I am continually grateful to have the opportunity to serve and work with Mission: Moving Mountains. This month has been filled with community meetings, home visiting, Bible studies, trainings, and time in the office. I was able to create a lesson on peptic ulcers, which is a big issue in communities, and I oriented the staff on the information, answering questions and guiding them so that they may be empowered with increased capacity in the area of health to train in the communities. Initially, when I found out I would be training staff instead of communities, I was disappointed. I have a big heart and passion for the people in communities, and so wanted to do the trainings myself. But I have seen that this serves both M:MM and the communities more-the staff are empowered and community members get the information straight, not through translation. I am still present at trainings and am a resource for further explanations and answering questions, and have been glad to serve in a way that is needed. The staff have shown appreciation to me for the lessons I’ve been making, and in my recent staff review the director told me that I’ve been doing wonderfully with those lessons. It has been a lesson in flexibility and an encouragement to hear that I’ve been meeting expectations of the staff. Additionally, this month I began discipling a woman named Leah in Busabulo. I’m grateful for the chance to get to know her, and pray that I can be a blessing to her, as I know she will bless me and teach me.
A scripture that I’ve been meditating on this month is from Psalm 62:5-8, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” My honor comes from God, not from anything that I do or from any other person. I’ve also been reflecting a lot on the word “seek.” What am I seeking? What do I search for? Surely, it does not give me salvation and honor as the Lord does. He is the only One that can do that, the only One that satisfies. I’ve just been feeling peace and relief at the safety and rest that God gives. He gives peace unlike the world does. (John 14:27).
Prayer Requests:
-for community members to have strengthened relationship with the Lord, and that more would come to know Him. Pray for courage for those that know Him to witness to those around them, and share knowledge that they've received
-for the bereaved-there have been some deaths in communities recently, so pray for those that have lost loved ones to know the Peace of Jesus practically
-for growth in facilitation for me, one thing that was shared as an area I could become stronger in. I will practice this facilitation with the staff and youth in communities
Some recent photos:
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| This is me with my friend Dinah, at a marriage introduction ceremony this past weekend. I am wearing a traditional gomesi, and was the talk of the town/ceremony. I had so much fun taking in the traditions and being surrounded by the joy that came from those around me. |
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| We have recently had to hold meetings where we reevaluate expectations from community members about what they’re hoping for and what our objectives are. M:MM always uses a verse from Amos 3:3, about how two can’t walk together unless they are in agreement. I have been challenged by this and encouraged by how M:MM resolves conflicts-openly discussing and involving members. It was a great example for community members in conflict resolution too and has helped strengthen our relationships with members. |
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| This is from a Bible study in Busabulo. M:MM disciples community members in how to lead a Bible study effectively, to help them grow spiritually and as leaders. I have loved attending Bible studies in communities, hearing insights and testimonies, and coming together with a common belief in the Lord, even with our very different backgrounds. One thing to note is that M:MM has a principle of “incarnation”-just as Jesus came down to be with us on Earth, we desire to be with people in communities, at their homes, where they’re from and whatever situation they’re in. This builds trust, understanding and shows the value of the community. I’ve loved learning from being with people; it’s been so neat to be welcomed into people’s lives and meet people where they’re at. |
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| I had a wonderful holiday this month visiting friends I met in May in Kigali. I was blessed by fast friendships, laughter, good conversations, new experiences and taking in the beauty around me. It was refreshing to be in a new place. I now have a second African home. I visited with staff from the D4D staff in Rwanda, and it was so encouraging to hear stories about how God is working there-people are trusting in Him, health is improving, and the fatalistic mindset of dependence and acceptance of life’s circumstances has changed. Rwanda is a beautiful nation! |
