Hope For Life Ministry

New Year Update 2012

2012-01-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hope For Life wishes you a Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who donated money so that our boys could have a Christmas celebration. A Rwandan organization also contributed, taking the boys to play soccer and share a meal with many other vulnerable children. The boys had the opportunity to hear a motivating testimony of a former street boy who has now grown up and leads a successful life.

In Rwanda, most people celebrate their birthday on New Years. This big birthday party was an incredibly exciting day for the boys and the staff at HFLM. Spurts of giggling and singing filled the home and every face was lit up with a smile. Each boy received a birthday cake with candles and everyone sang happy birthday as the candles were blown out. Claude, who had never celebrated a birthday before, eyed the other boys and quickly blew out his candles as well. Not knowing what a birthday candle was, he proceeded to eat it. He was quite surprised to discover it was wax and not edible! Afterwards, two guests, Erin and Karen, taught the boys various crafts and games. Even the oldest boys Paul and David had a blast. They all made lions out of paper plates, glue and pens.

Thanks to the Hovde Family’s donation, three bleating goats have made their home at HFLM! The boys, most notably Berco, have learned to shepherd and care for the goats. We will be raising and breeding goats to help with the self-sustainability of the home.

This last month we lost two of our HFLM staff, Gakuru and Jean Baptist. The overturn of staff is always a difficult adjustment for the boys. Please join us in praying for stability in the boys’ lives and for God to continue to mold their hearts. Similarly, we are grieving the loss of Yves, Habimana, Donath, and Muhawe. These boys left for the third time and therefore lose their option to return to HFLM. Even though they are no longer at HFLM, we love them and know they are not a lost cause to God. We pray that God will work in their hearts and turn their lives around.

Thank you all for reading our update and joining us in prayer. Your encouragement and generous support are essential to this ministry.

Hope For Life December 2011 Update

2011-12-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

The past month has been very eventful at HFLM despite most of the boys staying with family or relatives for a portion of their two-month school holiday. Six boys stayed at HFLM for the whole holiday break, which means the home is a bit quieter than normal.

Over the break, many of the boys have been thriving while staying at their relative’s homes. One in particular, Uwimana, has impressed us with his continued diligence to attend church and choir practice on his own initiative. Each Sunday since staying with his relatives, he has walked two hours to attend church and choir practice with the rest of the HFLM boys. Although many of the boys found their home situations improved, some have found life at home even more difficult than when they first left to the streets. As a result, a few of the boys temporarily went back to the streets.

When Chantal and Hilliary were looking for one of the HFLM boys on the streets, they encountered two young boys named Puppy (7) and Eric (9). These boys were covered from head to toe with painful sores and itchy bites caused from scabies. Moved by compassion at the conditions of these boys, they decided to take them to HFLM. When the Puppy and Eric arrived at HFLM, their faces lit up at the new prospect of life. Puppy has lived in severe poverty his whole life and was finally forced to the streets a couple months ago. Eric has lived on the streets for over two years because his stepfather refuses to allow him to live at home with his mother. They have adjusted very well and are now thriving at HFLM!

The Coopers arrived in Kigali in mid-November and will be helping with Hilliary’s duties while she is in the States. Corban and Laura, with their two young daughters Kaiah (5) and Petra (2) have transitioned well. They are learning how HFLM runs and the many things needing to be done. They joined HFLM for a big Thanksgiving meal where they heard testimonies from the boys about how Jesus has filled their hearts with gratitude. After a message from the Bible about being thankful, everyone went around and shared what they are thankful for. The two new boys were thankful for being able to come to HFLM and one praised God that he is finding healing from his scabies. Jackson melted Laura’s heart when he said he was thankful that God has changed him to be a “good boy now”. It’s amazing to see that God can and does change the hearts of all of us.

Thank you all for your support and prayers! Please continue to pray for the boys while they are visiting their families, for Emmanuel who has returned to the streets, and for the Coopers as they are learning the ropes at HFLM.

November 2011 Update

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

We are excited to have completed our second full year of school at HFLM! We are very proud of the boys for all of their hard work and how well they have done. In particular, we have been very impressed with Paul, who was the 1st in his class of over 50 students for the third trimester in a row! His diligence and hard work goes beyond his studies and can be seen in his spiritual life and his willingness to help those around him.

