Saturday, December 12, 2015

Because of You



All that has happened in this past month has completely blown us away, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

USA staff at the Gala

·      Our Seattle community amazed us with their overwhelming support at our fundraising Gala. We set an ambitious goal of $40,000 and were thrilled to raise over $48,500 to continue equipping children to leave the streets!


 If you missed our powerful video from the fundraiser, you can watch it here!



·      Our amazing volunteer, Amanda, organized a medical trip to Kenya for our six-year-old neighbor, Fred, who was born with leg abnormalities. Doctors in Rwanda told us Fred’s leg needed to be amputated but we wanted a second opinion. Amanda spearheaded the fundraising effort, organized the details, and with the partnership of CURE International, received news that doctors will be able to save Fred’s leg! A huge thank you to all of you who have partnered with us in his story.
Fred after receiving great news


·      The school year ended in November and our older boys came home from boarding school with the good news that they will all move up to the next grade! Our boys are enjoying being reunited and have been spending their days playing (they got to bowling!), visiting their relatives, and the small ones receive extra tutoring from their big brothers.
Hilliary and the boys

·      Two of our US Board Members were able to visit Rwanda and reunite with the staff and kids. It was a fantastic time for all!

We are so thankful for all of the ways that you sacrifice, pray, and give so we can all watch the boys flourish. 20-year-old Emmanuel told us, “There are so many things I have achieved that I never thought I would. Because of you, I believe I can make it.”


Thank you for your part in the Hope For Life community. We could not do this without you!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Our Little Miracle


In June, we shared a story about two-year-old Sandrine, the sister of two boys currently living with us. Her mother brought her to HFLM asking us to help her severely malnourished daughter who also had malaria. Four days later, Sandrine fell into a coma and was diagnosed with cerebral malaria, a frequently fatal form of malaria. She remained in critical condition for five weeks, showing no signs of making a full recovery. We were doubtful she would survive. A few days later, however, Sandrine surprised us and woke from her coma. Unfortunately, though, she was blind and deaf, couldn’t feel physical touch, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We were heartbroken and turned to our Father in heaven asking for the impossible – for full healing. 

Sandrine’s story spread rapidly and people from our Rwandan community visited and prayed for her, along with churches in the USA. Several of you sensed that God would heal Sandrine and that she would grow up to serve Him. We are thrilled to inform you that the impossible is happening! Sandrine’s sensations have slowly returned, her hearing was restored, and she can now see!



With tears of joy in her eyes HFLM Administrative Director Marie Clarice said, "In the hospital, there were many children much stronger than Sandrine who died. She is our little miracle." Sandrine is not only a testament of God's love, but has been a blessing at our home, impacting our boy’s hearts. They regularly take turns holding her, playing with her, and feeding her. Her presence at HFLM has given our boys the opportunity to care for the needy, just as they have been cared for, and it has deeply impacted their hearts. 

Sandrine will continue to stay with us for the next several months while she continues to recover. We are currently seeking a long-term solution for her as she cannot reside at HFLM permanently.

Sandrine's a lucky girl to have 17 big brothers who love her!
We praise God for Sandrine's life and believe He has much planned for her. From the malnutrition and cerebral palsy she is still very weak, underdeveloped, and is unable to talk or sit by herself. We hope you are encouraged at the progress that is being made. Your prayers and partnership are making all the difference in this young girl’s life! 

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Experience East Africa Gala Auction Items

Check out some of the incredible live auction items we will have available on November 13th!


#1 - Woodinville Wine Tasting & Pizza For Four

  • Wine Tasting and Pizza at Novelty Hill Winery
  • Three Bottles of Wine



#2 - Woodland Park Zoo Family Pack

  • Admission to the Woodland Park Zoo for two adults and two children
  • Molly Moon's Gift Certificate
  • Ivars or Kid Valley Gift Certificate


#3 - Customized Fitness Package with Salubrious Fitness

  • 30-day Customized Workout Regimen
  • 30-day Challenge



#4 - Sounders "Go for the Goal"

  • Two Tickets to 2016 Season Opening Match
  • Team Autographed Jersey
  • Fan Gear 




#5 - Canlis Dinner & Space Needle Views

  • Canlis Gift Certificate
  • Admission for two to the Space Needle Observation Deck


#6 - Wenatchee Golf Getaway

  • Round of golf with cart for four people at Wenatchee Golf & Country Club




# 7 - XBox One 1TB FIFIA 16 Bundle


#8 - Springtime Leavenworth Escape

  • Three night weekend stay for up to 17 at Natapoc Lodge in Wenatchee
  • Wine Tasting at Plain Cellars



