Pastor's Letter: Rwanda (RW-369)

We received some more pastor's letters! I am looking forward to sharing them over the next few weeks. This letter is from Niyinsaba's pastor. And the photos are from Compassion's Rwanda Rural Region page.

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Dear Eric and Hannah,

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ!

I am N Fancois, pastor of [RW-369] Church of Rwanda-Byimana and also [RW-369] CDC where we minister and care for Niyinsaba.

I thank you so much for your great love and kindness you have demonstrated by sponsoring Niyinsaba through the Compassion supported program. The ministry that you are a part of has had a positive impact in the lives of so many needy children.

In this community, children's needs are multifold and vary according their age group. Young children need healthy food to give them a good start in life. Unfortunately, some in this category already show signs of malnutrition. Primary school age children need school uniformas and supplies in the right quality and quantity. children studying at secondary schools levels need assistance with school fees and other financial support. We are grateful that children benefit from different forms of support through this Center. Some children in the community are orphans as many of their parents are widow or widowers. Others are suffering from HIV/AIDS, which renders them unable to work or carryout everyday activities. This leads to a vicious cycle of poverty as many children from these poor families cannot afford school fees in order to continue their secondary education and those who have not completed their education are unemployed. This is why the Center is so important. We are able to change the situation for them. We transform their lives and release them from poverty in Jesus' name.

Children in this community are of great concern and interest and their wellbeing is our preoccupation. Our community has a great vision to boost the capacity of poor families and provide them with means for economic self reliance through the development of the small income generating activities in order better serve the children.

The Center has many positive outcomes for the community. Not just the children are changing, but so are families. Children and their parents are being baptized. Teh number of church goers has increased and our children now know how to play musical instruments and actively participate in the choir. We hope that more children will be baptized in due course. Caregivers are encouraged to organize themselves into associations to facilitate their engagement in income generating endeavors in order improve their livelihoods. Working through these cooperatives, they are able to afford health insurance. Some children have also successfully passed their national exams and are now enrolled in secondary schools.

The sponsor-children relationships are of an inestimable value to everyone involved in the partnership. Sponsors and their sponsored children exchange photos and send each other birthday wishes. They share family information with each other, pray for each other and share Biblical verses as well. This creates a special bonding between them, which boosts the children's morale and their performance in school. Letters also encourage the children to learn English to enable them one day write to their sponsors. Many children receive novelty items from sponsors which are a delight to them. Please play this role for Niyinsaba and send letters and photos often.

We thank you once again for the love and generosity you have showed Niyinsaba, our church and our country.

We pray for your good health and may God's protection and blessings be with you in the name of Jesus.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor N Francois

Dusabimana in Rwanda

We began corresponding with Dusabimana in December 2017. I will update this post as we hear from him.

We have received 2 letters, and thanks to corresponding with Ndikubwimana for so long at the same project, we have one country director's letter, one pastor's letter, and one project director's letter. His birthday is December 7.

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Project Info and Activities:

Dusabimana attends RW-553 near Kibungo
* Home to approximately 3,700 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Kinyarwanda
* Most common work is work is animal herding, day laboring, market trading, subsistence farming, domestic services or on plantations
* Average earning is $20 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, maize, beans & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: malaria, worms
* Typical Houses: cement floors, mud walls, tin roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, health screenings, vaccinations, supplemental food, indoor and outdoor games, hygiene and nutrition education, community service opportunities, mentoring programs, life skills training and educational assistance.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: dancing/drama, learning about God, playing sports, singing songs, snack/meal time, spending time with friends, art/drawing, ball games, dolls, group games, hide-and-seek, music, musical instrument, choir, praying, studying

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Letter Highlights...

"May God bless you abundantly. My family sends you their special love and greetings. We are constantly praying for you and your family that God continue to watch over you!! My parents love you so dearly. I have completed my primary five. I have scored in third position. May God continue to protect you and your family!!"

"I thank you for the letter which you sent me. My brothers and my family were so very happy to see it. My family and I love you so dearly and we are praying for you the God continue to watch over you."