Daniel, another boy who we are extremely proud of, has been a role model to all of the boys with his work ethic and servant’s heart. Every day he can be seen at Jacky’s side, who is called “Tantine” (Auntie), helping her cook and clean. He has been dubbed the name of honor, “Little Tantine,” which he proudly bears and grins broadly every time he hears it called. Later this week, we are going to surprise him with a gift in honor of his inspirational character. Recently, Tantine discretely asked him, “If you could have anything, what would you want?” He responded, “My very own Bible and a new pair of shoes.”
The boys now have two months of holiday, and almost all of them are going home to spend anywhere from 10 to 60 days with their families or relatives. We are looking forward to this time, as the boys will have the opportunity to further reconcile with their families. Also, their families will no doubt notice the transformation that has taken place in their lives. We ask you to join with us in prayer for the boys who may face minimal parental guidance and supervision while they are home. Please pray that they will stand strong as they face temptations and peer pressure.

The arrival of the Cooper family this month represents a prayer that has been answered. The Coopers will be volunteering at HFLM for the next 6 months, assisting with the Executive Director position. This will provide a positive family model for the boys and allows Hilliary to return to the States so she can complete her student teaching (her last semester) at Moody Bible Institute.

We thank everyone who donated money to purchase Bibles last month! We were able to buy 11 Bibles and a book store has also agreed to donate a few more. It is a gift that is truly treasured by the boys. Even the smallest boys who don’t know how to read, excitedly flip through the pages, imagining the stories behind the ink. We also often catch 15 year old Berco hiding in the corner reading the Bible, or sneaking off with one after devotions.

We would like to thank all of you again for the support and prayers that makes the transformation in these boys’ lives possible.

October 2011 Update

2011-10-08T15:14:00.001-07:00

After spending almost a month in the USA, HFLM warmly received Hilliary back to Rwanda. We have found October to already be a busy month as we’ve witnessed God continuing to move and as we face several new challenges.

One area that HFLM is excited about is the spiritual growth in the boys since coming to HFLM, especially noticeable in 13-year-old Djuhudi. When he first came to HFLM, Djuhudi clung to his Islamic roots and refused to go to church or pray with the rest of the children. In the last several months, however, we have witnessed God greatly moving in Djuhudi’s heart. One afternoon, after hearing a message on salvation, the boys had the opportunity to share what they’d learned. Djuhudi proclaimed, “I now know that when I die and come before God, I will not be saved because of my good works, but because of my faith in Jesus Christ.” This is an incredibly encouraging reminder to us of the purpose of our work.

Conversely, many new challenges have surfaced at HFLM. We ask you to join us in prayer over the difficulties we are facing as it has come to our attention that two former staff members have taken up residence near HFLM’s home and have been meeting with our boys on their way to school. The boys have been greatly influenced by these meetings, and several are under a strong power of manipulation. We know that children are easily influenced, and our prayer is that they would not be influenced by evil, but instead by what is Godly and true. Please pray for them to have discernment, to not to be easily swayed towards evil, and that the lies and manipulations of these former staff members would cease.

We also ask you to join us in prayer for team unity. We have hired several new staff members and are all trying to learn how to work together. In light of the other challenges we are facing, we ask you to pray that our new team will be able to serve together in unity and receive strength to handle the challenges of ministry and working with children from adverse backgrounds.

Another tangible way you can assist us is by contributing towards purchasing additional Bibles. In spite of the difficulties HFLM is facing, we feel this would be an especially valuable time to invest in this project. If you would like to contribute please email Hilliary at andersonhfl@gmail.com. Thank you for continuing to stand in partnership with us. None of the progress we see would be possible without you.

HFLM September 2011 Update

2011-09-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

During the boy’s recent three week long vacation, our four boys attending boarding school came home. One of these children is Veterne who resides at an orthopedic center where he has been undergoing physical therapy and continuing his studies. Upon arriving to HFLM, Veterne eagerly showed everyone his leg braces that slip over his feet and connect at his hips. He shakily stood, slipped his arms through his crutches, and began walking. It gave all of us so much joy to see Veterne walking for the first time! He has now returned to the orthopedic center to continue physical therapy to strengthen his leg muscles and enable him to walk further distances. After a great three weeks of vacation, the boys have returned to finish their third trimester of school.

Young Tuyizere, who has been with HFLM since April, has returned to live with his mother. After greatly missing her, HFLM staff accompanied him to try and locate his mother’s home. The area where Tuyizere’s mom lives is immensely poor and prone to violence, but they were finally able to locate her small shack. During their visit, Tuyizere decided that he’d like to remain with his mother instead of returning to HFLM. Even though his mother wishes for him to return to HFLM as she doesn’t possess the means to care for her son or send him to school, we must respect the child’s wishes. We are concerned about the situation and are hoping that Tuyizere will change his mind. Please join us in prayer for his protection and for his future.

