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:
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.
Esther wears many hats at HFL’s office, from clearing to preparing meals.
Marie Chantal Numukobwa
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Chantal is passionate about working with vulnerable children and seeing them experience holistic wellbeing. She oversees the work in the Transitional Program and serves as a child and family therapist. She has more than 17 years of experience as a therapist, school counselor, and in women empowerment programs. Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an advanced diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
Emmanuel Niyomugabo
RWANDA CASE ATTENDANT
Emmanuel, a former HFL beneficiary, supports youth in educational services. He leads catch-up classes, school work revision, and ensures youth who have dropped out of school are able to successfully return to the classroom.
Alessandra Durham
US BOARD MEMBER
Alessandra serves as Chief of Staff for Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. She has worked on critical issues such as affordable housing, the opioid epidemic, race and social justice, developed and strengthened relationships with communities furthest from opportunity to ensure more diverse perspectives are considered in policy development, played a key role in the response to COVID-19, and led Snohomish County’s refugee resettlement efforts in collaboration with community and non-profit partners.
Alessandra was raised in Snohomish County and resides in Everett. She attended the University of Washington and holds bachelor’s degree in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior and holds a master’s degree in business administration. Alessandra enjoys biking, exploring trails, traveling, reading, playing with her Shiba Inu, and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily Barnes
Advisor, US Board of Directors
Emily works as a Washington State Auditor and is passionate about social justice, fighting homelessness, and nonprofit finance. In addition to being a CPA, Emily holds a BA in International Development, an MA in Public Administration, and certificates in Accounting and Nonprofit Management. We are grateful for her and the expertise she brings to the organization.