"I wish to meet you face to face. I and my other family members, we love and we pray for you so that God bless you and be with you in your daily life. My favorite activities are: praying, studying."

To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Country Director's Letter: Rwanda

Today's letter is from Rwanda, where we correspond with Ndikubwimana. The original letter and photo can be found here.

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Dear Friend,

I am John Nkubana, country director of Compassion International Rwanda. I joined Compassion in 2012. Compassion started in Rwanda in 1980 and opened its first office in 1984. Today, we support 87,000 children through 320 local church partners.

I would like to thank you from my heart for the support you give your sponsored child. Individual sponsor contributions are the building blocks of this ministry to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Children feel secure at the child development center because of the love given to them by center staff and church leadership. Because of the sponsorship program, churches have been able to evangelize communities that otherwise would have been impossible to evangelize without Compassion’s work with the children.

Most of our children are from very impoverished families. These people struggle to secure basic necessities, and this affects them immensely. In 2014, we opened a center in the western part of the country. At this particular center, they had a feeding program for malnourished children, who were given porridge twice a week. The numbers of hungry children were so big that the church was overwhelmed. Today, when you visit that center, you can’t believe that the children who were there in 2014 are same children who are there today. They look so healthy and full of life!

Rwandan children receive a lot of attention and protection from the government, and there are systems in place to monitor child welfare – we have a strong policy on children’s rights. Medical struggles are minimal, because most Rwandans have access to medical care. Most of our children attend government day schools, but many of those schools can’t afford qualified teaching staff and laboratories, and other materials are insufficient.

The area where our children struggle the most is the socio-emotional trauma that is a consequence of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Most of the sponsored children are children or grandchildren of either genocide perpetrators or genocide victims. They are all traumatized equally.

When a sponsor picks a child to sponsor, it is a long-term commitment. Children get excited when they are told that they received sponsors. After that, they wait with a lot of anxiety for the first letter from the sponsor. I am sure sponsors wait anxiously for the first letter from their sponsored child, too – I can attest to this, because I’m a sponsor. What I have witnessed over time is the bond that the letters create between sponsors and children. When a child doesn’t get a letter but sees friends getting letters from their sponsors, that child is devastated. Please write to your child as regularly as you can. The more letters children receive, the more they feel close to the sponsor despite the distance. The physical you is enshrined in letters written to your sponsored child.

We always uphold you in prayers here; may the Lord continue to replenish your stores and granaries. We need your prayers as we continue to disciple these vulnerable children in partnership with the church. It is not an easy assignment, given the level of need; stand with us in prayer as we strategize on how the church can raise support locally to supplement Compassion’s work. And Rwanda being a mountainous country, visiting children’s homes is a challenge for staff and volunteers.

With heartfelt gratitude, I want to thank you for the love and invaluable material support you give to your sponsored child. The support you give is not in vain. I give glory to God; it is because of who we are in Jesus Christ that you are able to extend generosity of that magnitude against all odds – thank you!

Sincerely,
John Nkubana

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Rwanda, please consider sponsoring

Niyinsaba in Rwanda

We began corresponding with Niyinsaba in August 2017. I will update this post as we hear from Niyinsaba.

We have received 3 letters, one pastor's letter and one country director's letter. His birthday is April 14.

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Project Info and Activities:

Niyinsaba attends RW-396 near Gitarama
* Home to approximately 22,000 residents
* The primary ethnic group is Byimana
* Most commonly spoken language is Kinyarwanda
* Most common work is work is day laboring
* Average earning is $4 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, bananas, cassava, beef, rice & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: malaria, worms
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, adobe walls, tin roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, health screening, hygiene and nutrition education, physical exercises, field trips, opportunities for community service, scholastic materials, tutoring classes, distribution of domestic good and home visitations.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: learning about God, singing songs, snack/meal time, spending time with friends, group games, marbles, running, soccer/football, language

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Letter Highlights...

"I like keeping goats. I like red color. I am a fan of Barcelona. I like to eat cassava plants and beans. I like science subject. I was happy to know you. I dedicate you the Bible verse: John 3:16."

"I thank you for the letter you wrote to me and I was extremely happy. I got new family. I was happy for the new baby born. I love you all. Thank you."