In January, HFLM is launching a new reconciliation program! In partnership with local organizations, we will offer training in income generation to the children’s parents. For several boys in HFLM, the only reason they cannot stay with their parents is immense poverty. In these situations, we hope that through this program we can equip families to begin earning an income and reunite some of the boys with their families.

Hilliary has returned to Seattle for the first three and a half weeks of September. Before she left, the boys curiously bombarded her with questions about America. One of the youngest boys inquisitively asked if there were trees in America and then shyly asked if America has a sun. They were shocked when she teasingly responded that there was no sun in America!

We can’t thank you enough for your continued partnership with HFLM. Although we continue to face many challenges, it is always encouraging to know there are so many who are faithfully supporting us by giving of your hearts, your prayers and your resources. Thank you for believing in our boys!

August 2011 Update

2011-08-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hope For Life was privileged to host the Hovde family as they recently visited Rwanda and spent a day at HFLM. All eight of them impressed us with their diligence and hard work. They planted 200 hedge plants, leveled the boy’s soccer field, and moved a ton of rocks (literally). Their hard work set an example for our boys, who could be seen laboring alongside of them the whole day. Tuyizere, who is 9 years old, proved to be the most dedicated worker. The Hovdes’ would fill a wheelbarrow to full capacity, which a grown teenager would have difficulty moving, but Tuyizere would instruct them to pile in more dirt. Remarkably, he was able to move these very heavy loads and empty them himself. Apparently, showing off gave him the adrenaline he needed to work hard all day.

The boys recently completed their exams and finished off their 2nd trimester of school. It was a time of celebration as four of our kids received the best scores in their classes and another scored 2nd place! All the boys did well, and we are very proud of all our students for how hard they have worked in school.

When HFLM’s newest member Claude, who is 5 years old, was recently asked his favorite hobby, he instantly replied that it is eating. He furthermore exclaimed that his future hope is to grow big and strong so that one day he can ride a bike and drive the other boys on it. On a side note, he mentioned with slightly less enthusiasm that he would also like to be a soldier.

Lastly, the boys’ clothing are getting quite worn and almost every day they can be heard asking when they can get new clothes. We want to bless them with new clothes, but we will need approximately $350.00 extra this month in order to be able to offer this gift. The third trimester of school is also starting at the end of August, and we will need an additional $300.00 for school fees. If you would like to contribute towards one of these causes please email Hilliary at andersonhfl@gmail.com. We are excited as we continue to witness God moving in all these young boys’ lives. Thank you everyone for all of your support and prayers!

Sincerely,

HFLM Staff

July 2011 Update

2011-07-08T00:59:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that the boys of HFLM are officially living in their new home! The day of our move several of the boys stood up praising God for all that He has given us. Djuhudi reflected that if HFLM staff had not found him, he would not be alive today. God has taken Djuhudi from living in a hospital bed to thriving in a beautiful new home.

(Moving Day)

A week after moving into our new house, HFLM threw a party celebrating God’s thorough provision. The boys invited their friends and neighbors. During the celebration, HFLM staff slipped out of the main room and surprised the boys as they rode into the house on brand new bikes generously donated by Northlake Christian Church. The children immediately jumped out of their seats screaming with absolute joy and delight!

(Gakuru Driving the Younger Boys)

A Moody Bible Institute student, Jonathan Villanueva, is completing an internship in Rwanda. He has been teaching our boys English in his spare time. Throughout the week, Hilliary regularly feels a slight tug on her shirt and an eager voice asking, “When is teacher Jonny coming next to teach us English!?”

In the last few months, many challenges and important changes occurred, including: moving into our new home, accepting two more boys into our program, and seeing shifts in HFLM’s leadership. Please continue to join us in prayer during this transition. If you are interested in becoming a monthly financial sponsor, or would like to give a one time donation for a specific cause (such as furniture needs), please contact Hilliary at andersonhfl@gmail.com. We are so grateful for all your support in transforming the lives of our beloved boys! From the bottom of our excited hearts, we all shout thank you!

Sincerely,

HFLM Staff

April 2011 Update

2011-04-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that our boys have completed another academic quarter. Once again, two of our children received the highest test scores in their class. Congratulations to Paul and Berco! Some of the boys were discouraged with their test scores, but we continue to encourage them in their progress. They now have two weeks of vacation before their next quarter begins and HFLM will happily welcome home David, Claude, and Bosco from boarding school. During this time, the boys will participate in a nationwide memorial of the 1994 genocide, which claimed an estimated 800,000 lives.

