Investing in change in Rwanda

By October 29, 2015
Mukarugwiza Teaching other women how to sew. Expedition Church in Payson partners with the community of Rwimbogo in Rwanda. Karen Randau's interview with people from Expedition church.

Mukarugwiza Teaching other women how to sew.
Expedition Church in Payson partners with the community of Rwimbogo in Rwanda. Karen Randau’s interview with people from Expedition church.

Rwanda (MNN) — Thanks to better health practices, Rwanda’s tuberculosis rate is now lower than London’s. No doubt many factors play into this improvement, including the work of Food for the Hungry in Rwandan communities.

In 2008, Expedition Church in Arizona took came alongside FH and made a 10-year commitment to get involved with their work in Rwanda. FH and Expedition have been walking alongside kids in Rwanda for the past 7 years.

Sponsoring over 100 kids in a Rwandan community has helped FH ensure better health for these children. It’s also provided income development, education, and disaster-risk reduction for the community.

The church has also coordinated annual short-term team visits and special projects, including purchasing bicycles for residents, providing clean water, and donating livestock to help encourage income generation.

As the years have passed, change is noticeable. Lead pastor of Expedition, Donovan Christian, said, “There are lots more livestock now. This is a direct result of when we first gave cows seven years ago and goats four years ago.”

(Photo courtesy FH)

(Photo courtesy FH)

This investment has resulted in change in Rwanda. But in addition, Rwanda has been changing Expedition Church. Prior to the partnership, Christian witnessed negativity and selfishness within the congregations. But now he sees the opposite.

“When you’re self-centered as an individual, you begin to analyze your life on a selfish level. [But] the more outward-focused you are, the less you worry about yourself.”

God doesn’t just transform lives, He transforms hearts, too.

How can your church partner with Food for the Hungry?

Leave a Reply


Help us get the word out: