Blog

18 Jun
0

Looking at Baptism in a New Light.

I thought I knew about Baptism, I’m from the denomination named “Baptist” for goodness’ sake. I should understand it; however, seeing the way believers here seriously consider the spiritual, symbolic statement of faith, has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of baptism. Recently, a Rwandese friend stated that as he wanted to be baptized, he would be participating in a 3-month course with his church. “Three months!!!” was my initial reaction. What could there possibly be to learn about baptism...

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05 Jun
1

Dear God, Do I Have to Give THAT up too?

When you think of giving up something to follow Christ, what things first come to your mind? If you are like many, favorite foods, modern technology, material comforts and family and friends are first to come to mind. I know this through the reactions of many friends and well-wishers who would frequently list for me the reasons they pity me for coming to Africa. I’m blessed that these things really don’t bother me. Yes, I appreciate life’s comforts and...

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04 Apr
3

It has been 3 months already?!?! God is so good!

Wow! Wow! Wow! This has been such a full month of activity, expansion and blessings. Can you believe Love Alive has now placed 40 children in school?!?!? 40! That’s 40 little lives given an opportunity to read and write. These kids are so excited about going to school they beg to go even during breaks. One child was upset that when I put him into “summer school” (The schools are on a 3 week break here.)...

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31 Mar
0

Ordinary Walk on an Ordinary Day

As I walked to town, I passed the Catholic church, where so very many persons line the sidewalks hoping for a few coins thrown their way. It is often overwhelming to have so many congregated together as I can’t help them all; but if I can single one out, I try to help. I had no money on me at the time, and had to pass on by, feeling rather helpless as I...

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02 Mar
2

From Streets to Schools

“Inshuti, Inshuti, You have to come, Mom is sick and she needs you. Please come.” The pleas came from 5 young children, I’d met about a month prior in the streets, when they first came running and shouting, “Umuzungu!” and proceeding to ask for food. Since that time, I had seen the children at least weekly when I would ride into the city for errands. After the first time we went and bought bread and milk together and sat down...

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26 Feb
4

It Gets a Little Messy Being the “Good Samaritan.”

Haven’t you always just loved the Good Samaritan? Each and every time I have heard this story as told by Jesus in Luke 10, my heart is full of joy for the deeds of the Samaritan; but I must admit a great deal of disdain for the Priest and the Levite. I find it easy to feel contempt for them as they walked past this poor man in need simply turning away. I suppose, that you, like I have, have...

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21 Feb
0

Because of You!

• I admit, I seem to have a magnetism for street boys. Something about those little bare feet caked with dried dirt, their soiled clothes, affinity for picking trash, and their forlorn looks calls to my heart. • Most of my encounters with these little guys leads only to only a few moments shared of kind words and simple gifts, of something to eat, and maybe sandals to wear; but once in a while a relationship is born. • I met him...

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11 Feb
0

Have you ever had someone walk into your life, and almost instantly you know you will be changed because of this encounter?

Have you ever had someone walk into your life, and almost instantly you know you will be changed because of this encounter? I still do not know all that this little boy has instigated in my life and mission, but I know he is the beginning of something. He has certainly drawn me into the circle of street children and has me researching and learning as to what can be done. I was walking home from language study when I...

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11 Feb
0

Muzungu!

I hope I never tire of the experience of children seeing a white person up close for the first time. Any given day as I walk through rural Rwandan villages, I have both children and adults yell out, “Muzungu! Muzungu!” [white person!] Children often come running in a group and hug me, yell the only English word(s) they know, or dare each other to touch me. Mothers will call for their children to come look at or touch the Muzungu....

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04 Feb
0

Monthly update.

Thank you so very much for being a part of Love Alive International. Whether through prayer support, emotional encouragement, or financial contribution, you are an integral part of sharing Christ’s love. I arrived here in Rwanda on January 18 and spent the first week in Cyangugu, Rwanda, a southern region on the borders of the Congo and Burundi. This area is largely cut off from the rest of Rwanda and far from the capital. I have since come near the capital...

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