(Yves playing soccer)

We want to thank all of you who have been praying for Veterne. His leg surgery was successful, and we praise the Lord that there were no major complications. Please keep him in your prayers as he is still in a lot of pain and we expect that his recovery will take several months. Veterne is eagerly looking forward to his initial recovery and beginning rehabilitation to learn how to walk! He has also been encouraged by the support offered by his family through this process.

Due to unfortunate delays, the new house is still undergoing modifications. We are now scheduled to move in at the end of this month. The boys have been patient in waiting for their home to be finished but are very anxious to move - especially when they thought the empty sewer tank was a swimming pool! Join us in prayer that the construction will be completed soon.

(The new HFLM home)

The new house is a 45 minute walk from the boys’ current school. This was a great disappointment because they have grown to love their teachers. Since learning of this obstacle, they have fervently been praying for bikes which would enable them to attend their current school. This last month members from Northlake Christian Church donated enough money to buy all of the bikes needed to travel to school! But shhhh, it’s a surprise! We are waiting until the boys move into the new house to share with them their answered prayer. HFLM staff cannot wait to see them screaming and dancing for joy when they hear the good news. Thanks again for making this possible and continually supporting HFLM.

March 2011 Update

2011-03-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

HFLM was privileged to welcome Eric and Sharon Hovde and Jeff Boyd of the Hovde Foundation to Rwanda last month. During their visit, we held the Opening Ceremony for our new home, the Swanson-Hovde House. We hosted many friends, supporters, government officials, neighbors, teachers, and pastors who have helped to make HFLM possible over the last 2 years. Although we wish all of you could have participated in the celebration with us, you can still catch a glimpse of the ceremony and the new house on the video posted below.

This exciting event has made us even more eager to move into our new home next month. One child enthusiastically wrote to his pen pal, “We got a surprise this year. Guess what! God has provided a very big and beautiful house for us!”

During the Hovde’s stay, we were able to visit the First Lady of Rwanda. She was extremely pleased with HFLM’s service amongst vulnerable Children in Rwanda and decided to award us with a cow!

To the great enthusiasm of the boys, HFLM has decided to increase its security by taking in and training a guard dog. As of now, HFLM’s guard dog, Winnie, is an adorable puppy that has been providing entertainment, companionship, and the opportunity for the children to learn gentleness and responsibility.

Please be praying for our beloved Veterne, who has been crippled since he was a baby, as he will be receiving corrective surgery for his legs on March 24th. Pray for his safety, a successful surgery, and a full recovery.

We have been so encouraged by the continual transformation of the boys’ lives. When Djuhudi first came to HFLM two months ago, his body was frail from lack of nutrition and his heart was hardened towards God. He initially had a difficult time fitting into HFLM and refused to take part in going to church and praying. Now he absolutely loves going to church, praying, and listening to gospel music. He is so grateful for how his life has changed and wants to thank you all for your support. “Hello! My name is Djuhudi and I am 13 years old. I have been at HFLM for two months. I gained weight and I go to school now and my studies are going well. The boys at HFLM, we love each other and we eat together everyday. My best friend here is Daniel and he is 12 years old. We sleep together. I am friends with everyone here now. I want to say thank you!”

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers.

Sincerely,

HFLM Staff

Rwandan News Report of HFLM Opening Ceremony

2011-02-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

February Update 2011

2011-02-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

The finishing touches are being done on the new Hope For Life house and the boys will move in next month! The Hovde Foundation will be joining us to celebrate the opening of the “Swanson-Hovde House,” along with many Rwandans from our community. When the boys went to visit their new house, Yves asked in disbelief, “This house isn’t just for us, right? Other children must be living here too, because this house is so big!” It took him at least 10 minutes to accept that the new house was being built just for them.

The boys were privileged to welcome Amy Carnell from the Seattle Sounders who put on a soccer camp last month. The boys were delighted to practice their skills and receive jerseys and balls from the Sounders. To see an entertaining video of the boys trying to learn the Seattle Sounders cheer, visit http://sharing.theflip.com/session/443e4da60faf45a202e70e3494b05a46/video/60835391

We were thrilled to receive the boys’ test scores from their school. Our oldest boy, David, earned the highest test scores in his school and has the opportunity to attend an esteemed boarding school for his secondary studies. David is very excited, and although we will miss him, we are immensely proud of him and eager to visit him at his new school.

Veterne, who has been crippled since birth, has the tremendous opportunity to walk! He has been accepted into a pediatric orthopedic center for children with physical handicaps. He will remain there for one year, undergoing surgery on his legs, receiving physical therapy, continuing his studies, and learning how to walk. We already miss him, but his new house mom tells us that he is doing well in school and making new friends.

