary's Bank (My bank):Campagnie Generale De Banque SA (COGEBANQUE)
Swift Code: CGBKRWRW
Boulevard l'muganda
Box 5230
Kigali, Rwanda
EAST CENTRAL AFRICA
(final account) Name: Linda Huang
Account Number: 130-0153165

NOTE: Please email me your name, city and amount (lhsatori@yahoo.com) if you make a transfer so that I can check on its arrival and thank you.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FESO, please visit www.fesokidsrwanda.blogspot.com to see and read more about FESO and the kids.

I praise God for YOU and for entrusting me with His dream. As God is my witness and Savior, this is the real thing. We shall work directly with the kids to identify and provide for their needs. This is the beginning of a grassroots development, but God can move mountains. Please pray for His protection of the vision and good relationships with all parties that cross our path. I miss my homeland, my friends, my family, my churches very much (more than you can imagine), but God has given me a home in His purpose that carries each of you with me and embraces you close in my heart wherever I am in the world.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda

"Ariko rero umbuto z'Umwuka ni urukundo, n'ibyishimo, n'amahoro, no kwihangana, no kugira neza, n'ingeso nziza, no gukiranuka, no kugwa neza, no kwirinda..." - Abalagatiya 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." - Galatians 5:22-23

Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter, Vol. 1

June 27, 2007 KIGALI, RWANDA – Hallelujah! God is good! I finally got Internet installed. Yes, this is the first installment of the Bridge To Rwanda Blog Newsletter. I apologize for the period of no communications. I now know what “African Time” means – it means wait and wait and wait…until it happens. This one will be long since I haven’t written in a while. Grace and peace to your from God our Father in the Land of A Thousand Hills!

I have been in Kigali, Rwanda (Central East Africa) for 3-1/2 weeks now. It has been a while before I had any stable means of communications because I had a rocky start with no home, no internet, no classroom, no luggage. I finally got settled with most of these things, and now I can be a part of the rest of the world. Praise the Lord for answers to prayers.

[Photo 1: The teachers of KICS] I arrived on Friday, June 1st to a wonderful greeting of new and old friends. It has been a surreal whirlwind experience since I disembarked from the airplane. I got through customs and was greeted by the surprise presence of my Rwandan friend Eddy waiting for me at the luggage pick-up. We reported my missing luggage and went out to be greeted by the expatriate entourage of the Caisse Sociale KICS community. This is when things got racing away non-stop.

My first task was to venture out with my roommies-to-be (Amy and Jenny) in a taxi into town to exchange money at the Forex, set up a mobile phone, and grab some coffee and lunch at the Bourbon Coffee, Rwanda’s only simulation of a modern Starbuck’s Café. It was nicely located in Rwanda’s first mall, The City Market, with grocery store, food court and boutiques. Of course, it was only a fraction of what US malls are, but it’s a nice comfort. We had egg croissant sandwiches and coffee drinks.

Afterwards we headed to where we were to temporarily camp out as housesitters of USAID reps who are on furlough in the USA while our apartment was being fixed and negotiated. What started out to be a few days turned out to be 3 weeks of living out of a suitcase in someone’s huge home. There was minimal internet so I was able to send quick messages to my family and a few friends to let them know I was alright, but unable to sit and blog.

My first night was spent sleepless with jetlag and mosquitos buzzing in my ear. I did not have a mosquito net. I was later told to sleep with the fan on to detract the mosquitos.

[Photos 2-3: Grace runs Amahoro – Amani Africa – for widows] My second day was spent with my friend Piper from World Relief Baltimore and the World Relief Rwanda Country Director and his wife. First, we headed out to Amahoro Amani Ja Ju, a sewing coop boutique run by genocide widows - http://www.amaniafrica.org/ - and Kimironko market to haggle for a mosquito net.

[Photos 4-15: Nyabugogo Orphanage: 150 boys sleep on dirty mattresses on dirt floors] We also visited the Nyabugogo Orphanage with 150 former street boys of all ages. Their living conditions were very minimal, but safe compared to the street where they used to get beat up and salvage garbage for food. We heard heartbreaking testimonies. They live in an abandoned warehouse without water, sleeping on dirt floors and a few torn up and bacteria infested mattresses.They get minimal education from volunteer teachers of the government Catch-Up program. The roofs are leaky, the ventilation is minimal, and there is barely any light past sundown. My heart was heavy for them. I felt God working so rapidly to connect me with a project. I will have further blogs about this project in the future.