"I am ready to complete the year and start another. I will have the birth day of 16 years old on [April 14]. It has made me happy because it is the date of my baptism."

"I am fine and I feel happy to be in secondary school and its another step I took. We like to grow sweet potatoes, cassava, beans and soya beans. We have both rain and sunshine, so we are doing well."

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Good Links...

Sometimes when I read blog posts, or hear updates about countries where our Compassion kids live, I feel like I need to share the news! So in a minute I'll be sharing some great posts that have encouraged me.

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But first, I'd like to ask you to be praying for Kenya and Ethiopia.

We received an email from Compassion that shared the following:

Recently, heavy rain in Kenya has caused rivers to swell and flood the surrounding areas. As you know, Kenya is currently experiencing a drought. While rain is desperately needed, this large amount of rain over a short period of time has led to flooding since the water was unable to soak into the dry ground, thus overflowing drainage channels and rivers.

As a result of the flooding, many families have been forced to leave their homes to find safety. Over 130 Compassion children have had their homes damaged or destroyed as a result of the flooding. Some are staying with relatives and others are taking refuge in converted shipping containers.

Compassion staff in Kenya is working diligently to provide immediate aid to the children and families who have been affected. If the flooding has impacted your sponsored children, you will receive follow-up communication from us shortly.

This is a difficult time for many of the children and families we serve in Kenya. Would you please join us in prayer for all who have been impacted? Pray for:

The families who have been displaced. Pray that God will place His hand of protection over them, and that they would be safe from flooding.

Those who have had their homes damaged or destroyed. Pray that they would see God’s miraculous provision in their lives as they rebuild.

The Compassion staff and our church partners in Kenya. Pray that God would give them strength and endurance as they care for the families who have been impacted.

Thank you for caring for the precious children of Kenya, especially in times like these. May God bless you beyond measure for your faithfulness to His children.

Please also be praying for Ethiopia.

In case you hadn't heard, there was a landslide in a dump where many people lived... The Landslide in Ethiopia That Will Never Be Forgotten.

I recommend checking Compassion Australia's Crisis Reports page for updated info.

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Now to the fun stories! Here are some great posts for envisioning you in your letter writing...

How to Encourage A+ Excellence in Your Letters includes a great list of letter writing prompts:

1. How long does it take you to get to school?

2. What is your school like?

3. What grade are you in this year?

4. What makes you excited to learn?

5. What skills are you learning?

6. Do you think school is easy or hard? Why?

7. Do you enjoy working in groups or do you like to work alone?

8. What subject do you like the most? Why?

9. What are your dreams for the future?

10. If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?

And 5 Biblical Truths Every Child in Poverty Needs to Hear can also give some great ideas for your letter writing, and also had this very encouraging video:


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And finally, I wanted to share some fun stories about Compassion children and staff!

Tsehaywota Taddesse: How Shepherding Prepared Me for Leadership shares the amazing story of the Compassion Ethiopia Country Director; about how he grew up and how he is leading kids today!

And in How does sponsorship help kids emotionally, you can read about the impact of Compassion project tutors in the lives of our kids as it shares the specific story of Junior in Nicaragua.

What Is Not Visible: A Genocide Survivor's Redemptive Journey shares an amazing testimony from Rwanda...


There are two beautiful stories of older women in Kenya caring for children! The baby in the bushes shares the story of an older Maasai woman who rescues a baby and raises him herself!

And A Story Changed shares the story of a grandmother and her grandchild.


And finally, Compassion Canada shares 14 photos that celebrate the beautiful and diverse cultures of the world...these are absolutely beautiful and you need to go check out all the photos!

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All photos taken from Compassion International or Compassion Canada.

What $60 Buys...

Last year we were able to send a number of larger family gifts thanks to the Blogger Rewards Program. Since we knew that gifts of $60 or over receive thank you letters and photos, we made sure to send gifts of at least $60. Recently the gift photos have been coming in! It's such a blessing that Compassion sends these with the thank-you's!

I wanted to share them in one place so you can get an idea of what $60 will get in various countries.