The boys have discovered a new favorite activity of dressing up and modeling. After their afternoon nap, they can be seen putting silly clothes on and creating a make-shift “runway” to show off their outfits and “model walks.” It is absolutely hilarious and never fails to become an afternoon of laughs.

Please join us in prayer for the safety of our staff as there was another grenade attack in Kigali. We greatly appreciate all of your prayers and support.

Seattle Sounders Cheer Video

2011-02-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

To view the boys singing the Sounders' cheer, click the link below:

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/443e4da60faf45a202e70e3494b05a46/video/60835391

January 2011

2011-01-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hope For Life Update January 2010

www.HopeForLifeMinistry.org

Singing filled the Hope For Life home on Christmas day as the children’s choir joined our Christmas celebration. Everyone eagerly took part in eating a large roast and drinking soda pop, which was a special treat for everyone. The night was topped off by the announcement of the Christmas presents: a ping pong table, soccer goals, and cleats. The boys were thrilled to receive these gifts and were grateful to the individuals and groups whose extra donations made this possible.

Hope For Life welcomed a surprised visitor this past month, DJ Walkers, who is a filmmaker from Washington DC. He is composing a short film about HFLM, which will shortly be viewable on Facebook. The film is sure to be full of creative dance moves from our goofy boys who couldn’t stop dancing and singing in front of the camera! Most children in Rwanda are very shy about their photo being taken, but not our boys.

Additionally, a Rwandan sports ministry called Play For Hope (www.playforhope.org) put on a soccer camp for youth in Rwanda, which integrated Christian values as they taught soccer skills. Our boys were privileged to attend and they enthusiastically learned how to set goals, be self controlled, and of course, snazzy soccer moves.

After a great vacation from school, and a happily celebrated Christmas, the children are eager to start another year of school in a few weeks and are patiently waiting ill March when we will move into our new house being constructed by the Hovde Foundation. Looking back on how God has provided for and blessed this ministry, we remain keenly aware that none of the work amongst the children of Rwanda would be possible without each of your support. As our newest member, 13 year old Djuhudi stated, “When I came to HFLM I thought I was going to die. But this is a place of hope. I have it now.” Thank you for helping to bring hope into the lives of Rwandan children. We look forward to another year of partnering with you.

Merry Christmas from Hope For Life!

2010-12-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hope For Life Update December 2010

www.HopeForLifeMinistry.org

This month HFLM welcomes our 23^rd member, 13-year-old Djuhudi. The day of Djuhudi’s arrival, the boys began cleaning the house and washing Djuhudi’s new clothes and bedding completely on their own initiative. When Djuhudi finally arrived, the boys ran to him with hugs and immediately began showing him around the house. Djuhudi is an intelligent and inquisitive boy, who is overcoming severe malnutrition from street life. After being abandoned by his immediate family and abused by his extended family, Djuhudi left for the streets. When asked his opinion about HFLM a week into his stay, Djuhudi replied to his social worker, “I like it there. They actually care about how I’m doing and they take good care of me. I don’t want to leave.” Please join us in praying for Djuhudi’s transition into HFLM, asking God for holistic healing, that Djuhudi will not be tempted to leave, and that he’ll come to know Jesus.

Most of the children have returned from visits to their extended family members during their school vacation. The majority of their journeys were successful and they returned to HFLM happy to have seen their relatives. One of the older boys was finally able to reconcile with his family after not seeing them for five years. Because of the positive outcomes, we plan on pursuing further family involvement in HFLM this coming year.

During the children’s school vacation, HFLM staff were able to spend a lot more time with the boys. We’ve enjoyed attending a national soccer match, completing small projects around the house, playing, and studying together. While on a bus earlier this month, the eldest boy, Paul, turned to the staff and randomly stated in perfect English, “You are a gift from God in my life.”

We are so thankful for our sweet boys, our new staff, and the overwhelming peace and joy that have filled our home over the past few months. We are grateful for your support and prayers and want you to be encouraged by knowing that God is not only hearing our prayers, but is thoroughly answering them. Thank you for partnering with us in 2010! We wish you a Christmas full of thankfulness, joy and peace!

Megan Swanson & Hilliary Anderson

November HFLM Update - Good news!

2010-11-09T01:40:00.000-08:00

Hope For Life Update November 2010

www.HopeForLifeMinistry.org

We have much good news from Rwanda to celebrate this month! The boys have officially completed their first academic school year, many for the first time in their lives. Two boys received the highest test scores in their class for the entire school year! The oldest boy has passed his exams and will enter secondary school in January. One of our former boys, Claude, also returned to HFLM after leaving for the streets for 5 months. Futhermore, we are starting our family reconciliation program, where each child has the opportunity to visit any existing relatives – we’ve even been able to locate one child’s extended family all the way in Burundi!