#9 - Painting by Isaac Anderson

  • Mixed media, plaster on panel painting by nationally-awarded artist, Isaac Anderson



#10 - Wellness Package

  • Two Massages
  • Chiropractic Consultation
  • Professional Teeth Whitening
  • Haircuts for a Year



#11 - Canlis Dinner & Scenic Flight Tour for Two

  • Canlis Gift Certificate
  • Scenic Seattle Flight Tour



#12 - North End Adventure for Two

  • Dinner at Anthony's
  • Segway Tour in Edmonds
  • Walnut Street Coffee Gift Certificate




For a chance to bid on these amazing auction packages, purchase your Gala tickets at:
www.hopeforlifeministry.org/gala2015


Thank you to our event sponsors, Ronald Blue & Company and Nakanishi Dental Labs!





Monday, October 5, 2015

The Process of Reintegration


Two years ago, we introduced you to a pair of unnamed five-year-old twins we found living alone on the streets. Your support allowed us to welcome Benjamin into our home while setting up Grace in a nearby home for girls, ensuring their ability to see each other often. They chose names for themselves, and began the journey towards healing. While Benjamin has made incredible strides in his own recovery, he has continually longed for a family. Unable to live with his abusive mom, and having no other known relatives, his dream of a family looked grim.


Last month, however, we received a call from a woman, who explained, “I’m calling about a boy named Benjamin. This is his grandmother.” Our staff listened in disbelief as the grandmother expressed her strong desire to meet her grandchildren and have them come stay with her. The following week, Benjamin and Grace visited their grandma for the first time and also discovered they have an aunt and uncle! Benjamin and Grace returned home beaming. “I am so happy to have had conversations with my grandma and aunt,” Benjamin told us. “We fetched water and had fun playing games. I learned that they love me and care! I really never thought it was possible to have a family.”

This process of reconciling and moving in with family is what we call “reintegration.” Believing that many wounds can be healed when family ties are restored, reintegration is the goal we strive for with our kids whenever possible. Often taking several years to complete, reintegration is the ultimate culmination of a child’s transformation.

The twins happily meeting their grandma and aunt.
When asked what he thought about living with his grandma and Grace, Benjamin’s face glowed. He responded, “It makes me so happy. I would like that!” He paused before finishing, “…But only as long as there were days that I could still come to HFLM!”

We stand at a new starting line with our dear twins, looking ahead at a horizon that is shining brightly. This horizon breathes a new beginning, carrying with it potential for a family to begin writing a new chapter together at last.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Meet Samuel, HFLM's Newest Family Member


“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” – Mother Teresa

Hello HFLM family! My name is Amanda and I am an American living in Rwanda, serving Hope For Life. I come to you this month sharing a story that deeply impacted my life. 


Samuel on the streets

Last month, I was doing errands in town when I saw a homeless boy. He was sitting in front of me against the market wall, with a glue bottle in his mouth getting high. His face was downtrodden as he stared at his dirty, shoeless feet. He reeked so strongly of glue that I had a headache within a few minutes of being near him. However, I felt a nudge to stop and talk to him. Over dinner in a nearby restaurant, a friendship began forming that would shape both of our lives. Over the course of many more meals, Samuel’s story started to slowly unfold. This 14-year-old boy hadn’t seen his father in 12 years and his mother is mentally ill, struggles with alcoholism, and is homeless. Having no other immediate family willing to care for him, Samuel left his mom and began living alone on the streets.


Samuel and his best buddy, Patrick at HFLM 

Getting to know Samuel has inevitably changed me forever. I haven’t felt so personally destroyed on the inside for someone ever before. After our dinner dates, I would leave him and all I could do was cry. His face was written on my heart. Before falling asleep, I would lay in my bed thinking of him outside in the dark. At meals, I would look at my food wondering if he was hungry. All I could do was pray for God to have a plan.


Samuel and I

I am happy to tell you that a few weeks ago, HFLM officially accepted Samuel into the HFLM family! If you saw him today, you truly wouldn’t recognize him. He has had a very easy transition into our home and has quickly befriended many of our boys. He is most excited about returning to school in January 2016. In anticipation, he wakes up every morning on his own initiative to study. During a recent devotion, our staff asked the boys what they wanted to pray for. Their requests ranged from doing well in school to not wetting the bed. Sam’s character shone through as he replied, “I want God to help me love more.”