Mary in Bolivia: groceries of oil, milk, eggs, some other food, detergent, and dolls for the girls!

Jhomary in Bolivia: t-shirt, oil, noodles and rice!

Dinesh in India: t-shirts, jeans, sheets and a steel box!

Jose in Mexico: food pantry gifts.

Julissa in Nicaragua: shoes, pants, shirt, towel and underwear.

Ndikubwimana in Rwanda said, "Thank you for your gift. I used it to buy a goat and I expect to have more goats because it will reproduce and provides me with other goats."

Cissy in Uganda said she bought the dress she's wearing in the photo, 2 dresses for mum, a bag of rice, a shirt and trouser, sports shoes, open shoes, a bag for her brother and she had a little pocket money left!

Estela in Brazil: her gift photo was lost in a computer crash, but she said, "I am writing to thank you for the present that you sent to me. With the money my mom bought things in the market: rice, beans and pasta, meat, milk, coockies and fruits. I am very happy." And the project took an extra photo for us to see Estela's pretty face, although we weren't able to see the gifts.

Gizelle in Brazil: She said she bought books for school, "The book is thick and there are seven subjects - Math, Science, History, English, Geography, English, Arts and others. The other one is for handwriting practice."

Jadson in Brazil: Nike sandals and school supplies

Ndikubwimana in Rwanda

We began corresponding with Ndikubwimana in June 2012. I will continue to update this post as we hear from him. In 2016, he shared that he calls himself Jean!

We have received 29 letters, one project director's letter, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Ndikubwimana. His birthday is February 11. Ndikubwimana, along with his three siblings, lives with his grandparents.

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Project Info and Activities:

Ndikubwimana attends RW-553 in Kagesa, Kibungo

* Home to approximately 3,700 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Kinyarwanda
* Primary ethnic group is Banyarwanda
* Most common work is work is day laboring
* Average earning is $25 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: malaria, worms
* Typical Houses: cement floors, mud walls, tin roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, health screenings, hygiene and nutrition education, physical exercises, field trips, community service opportunities, scholastic materials, tutoring, vocational training, English courses and home visits.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: running, other ball games, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, “Jesus is My Shield”, soccer, car toys, Kinyarwandan & English languages, fetching water, playing, conversing with his family, meat, cooked bananas, Fanta, singing in the choir, sunny weather, Sundays, fetching water, collecting firewood

* Dreams: to have a good future with his family, to attend the university, to have cows, to become a soccer player, to visit Lake Kivu, to meet his sponsors, to be a pastor, to get married and have two children after getting a diploma, to learn English, to become a director

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Letter Highlights...

"He knows how to count in English from 1-100."

"My mother is good and tries to cook what to eat like maize, beans and vegetables, lush potatoes and even sweet potatoes."

"Your child is eager to see you face to face."

"Thank you so much for caring about me and my family. We would like to hear your news."

"I wish to study much more."

"My studies are going well there is no problem. I am working very hard so that I will perform well this term. I wish to be third in my class. I request that you pray for me to achieve my dreams this year in my studies and in usual life."

"Thank you for your letter. I was very happy. My whole family was very happy. I dream to be a medical doctor."

"I dream about becoming a medical doctor. Pray for me that I may perform well academically."

"At school, I was the 2nd with 98%... I thank you so much for sending me a letter. Keep sending me more letters."

"I am preparing to go back to school so, pray for me to be able to pass with nice marks and I hope you do pray for my grandfather and grandmother because they give me the opportunity to go for sports. My brother is suffering from malaria so pray for him to get well and pray for my whole family. I will also pray for you that you may end well this year. May God watch over you."

"Please, keep sending me more letters because it pleases me to hear from you and even to see your photos. I really appreciate your prayers. Thank you and may God keep watching over you."

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Artwork

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Extra Photos & Gifts

Ndikubwimana sent two lovely photos in 2012. Sadly, he lost his mother in 2015, but I am so thankful that he sent the family photo because when we heard about his loss, we scanned it and printed it in size 8x10. I know that he will treasure it and am so glad I was able to send him the photo.