Additionally, construction on our new “Hovde House” has finally begun! 6 of the children who do not wish to visit their relatives are staying at HFLM for their holidays. When asked what they’d like to do during their time off of school, they replied, “We want to help build our new house! We can carry rocks and chop bushes and sweep!” Construction is set to be finished mid-February 2011, at which point all staff and children will happily move into our new home.

At the construction site, our land is scattered with lush fruit trees. 7-year-old Emmanuel began helping to pick the ripened fruit, stuffing every pocket he owned full of small mangoes. When local poor children arrived half naked and with bloated stomachs, little Emmanuel looked down at his full pockets, then at the kids, back at his pockets, and back at the children. Suddenly, an idea came to him and a sweet, shy smile began to spread across his face. He reached into his pockets, took out all the mangoes he had and started passing them to all the little kids. I love seeing Jesus in our boys!

Sincerely and gratefully,

Megan & Hilliary

October HFLM Update

2010-10-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hope For Life Update October 2010
www.HopeForLifeMinistry.org

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” - Ephesians 3:20

In the last month we have seen God powerfully provide for and act on behalf of HFLM. As many of you know, the boys were taken out of our custody for two months and were dealt a hand of trials. The severity of their circumstanced reached the point that they decided living on the streets was more bearable. Thankfully the boys were returned to us last month, before they executed their plans of returning to the streets. When the children were allowed back into our program, we saw that many of their hopes of future prospects had diminished. HFLM’s Children Director, Chantal, explained the truth about what had happened and was able to clear up many of the boy’s misconceptions. Their hope for their futures quickly returned, and we have continued to try our best to ease their confusion.

We have since seen improvements in the daily operations of the home, along with growth in the boys. This progress can largely be credited to our two new staff members, Faustin and Jacky, who have demonstrated a diligent work ethic that has overflowing positive effects on the home. Even the boys have noted that they see a difference in HFLM since Faustin and Jacky joined the team. They have been an encouragement to the boys, and the children in response have greatly taken to them.

Not only has God safely returned the boys to HFLM, He has exponentially blessed us this last month through fundraisers. Both of the art exhibitions in Seattle and D.C. were more successful than we could have ever expected. We are so grateful to everyone that participated and supported the events.

Thank you again for all of your support and for standing by us as we underwent trials. May God get all the glory!

Hilliary Anderson & Megan Swanson

September 2010 Update

2010-09-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

We write to you today with much joy and thanksgiving! Last week we received encouraging and amazing news that Josiane decided to return all of our old boys, our previous possessions, and our former house to HFLM’s care! A contract between she and HFLM has been signed, and as of August 30th, the boys are once again in our protection and care! We will promptly be moving back into our formerly rented house with the addition of two new boys who eagerly joined HFLM last month. Please continue to join us in prayer for the boys' healing and restoration. We were distraught to discover their physical, emotional, and spiritual condition due to the trials they have undergone. However, we hold onto the scriptures which tell us that suffering is not without reason or purpose, but that our loving God uses it to refine and mature His people. Thank you for standing by us in prayer and support through these trials. We praise God for opening doors for the boys to be returned to our care and are grateful to have such wonderful, loyal, and encouraging people like yourself around us!

In other news, we have begun construction on our new land and hope to have the house finished by January 2011. Upon its completion, HFLM will be accepting a few more boys into the program and will be adding another staff member to our team. Due to our upcoming expansion, we will have increased financial needs. To help compensate for these anticipated needs we are holding an art exhibition, Creative Change: A Benefit Art Exhibition for Rwandan Street Children. The event will occur on September 18, 2010 at Hallway Gallery in Bellevue, WA. The exhibition will feature pieces from Rwandan artists who grew up in orphanages themselves. Fifty percent of the proceeds will directly benefit HFLM while the remaining fifty percent will support the artists themselves. We look forward to joining you for a meaningful evening filled with beautiful art and wine for the betterment and care of Rwandan children!

Creative Change: A Benefit Art Exhibition for Rwandan Street Children
September 18, 2010
Five to Eight O’clock PM
Bellevue Hallway Gallery
800 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Thank you again for your steadfast partnership during the trials of the last few months. We hope
your faith is encouraged by seeing the Lord’s hand move in HFLM.

You're Invited!

