These two years we have spent in Rwanda have been life-changing for us. They have forged our family closer, challenged what we thought we knew, and deepened our conviction that supporting Rwandan led NGOs is the best way to go. We have found, as we guessed, that they have a much greater ability to be effective than we do. They have a greater capacity to deal with the hard knocks that living in a third world place brings, a stronger tenacity to overcome difficulty, and a much better understanding of the deep-seated problems related to generational ethnic conflicts. They know their culture and language better than any of us outsiders ever could. These guys (and gals) are SO well equipped to be working right where they are.

Still, that doesn’t mean we aren’t needed. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have come. Fresh eyes bring fresh perspective. I truly believe that we both (the West, and Africa) have A LOT to give one another. A LOT to learn from one another. And we certainly know what a privilege it has been to be learners in Rwanda these past two years.

Yes, we have had the privilege of meeting many compassionate, intelligent, generous, faith-filled people in our short time here. And as we begin this new venture of creating a guest house that gives back, The Inn@Kibagabaga, we are super excited to support several local Rwandan-led NGOs. We believe in the work God has called and equipped them to do and it is our pleasure to come alongside them in this way.

Below is a brief summary of a handful of NGOs we have interacted with and what they do. Prayerfully, more ministries to come. :)

Komeza Life

Komeza means “to strengthen” and this is just what Komeza Life does for those it serves. KL has an early childhood education center in which they teach and feed some of the poorest children in Kigali. They are working on funding a new educational development center in one of the poorest districts in Rwanda, that will not only help the children but the whole family. Komeza Life is passionate about walking alongside people to see their lives strengthened, encouraged and bettered. We are happy to help them continue this great work they have been doing for many years.

Tubasange

Tubasange means “let’s reach them'“ in the local language Kinyarwanda. Tubasange is part of an exciting global movement of Africans reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. For many years missionaries have been coming to Rwanda, now missionaries are coming from Rwanda! It is exciting and ground breaking work this team of people are doing! Tubasange focuses on mobilizing, training and sending disciples in partnership with local churches to take the gospel to the least reached people groups of Africa and beyond. Truly amazing and we are thrilled to help support these Rwandan missionaries.

Bonds & Brooms

Bonds & Brooms was founded by our friend Eric when he was walking the streets of Kigali one day and feeling depressed. He struck up a conversation with a woman sweeping the street and realized all the struggles they shared in common. He also realized just how vulnerable these women are and how much help they need. As an artist and photographer, Eric became interested in photographing them and sharing their stories, which soon turned into photo expositions of the “street sweepers” which raised money for these women. Eric and his wife, Naomi, have helped over two dozen women with school fees, medicine, and food. We are also excited to further Eric’s vision of helping more women in even longer lasting ways.

Purpose Rwanda

Purpose Rwanda is a nonprofit organization that exists to build a purposeful and addiction free generation in Rwanda. They focus on prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration as a holistic transformational approach. All in the name of Jesus Christ. The walk alongside addicts coming out of alcohol and drug addictions as well as prostitution, and help them become purposeful agents of transformation who go out into communities to help others find freedom from addiction. We are excited to be partnering with Purpose Rwanda as alcoholism is a huge problem in Rwanda, but sadly many do not acknowledge it.

Trinitas

Trinitas is a nonprofit organization formed because of a vision three brothers had to give back to a poor rural community in Bugesera. Derek, Emmy & Bosco (not pictured) were themselves once poor refugees living in Uganda. After the liberation of Rwanda from the Genocide Against the Tutsi, their family reentered Rwanda and were even poorer than before. Over time these brothers grew up and have become successful businessmen. But their compassion and love for the poor and the refugee has remained, and they have “adopted” a village in Bugesera district (one of the poorest in Rwanda). In the centers they have begun to build there they hold weekend kids programs, worship, teaching and they even feed the children lunch in the local school of over 600 students and 20 teachers!! They have a whole vision for impacting this poor community. It is inspiring to see these business men give their own resources to better the lives of their fellow Rwandans, and we want to be a part of it!

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