And when a friend heard about Ndikubwimana's loss, she offered to take gifts when she visited her Compassion children in Rwanda. She brought him toothpaste, toothbrush, coloring book, crayons, hot wheels fun pad, hot wheels car, stuffed bear, bag of marbles, bar of soap, lifesavers and tic-tacs.

In 2015, we sent a family gift and he shared, "Thank you for your gift. I used it to buy a goat and I expect to have more goats because it will reproduce and provides me with other goats."

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Project Director's Letter: Rwanda (RW-553)

Thanks to the Compassion App, I have discovered some additional project director and pastor letters! I'll be sharing them over the weeks! Enjoy!

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This letter is from Ndikubwimana's project! And the photos are from Compassion's Rwanda Flickr Album.

Dear Sponsor,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. Let me hope that you are doing well. My name is Ephrem M. and I am the Project Director Mulindi Student Center (Nyarubuye Parish) that ministers to your sponsored child. Our center is located in Kirehe District in the eastern region of Republic of Rwanda.

Our center started operating in 2011 with 250 children selected children in vulnerable families. We intend to support our children to achieve all kinds of goals. We hope that one among our center children will be governor of Eastern province in our country someday. This will show us that we are ready to accomplish our mission as church center.

The Presbyterian Church of Rwanda has a mission to manifest the love of God through the concrete actions of human and social development.

I would like to extend my special and heartfelt thanks to you for all the support you give to your sponsored child. In fact, sponsors through Compassion International have transformed the children's standard of living in all life aspects such as physical, cognitive, socio-emotional and spiritual. May God bless you in all your endeavors.

The children are proud of their sponsors, and they are testifying about your support because it has transformed their lives. Here is an example of a child who is aged 14 and has received many benefits since he joined the compassion program. For example he has learnt how to preach the Word of God to other children. He memorized many Bible stories and Scriptures. He told us that his role model in the Bible is Esther, and he is able to testify the kingdom of God.

Another child, aged 13, told us that she has acquired much knowledge because she attends all the center programs every Saturday. This girl is developing physically, and she is in good health. She has learnt different lessons from the center like taking care of herself, eating a well-balanced diet, self-hygiene and avoiding high risk situations.

Last year we received center gifts from sponsors. We used some in renewing the center kitchen. We also posted the four outcomes posters on the wall of center office where all visitors and children are able to see and know well what the church center is intended to achieve. The center gifts received have been used for benefit of all children, now all children are more skilled enough, the center kitchen runs smoothly, the community is aware of what the center does, families' lives have changed, some families didn't have shelters but now they have their own shelters now.

Children feel happy when they receive sponsor letters. They love to receive news from sponsor and know what happened to their sponsor and their family. Children appreciate the wisdom and encouragement given by their sponsors. It really impacts them. I hope you will write often.

I am inspired and it's a pleasure to help children to achieve their own goals and I believe that God will help these sponsored children to be agents of change in Rwanda. Children are of great value and this encourages me to their guide in helping them to reach their goals.

I know that one day I will receive thanks from our Lord because of my work of helping center children to be spiritually mature and gain more blessings in the world, and I have already received some.

We have a Child who suffers from epilepsy. Please ask that God heal him. We also request you to pray for all children so that they can progress in their studies.

We thank you so much for everything you do for your child.

With much love and hugs,
Ephrem M.

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Rwanda, please consider beautiful 7-year-old Nasasira. She has been waiting over 290 days for a sponsor and her birthday is March 8!

Nasasira makes her home with her grandmother. Carrying water and gathering firewood are her household duties. Her grandmother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 4 children in the family.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Nasasira participates in church activities. She is also in kindergarten where her performance is average. Jumping rope and running are her favorite activities. To sponsor Nasasira, click here.

Pastor's Letter: Rwanda (RW-553)

Thanks to the Compassion App, I have discovered some additional project director and pastor letters! I'll be sharing them over the weeks! Enjoy!

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This letter is from Ndikubwimana project! And the photos are from Compassion's Rwanda Flickr Album.