2010-08-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

You are invited to CREATIVE CHANGE: A BENEFIT ART EXHIBITION FOR RWANDAN STREET CHILDREN. Hosted by Hallway Gallery in Bellevue on September 18th, the event will feature semi-abstract paintings that portray the beauty and struggles of daily life in East Africa. Displaying a wide variety of artistic styles, canvas sizes, and vibrant colors, the diverse price range of the exhibit offers something for any budget. Half of the funds raised from this event will directly benefit Hope For Life Ministry, while the remaining 50% support Rwandan painters who grew up in orphanages themselves. One of the Rwandan artists will even be in attendance of the exhibition!

We look forward to joining you for a meaningful night filled with beautiful art and wine for the betterment of Rwandan children!

For more information, email swansonhfl@gmail.com

July 2010 Update

2010-07-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

This week, HFL staff arrived to see all the boys hard at work cleaning dishes, sweeping, cleaning out their rabbit cages, and washing their clothes. They are motivated by a new program created to encourage them to continue having good behavior and to complete their chores. Staff will randomly draw two names of boys each week, and if they’ve been good, they’ll be taken out by staff for the afternoon and given $2 to spend as they please. Words fill the air at HFL of soccer matches, buying icecream, and having more personal time with staff members.

Six Seattle Pacific University students visiting Rwanda eagerly volunteered to help HFL this month by cleaning and painting our dirty walls and playing with the children. While on his way home from school, eight year old Daniel heard from neighborhood kids that six abazungus (white people) were at his house. When asked why he arrived home from school unusually early before the rest of the boys, he wheezed between heavy breathing, "I was so excited, I ran the whole way back!"

This month, HFL’s newest member Muhawe wants to thank you. Two months ago, Muhawe wore dirty, clothes and a stone cold expression on his face each day as he begged and lived in an abandoned building. Today, Muhawe regularly impresses staff with his humility and servant attitude. While the SPU team scrubbed away grime, Muhawe stood watching. 30 minutes later, he mustered up the courage to ask if he could help. Seeing the huge, delighted grin that spread across his face when we assured him that we’d love his assistance, you’d think we’d just given Muhawe an amazing gift! He eagerly began scrubbing walls and cleaning floors alongside of us, joyfully humming and smiling. We praise God for the changes in this young boy.

"This is Muhawe. I am 12 years old. I pray for you so that you can continue to help us at HFL. I ask God that He’ll let you be able to visit HFL someday. I also thank God because He changed me and took me away from the street and now I’ve stopped taking drugs. Please continue to pray for me. I also thank God because I used to have bugs living in my feet and now they are gone!"

June 2010

2010-06-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

(Pacifique and Emmanuel eating lunch.)

Thanks to a grant from the Hovde Foundation to buy land and build a house, HFL now officially owns its own land! HFL staff took the boys on a 15 minute walk to the new piece of land to share the wonderful surprise with them. Upon reaching the plot, they told the boys that the land they were standing on is now theirs. The boys were overjoyed and began cheering and thanking God!

Since the children first came to HFL, they have been interceding with God that He would give HFL land. This answered prayer has been a great encouragement to the boys, and one of the older boys David proclaimed, “I have prayed so much for land, and I know that God has answered my smaller prayers for food and clothes, but I didn’t expect that He would answer such a big request. I am going to pray even more now!"

As everyone walked back to the home, a couple of the boys expressed their fear of needing to change schools due to the location of the new land. Upon hearing their concerns, Veterne spun around in his wheelchair and rebuked them saying, “Are you crazy!? Don’t you think that if God has provided us land and a house that he will provide a car too?” This gave all the staff quite a laugh.

Needs

Please be praying for Claude. He ran away, and has been unwilling to talk with HFL staff. This is the first time a boy has left in 8 months. We pray that he will come back to the home to stay.
Most of the boy’s sandals are broken and they are in need of new ones.
The boys also have been longing for soccer cleats, but we have been unable to afford them.

** If you’d like to give to either of these specific needs, please mail a check to the address on our website or donate through paypal, designating which project you’d like to support (http://www.hopeforlifeministry.org/).

This month, Habimana would like to share his gratitude for your support:
“I am Emmanuel Habimana. I study in primary 3. First of all, I greet you. I am so happy to write to you and am so happy to inform you of that I play soccer, watch T.V., and I’m always at Hope For Life. I hope to see you one day at HFL. Thank you so much for how you help us. God Bless you!"

(Some of the boys in their school uniforms.)