Though there are still many boys sleeping outside near me tonight, this week we celebrate the victory that is Samuel. I’m grateful to have a God who not only sees, but adores and cherishes every drop in the ocean! 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Meet HFLM's New "Mama"

HFLM has a new “mama”! We are overjoyed to introduce you to our newest Residential Counselor, Jeannette. By the end of her first week, our staff stood in awe as we heard the boys already calling her “mama.” Since joining in April, she has made valuable changes in our home and in our hearts.


Given that our home is constantly filled with boys transitioning from the streets, it has always been a challenge to develop habits of good hygiene. In Jeanette’s first hour on the clock, this experienced mother of three quickly inspired a house cleaning party. After only three weeks, Jeanette’s encouragement has quickly turned our young men into the sharpest looking kids on the block.

In addition to the physical improvements Jeannette has brought us, we’ve also witnessed growth within our kids. A former teacher and counselor, Jeannette quickly developed a new mentorship program whereby the older boys take turns leading Bible studies and tutoring sessions for the smaller kids. As a result, we’ve seen seeds of maturity and self-confidence start to flourish in our older boys. 13-year-old Eric has especially thrived in his new responsibilities and even earned the nickname “Mayor” from the smaller boys.

Jeannette was quick to connect with our boys’ hearts. Her patient and nurturing disposition naturally draws people in, leading our youth to openly share their lives with her. 17-year-old Valence became part of the HFLM family last December. This shy and withdrawn young man has had much difficulty transitioning into our home, as he has resisted participating in activities or connecting with staff. However, in Jeanette’s first few weeks, she and Valence could be seen every evening talking on the porch until the moon shone down on them. Since then, Valence has opened up about his life on the streets and is making significant progress in his rehabilitation.


Please join us in welcoming Jeannette into our HFLM family! We may be a family scattered across the world but our hearts beat together to see God’s kingdom flourish on the streets of Rwanda.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

The Kingdom of God Belongs to Children


“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” – Jesus, Matthew 19:14


Meet Fred, our six-year-old neighbor. Fred was born without a tibia in his right leg. Due to the complexity of surgery in Rwanda, his leg was removed from the knee down. His family’s poverty made it impossible to get a prosthetic. To add to Fred’s hardship, many Rwandans have a fear of those with disabilities. Fred has never had friends. He says of his community, “They call me names, run from me, beat me, and throw rocks at me.” 

Click here to watch Fred's story

Upon sharing Fred’s story with our boys, they immediately resonated. They, too, have known loneliness and rejection. They decided to befriend Fred and “show him how to make cars, draw, and build legos.” Benjamin even suggested we fix our old wheelchair so Fred could use it.


Fred and his wheelchair.
On Fred’s first play date, our boys had so much fun they invited him to a sleepover! He has spent every weekend since playing with his new friends. Fred’s mom recently called and said, “Fred never used to talk before, but now when he comes home from HFLM, he is like a radio! He wants us all to stop what we are doing and sit around him. Then he tells us everything about his time at HFLM from the second he arrived to the second he left. He said returning home is hard because it feels like he’s leaving heaven.”

Fred with his new friends.
We knew our boys were special, but these last few weeks have left us in awe. They repeatedly put love into action and show us the kingdom of God growing in and through their hearts.


Update on Sandrine: The road ahead is long, as Sandrine has suffered severe brain damage. She is not expected to regain her eyesight or the motor skills she previously possessed. We hope to see small improvements over the next months and continue to work with her family to find the best long-term solution.

Monday, June 8, 2015

A Time to Laugh and a Time to Weep

We are thrilled to introduce the newest five members of the HFLM family! In the past two months, we’ve welcomed Gaetan, Ishimwe, Hassan, and two brothers, Patrick and Jean Paul. Coming from backgrounds of child labor, abuse, neglect, and immense poverty, their newfound excitement about life has brought freshness and energy into our home.
From left to right: Patrick (4), Jean Paul (12), Ishimwe (12), Gaetan (11), Hassan (12)
While we have experienced much joy with the addition of these new personalities, we have also experienced great pain. During four-year-old Patrick’s first few weeks at HFLM, he expressed continued concern for his two-year-old sister, Sandrine, who was still living with their mom. Their mom is deaf and mute, and struggles to find work because of her disability. Begging to survive, the family often went without eating. Little Patrick’s genuine fear for his sister moved us and we knew we had to learn more.

Patrick and Jean Paul's sister, two-year-old Sandrine lays unconscious in the hospital.
Our first interaction with Sandrine broke our hearts. She could not sit or hold her head up on her own because of severe malnutrition. And despite being two years old, her development mirrored an infant’s. Due to her critical state and her mom’s disabilities, HFLM decided to take Sandrine in to live with us temporarily until we could identify a more sustainable solution for her and her mom. A few days after her arrival, Sandrine lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with cerebral malaria, a severe strain that enters the spine and brain, and she also suffered heart failure. She currently lays comatose in the hospital, experiencing seizures every few hours. 