Dear Sponsor,

My name is Pastor Uwiragiye A. I am the pastor of Nyarubuye parish which belongs to Presbyterian Church of Rwanda that ministers to your sponsored child in Mulindi, our church and the [RW-553] Child Development Center are located Nasho sector, Kirehe district in eastern province of Rwanda.

Firstly, we thank you for your sponsorship, mainly for your monthly support and gifts given to your child every month. We have found that you are recognized in our daily life and we consider you as people of God.

The center is located in a mountainous area containing many stones and there is also a dry season. The people living of this community are cultivators. Children help their parents in fetching water for home use. Due to shortage of water in our community children can come to school late because they go to fetch water far from home.

Shelters of families in our community are not modern, meaning that children are not protected at all. Children need to be protected by helping them to be in good shelters. Their parents have formed income generation associations but their funds are less compared to the required investment.

Most of children are learning how to get saved and some of them are choir members, they try to read the holy Bible, in simple terms they are growing up both spiritually and physically. They are healthy, receive care when they are sick and have clothes to wear.

They conduct sensitizations for the public about the importance of education, so a big number of children are now at school. School fees are paid by the center and this is the advantage that helps most of the children to go to school. Children learn different languages, including English, Kinyarwanda and French.

Children have learned the dangers of some bad behaviors like prostitution, drinking drugs and child abuse. They have integrity and respect in society and they have learned the possible methods of fighting against poverty. The center has many impacts to the community because most of people have jobs, also people's minds have been changed and a very big number is now saved. We want the children to be developed holistically and become strong, Christian adults.

The relationship between children and their sponsors is important, because through this correspondence some children were amazed by being loved by someone who is far from where they live. Children often pray before writing to the sponsor. And it's really interesting because children and sponsors exchange information and prayer requests. Please write a letter to your child.

Before I conclude, I would like to request you to keep us in your prayers so that God can enable us in all our daily activities at the church and at the center. Please pray for one of our children is suffering from epilepsy and pray for the center staffs, parish and the country in general. We also keep you in our prayers so that God can help you and bless you in all plans. We thank you a lot for your support, prayers and advices all in Jesus' name.

Yours sincerely,
Uwiragiye A.

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Rwanda, please consider 6-year-old Irasubiza who has been waiting over 425 days for a sponsor (over a year!). His birthday is March 16.

Irasubiza lives with his mother. He is responsible for running errands. His mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Irasubiza participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Playing ball games is his favorite activity. To sponsor Irasubiza, click here.

Tresor in Rwanda

We were Tresor's correspondents from January 2014 to February 2015.

We received 7 letters while corresponding with Tresor and 1 Pastor Letter. His birthday is June 16, 1998. Tresor lived with his parents, who are farmers, and 5 siblings.

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Project Info and Activities:

Tresor attended RW-540 in Kavumu, Butare
* Home to approximately 20,000 residents
* The primary ethnic group is Banyarwandas
* Most commonly spoken language is Kinyarwanda
* Most common work is work is substance farming
* Average earning is $8 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes & sorghum
* Common Health Problems: malaria, worms, malnutrition
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, mud walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, choir, health screening, hygiene and nutrition education, games, field trips, community service opportunities, tuition, scholastic materials, tutoring and home visits.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, soccer/football, marbles, hide-and-seek, running, singing, praying on Sundays, mathematics, history

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Letter Highlights...

"My favorite game is soccer, how about you? I enjoy attending Sunday School."

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Tresor moved away from the area into a region where Compassion doesn't work, so while we received a final letter from Tresor's project, we were unable to send him a final letter.

Final Letter:

"Dear Eric and Hannah

We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for your support to our child Tresor. May God bless you so much. We write this letter to let you know that your child has been departed from the project programs. We request you to continue praying for him. We conclude by wishing you a nice home."

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Pastor's Letter: Rwanda

We received a pastor's letter from Tresor's pastor in Rwanda! Tresor attended RW-540 (he has since moved out of the area and is no longer attending a Compassion project). All the photos are from Compassion's Rwanda Rural Region page.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus. I am Pastor Zacharie M. a partner with Compassion International in the Kavumu Student Center. We minister to your sponsored child. Thank you for your sponsorship of Tresor. I am also pastor of a Presbyterian Church located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, in Kavumu.