I also visited Mother Teresa Orphanage Rwanda, where infants and toddlers pile in like sheep. They are kept safe and fed, but they have very little opportunities for language or skills development or any mental stimulus. It was sad to see children being raised without language and therefore any hope of a future. (Photos are strictly not allowed so I could not take any for the blog.)

[Photos 16-19: KICS High School students journaling in the schoolyard] I started out at Kigali International Community School (KICS) observing on my third day in Rwanda and started teaching on my fourth day. I have High School and Middle School English for this trimester. My students are mostly children of NGO or embassy staff. There are so many students applying for next semester. I will be teaching 4th and 5th grade.

I finally got to World Relief where we meet for chapel every Friday. I have yet to start teaching English because the field workers are so busy, but it should begin soon.

[Photos 20-23: Voices of Angels Children’s Choir at Victory Mission] I explored a few churches, all of which only made me so homesick for my church. Just last Sunday I joined my friend Eddy’s church, Victory Mission Church, a real authentic Rwandan church. I know many members who were translators on my e3 Partners mission trip last year. So, it’s the closest to family I have here. And I believe that the invitation to join was God’s will. I believe I will be partnering with the church on many projects including cross-cultural exchange of worship music, technical knowledge, conference marketing, and Women for Women program (of empowering women of the genocide to assimilate into the working world).

Just last week I had the great privilege of being invited to dine and celebrate with the President of e3 Partners, Curtis Hail, and the Board Chairman, Gerald Prince, along with several local pastors of various denominations. The ministry partners led such a wonderful worship service with traditional song and dance as well as their rendition of North American worship songs. I wish I had my camera. Robert, the Country Director of e3 Partners Rwanda and I will be partnering on projects to help the orphans and train/disciple pastors/ministry leaders.

[Photo 24: View from my balcony] After 3 weeks, we finally moved into our permanent apartment and today they installed internet, a true answer to prayer. My room has a balcony overlooking the city, where my friend Turambe and I sit and share worship music and God’s vision for this land of milk and honey. Turambe has a dream of a traveling Worship Group Ministry.

So far, I have bonded with so many people and seen such great need that I must stop and pray for God’s guidance as to where to start. First, I praise Him and thank Him for Hope and Salvation and for His plans – for setting up such a blessed table of godly helpers to build His dream for Rwanda. I am astounded at His plan and I eagerly await His direction. I shared God’s message from Jeremiah 29:11 with Victory Mission, that God has “plans to prosper [them], and not to harm [them], plans to give [them] hope and a future.”

There is so much more that I’ve been blessed to experience and so much more to come. I promise to share more, more often. Please pray for steady internet and all other electronic devices. That’s another cultural surprise. I go around carrying large box stabilizers, adapters and converters to run my electronic devices so that they do not blow in a surge. Please pray for all my boxes of books and living supplies to arrive as they are traveling in various ways.

I have skype set up so if anyone is on skype, you may email me the time you wish to call. My skype ID is LHSATORI. I miss everyone very much. You are in my prayers and never out of my mind. I will be communicating specific needs as I develop projects so that anyone that wants to contribute to them in some way (prayer, finances, or other) may do so.

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for...
. safety and favor as the least expensive form of transport is moto (back of mopeds/motorcycles) which are driven very crazily, but I must be a good steward of God’s funding and trust that He will keep me safe
. a working inexpensive car that I may purchase and use for ministry. Its tough describing places you need to get to. They do not have addressses here - pure descriptive instructions to get to places
. processing of my residency and work visa
. clear communications and godly relationships with World Relief, KICS expatriates, and Rwandan friends
. favor for my students as they write their first complete research paper for their final
. God's voice and direction on starting projects to help orphans and widows in a sustainable way that brings them salvation and closeness to the Lord while empowering them to also be helpers of those in need
. protection from interference, distractions, or attacks of the enemy
. the gift of language to learn kinyarwanda rapidly
. strength and comfort to find my place or home here in Victory Mission Church and other relationships

If you want to drop me a line or send me a package, I can receive AIR MAIL at (usually takes 1-2 weeks):
Linda Huang
c/o Kigali International Community School
B.P. 6558
Kigali, Rwanda
EAST CENTRAL AFRICA

I’d love to hear from you and we could always use new DVDs for entertainment. Please keep me and the people of this country in your prayers – that I would clearly hear God’s word, to act upon it in His way for His kingdom. I thank everyone so much – murakose cayne - for believing in God’s Dream for Rwanda.

Imana Iguhe Umugisha (God bless you)!
Murabeho (Goodbye)

Love in Christ Jesus,
Linda
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