Patrick and Sandrine days before she was hospitalized.
Please join us in praying for a miracle for little Sandrine, as well as peace for her family and our staff. If you are interested in partnering with us to become a sponsor of one of these new children, please visit our website.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Prayers for Burundi


Our neighbors to the south in Burundi are experiencing political unrest and violence (BBC article here). The unrest began recently when current president Nkurunziza announced that he would be running for re-election this June after already serving two terms. Burundi’s constitution states that a president can only be elected to two terms. Nkurunziza, however, argues that he was "appointed" rather than elected for his first term. 

Photo taken from BBC article referenced above
Weeks ago the country's courts upheld Nkurunziza's understanding, which has led to opposition and unrest from citizens and military members. Out of fear, tens of thousands of Burundians continue to flee to neighboring countries. Not only are we deeply concerned with the state of Burundi,  and the mass amounts of refugees entering Rwanda, but two of our boys' families live in Burundi. Please stand alongside us in prayer as we lift up Burundi and the families we work with. #ComeJesusCome

Saturday, May 9, 2015

How a Boy Found Love in a Box


“Can I ask you something?” 16-year-old Djuhudi quietly asked his HFLM counselor one afternoon.  “Does my dad love me? I don't think he does.”

These issues began the day Djuhudi was born. Tragically, Djuhudi’s mom passed away in childbirth and his father blamed Djuhudi for her death. Djuhudi’s father has never accepted him as a son or pursued a relationship with him. While Djuhudi has made enormous strides over the past five years at HFLM, self-worth is still a daily struggle.

Djuhudi's Sponsors, the Lush family, are crazy about him!

Djuhudi wearing a new shirt he unwrapped from his sponsors.

Then, one day, a package arrived with Djuhudi’s name written in big letters across the front. It had travelled 9,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from his sponsors in Colorado. Djuhudi unwrapped the package slowly, pausing frequently to ask, “Is this really for me?” With each rip of tape, a smile widened on his face, accompanied by a sparkle in his eyes that wasn’t usually there. In that moment, we sensed his relief. Djuhudi had been desperately trying to find love, and it ended up finding him, wrapped in a big brown box. He fumbled in awe as he opened the package and found numerous handwritten letters, photos, and gifts. He could not believe that someone had taken the time to do this just for him. 


While this act of kindness might seem small to you and I, it was a loud affirmation of self-worth to Djuhudi. Our boys didn't grow up receiving words of love spoken into their lives. They didn't often have loving arms wrapped around them. They didn't have family figures bending over backwards to put them through school. And while Djuhudi receives affirmation and love from our staff on a daily basis, the message of self-worth was reinforced in a unique way coming from a family on the other side of the world. And that love has stuck with him to this day.



Your support, encouragement, and love matter deeply to the children at HFLM. It reaffirms their value, provides hope, and gives second chances. A handwritten letter from you could be just the hope they need to keep believing that they aren’t alone. To learn about sponsoring a child and having the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with him, please visit our website.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Happy Six Year Anniversary, HFLM Family!

Six years ago, HFLM began as an impromptu picnic of hot dog buns and bottled water with 11 hungry, street children. Today, HFLM operates from a beautiful facility built by the Hovde Foundation and is recognized as a local non-profit by the Rwandan Government. We have grown in stability and impact and currently serve over 100 people in our community.

In our sixth year of operation, we challenged ourselves to think big and set goals to ensure our organization will exist well into the future and bring long-term transformation to each of our children. We focused on organizational health, strengthening internal operations, and pursuing sustainability. We’re excited to celebrate our highlights with you!

The original boys on the streets in 2008

HFLM all grown up in 2014

Organizational Highlights from our Sixth Year:

  • Leadership transition from American to Rwandan Directors
  • Staff development and training, adding five Rwandan employees
  • Completed a four year process to receive our non-profit registration from the Rwandan Government
  • Held three successful fundraisers, more than doubling our donor base 
  • Gained 20 new long-term child sponsors
  • Accepted nine new children into our program
  • Relocated a single mother of one of our boys, allowing her to escape prostitution and find alternative work

We had tremendous support this past year that led to these accomplishments. Thank you for believing in the vision God put on our hearts and for standing with us in partnership. Together, we have shown that we can make an enormous difference in Rwanda!