I am grateful for your kind sponsorship. Agriculture is the main economic activity of this rural community. The main constraints the people face include farmers' access to markets and finding the best price for their produce. Farmers have difficulty maximizing their yield due to steep prices of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, seeds) and sometimes water shortage caused by unpredictable climate. Consequently, the risks are high, and oftentimes, the return on investment is very low. As a result, rural communities like my parishioners tend to be the poorest, and their livelihoods precarious.

The church has made strides in terms of supporting improvements in agricultural productivity, but the community is still faced with pressure to increase yields while protecting land, water, and biodiversity. In developing economies like ours, this journey to sustainable agriculture is complicated.

In this community, children's needs are multifold and very according to their age group. Young children need healthy food to give them a good start in life. Unfortunately, some already show signs of malnutrition. Primary school age children need school uniforms and supplies. Children studying at secondary school levels need assistance with school fees and other financial support. We are grateful that children benefit form different forms of support through this Center: their school fees, school materials, and medical insurance are covered through the sponsorship of each child.

The church has historically contributed a lot of the community, as the vanguard for education and provider of social services. The church encourages the community's enrollment in medical care and provides some services and has had some influence in socioeconomic improvement and cultural expression. It plays an influential role in every aspect of the community's spiritual growth. This centers support has been instrumental in contributing to this legacy. However, it is difficult, or perhaps too early, to assess what its overall impact has been. It is worthy to note, however, that most of the children registered in the center and their caregivers have been baptized after being ministered to. Additionally, the children in the center have recorded and produced an inspiring Gospel music video.

This church looks forward to the center's expansion to include more children and to lift them out of poverty in Jesus' name. We want to enable them become responsible Christians, able to live independently and be productive members of their community. The church and center will cooperate to educate the parents with the view of ensuring that the center children are given the tools to live as independent and productive adults.

The sponsor-child relationship, especially correspondence has a great value to everyone involved in the partnership. A letter is a sign of love on the side of the sponsor toward the sponsored child and also a source of joy for the child. Sponsors and children exchange news and information, send prayer request, and share biblical verses. Our children are very eager to get letters. Please write Tresor often.

We request you to pray with us so that the children can grow up honoring God. We thank you for your invaluable sponsorship that has filled our hearts with joy.

In Christ,

Pastor M. Zacharie

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If you would like to sponsor child from Rwanda, please consider Nteziryayo who's 5 and has been waiting over 184 days. His birthday is February 23!

Nteziryayo lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for running errands and cleaning. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 4 children in the family.

Soccer and running are Nteziryayo's favorite activities. In kindergarten his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities. To sponsor Nteziryayo, click here.

Sidewalk Game: Gutera Uriziga

This month's sidewalk game is called Gutera Uriziga and is played in Rwanda. The letter I sent looked like this:

If you would like to learn how to play or would like to share this letter with your sponsored child, here is what I shared:

Dear Name,

I would like to share another game with you! This game is played by children in Rwanda. Rwanda is a country in Eastern Africa. The Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is home to 300 species of birds, leopards, serval cats, silver monkeys and other animals. The largest lake in Rwanda is called Lake Kivu.

I included a photo of Rwanda's beautiful countryside, a picture of the flag of Rwanda and a map to show you where Rwanda is located.

This game is called Gutera Uriziga.

To play, you need: 4 or more players, each holding a stick about 1.5 meters long. One a large hoop is needed also.

1. One player is chosen as leader and is given the hoop.

2. All players stand shoulder to shoulder in a straight line holding their sticks. The leader stands about 15 meters in front of the group but over to one side.

3. The players get ready to throw their sticks. On the word “Go,” the leader rolls the hoop in front of the players. The players then try to throw their sticks through the rolling hoop.

4. If a player is successful in throwing their stick through the hoop, they receive one point.

5. When players have ended the game the winner is the player with the most points.

Have you ever played a game like this?

I love you dearly, and I am praying for you! Have you read Psalm 103? I just love this Psalm and think it is beautiful!

Love,
Hannah

I found the map, flag and photo via Google searches.