2014 – Page 2 – Hope for Life

Five years ago, David, Pacifique, and D’Amour were living in a garbage dump; their minds were filled with thoughts of food, shelter, and numbing their pain. They never dared to dream about what their future might look like, as all of their energy was consumed with merely surviving another day. Today, David, Pacifique, and D’Amour have discovered their mutual ambition to become gospel artists, and they are on their way to achieving their dreams. Last year, they formed a gospel band called Shining Hope and produced their first song, “You Are Precious,” singing about their transformed lives since knowing Jesus.

Charlie with Pacifique, David and D’amour outside the radio station

Last month, HFLM volunteer Charlie Gladitsch brought Shining Hope’s song to a gospel radio station in Kigali. The radio host loved the song and asked if the band would come in for an interview the following day. You can imagine the boys’ elation after hearing they would be on the radio! On interview day, the radio host played “You Are Precious” and interviewed Shining Hope for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the rest of the HFLM boys tuned in to listen as Shining Hope shared about using their vocal talents to praise God and share His love with the world. The host proclaimed he would play their song every day he works! “You Are Precious” has been playing daily, and the station eagerly awaits for Shining Hope to produce more of their music.

The impact has been profound, as they realize that God has big plans for their lives. 19-year-old David said, “I thank God that it happened and I hope God is supporting Shining Hope. It was a huge celebration to have finally made it on the radio. With my background on the streets, I never expected to make music that was played on the radio or to be interviewed. Being with my brothers and having the support of HFLM really encouraged me. When I got home from the interview, I wrote down my whole experience so I would never forget that day. It was a special day in my life.”

This is a testament to the vast transformation and endless opportunities that open up when children are equipped to leave street life. We couldn’t be more proud of the incredible men that our boys are becoming!

As we continue to encourage Shining Hope’s dreams and invest into the talents of all the boys at HFLM, please consider joining us. To promote Shining Hope, you can:

1. Donate towards the costs of producing their songs (each songs costs $115 to produce);

2. Like their Facebook group.

3. Listen to and share their music.

Thank you for the many ways you support the lives of HFLM children. We trust you are encouraged upon hearing how lives are being changed and how the boys use their talents for the glory of God.

Hope For Life Ministry January 2014 Update

Boys opening their Christmas presents Torey’s family brought from the US

Thank you HFLM supporters for your dedication to our boys and their future. You are an AMAZINGcommunity! Last month we shared several financial needs that were heavy on our hearts and you jumped into action and covered all of them. We are blown away! Your generosity enabled us to completely repair the damage from the fire, placing Baby back into his room before Christmas, and we were able to bless the boys with a special traditional Rwandan meal for Christmas. Further, you gave enough funding to send all of our boys to their first trimester of private school! Our whole house is buzzing with excitement!

A STARS classroom

HFLM’s Executive Director, Torey, explains why we decided to send our boys to private school: “One of the most disheartening days for me was visiting the public school and witnessing the crowded, chaotic classrooms of our boys. Their teacher wasn’t even able to communicate in basic English with me, which is astonishing since English is the official language in Rwandan schools. I knew we needed to make a change to really bring transformation to their lives.” Given these dire circumstances, we want to thank you immensely for investing into their futures and enabling us to send them to a private school called STARS.

Students at STARS

One of the residential counselors, Gustave, shared, “Attending STARS is a great opportunity for the boys because everything is taught in English and the teaching is very, very advanced compared to other schools.” Five-year-old Benjamin has been jumping out of his skin in anticipation of attending STARS because he is so excited to learn English. Whenever he hears a word in English, he repeats it and then proceeds to run around HFLM sharing the new English word to everyone that is in sight.

Reasons we love STARS School:

· All STARS teachers speak fluent English and students speak conversational English after one year!

· Students receive a school lunch, verses waiting until 3pm to eat at home.

· The boys will only walk 20 minutes to school rather than 45 minutes, and it is through a much safer area.

· STARS offers organized school sports teams. We’re guessing our boys will be the most excited about this change!

· The teacher-student ratio is 1:35 compared with a national average of 1:66 (Ministry of Education, Government of Rwanda [2009]).

After the big soccer game during the New Years party

As we reflect on the trials and blessings of 2013, we are reminded that God is good and faithful. Please celebrate the following blessings from 2013 with us, knowing that your support played a vital role in our success.

· We’ve received our registration from the Rwandan Government and with it, the green light to continue our operation in the wake of other centers for street children being shut down.

· We’ve been able to bring eight new street boys into our center this year, as well as sponsoring 10 additional children through outside school scholarships.

· Chickens and goats were donated, allowing us to strengthen sustainability and the overall nutrition at HFLM.

· Two teams of American groups brought soccer gear and gifts to our boys.

Thank you for your devotion and faithfulness to our mission of transforming the lives of Rwandan youth. We look forward to your continued partnership in 2014!

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]