May Update 2010

2010-05-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are THRILLED to report that our boys have received their report cards from their first term in school. They performed remarkably! 15 out of 20 of our children were in the top 10 of their class, with the average class size being 45 kids. In third grade, Paul had the highest scores in the class, Pacifique took second place, and Habimana took third place. This has been a huge validation of all the hard work HFL’s staff has been doing the past year, preparing the boys academically to re-enter the public school system after so many years away from school. The children are pleased with their scores and a healthy competition has emerged for Term 2 to see who will be first in their classes. Meanwhile, their teachers remain happily stunned! We could not be happier or prouder of their achievements and diligent effort.

Yves, a 13 year old boy in HFL, decided to fast for the first time last month because he wanted to draw closer to God and ask for wisdom to do well in school. The night after his day of fasting, Yves loudly woke up the oldest boy in HFL exclaiming, ‘I think I’m dying! Wake up and make me some food!’ We all had a good laugh the next morning.

This month, Emmanuel wishes to thank you for your support of HFL:

“Hello,
My name is Emmanuel Nshimiyimana and I am 15 years old. I greet all of you, our friends, in America. Today I am so happy because I am in Hope For Life. I am happy because I am studying so well in third grade, because I am becoming a strong child of God and because I know that God helps each person who is sad. I thank God because we are so good here now. I want to tell you thank you so much and I ask that God will bless you for helping us. I hope that you have a good life and to see you in Hope For Life someday. God bless you!
-Emmanuel”

April 2010 Update

2010-04-06T23:28:00.001-07:00

Highlights:

Last month we had a wonderful 1-Year Celebration with the children and community members in Rwanda who have been involved with HFL this past year. Paul shared his testimony with boldness and inspired several people who were in attendance. We wished each of you could have been here to celebrate with us. We look forward to another year together!
HFL’s new connection program has begun as each child excitedly received their first letter from their penpal. Each child has been encouraged greatly at having a friend in America who would want to be personally involved in their life. When they received their letter and pictures from their pen pals, they ran around the house excitedly yelling and waving their pictures in the air. Thank you to all who are participating and bringing hope to our 20 kids. If you would like to be a penpal to one of our children, email Hilliary at anthill00@hotmail.com

A competition has emerged amongst all the children as they are currently in the middle of their first set of exams. They are studying diligently and can be found everynight praying together on their own initiative, hoping to earn the right to tell their American penpal that they are the smartest student in their class. We are so proud of each child, and particularly of Paul, Veterne, and David whose teachers have reported them as having the highest scores in their classes thus far!
We are thrilled to report that all of our boys have been tested for HIV/AIDS and all are negative!

Pacifique wishes to thank you each of you for your support. He writes:
“Hello! Most importantly, I greet all of you who live in America and support HFL! I am happy to write you and to tell you we are so happy in HFL. Everyday we watch TV, play soccer, and study. I don’t have any problems in my life now and I am so happy to go to school. I am also happy to sleep in a good bed and to have a bed room. I praise God because He is big and He gives me life.. Thank you so much for helping us! God bless you so much. Love, Pacifique.“

March Update

2010-03-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Your partnership has helped 22 children successfully complete their first month of public school! We have seen immense fruits from our labor over the past year, working to increase the academic level of our children through remedial school and lessons at home. All seven boys in 1st grade have excelled beyond their curriculum, and Paul’s 4th grade teachers have reported him as “chief” of his class intellectually and in leadership! This is a miracle given that one-year ago Paul couldn’t read or write.

Highlights

HFL has accepted its 20th child into our residential program. Eight-year old Muhawe has been accessing our drop-in services for several months, and began staying at HFL when he contracted a severe case of malaria one month ago. He is now healthy, healing from extreme familial trauma, and is happily enrolled in school for the first time in his life.
Two HFL Staff are going back to school to complete their Bachelor’s degrees as they were financially unable to do so until now. We are excited to be a part of equipping and training Rwanda’s leaders.
HFL has purchased 50 chickens to generate income! Thank you to all who donated through the quilt raffle and enabled us to begin this project.
HFL has the opportunity of possibly receiving a grant from Hovde Foundation (www.hovdefoundation.org), which would enable us to buy land, build a house, and begin agricultural self-sustainability projects. Please be praying that the grant proposal will be accepted.
There have been several grenade bombing attacks in Kigali the past few weeks, which have been attributed to the upcoming Presidential elections. The attacks are occurring far from HFL, but please pray for God’s protection of our staff and boys, and the overall country of Rwanda.

On March 13th, HFL is happily celebrating its 1-year anniversary since rescuing 11 boys from prison and establishing HFL. We can’t thank you enough for your partnership this past year in caring for the total 22 children now enrolled in our program. Each child has a truly remarkable story of transformation, and we could not be happier! We hope you are encouraged to trust our good God and to continue being involved in building the kingdom of God in Rwanda. From all 22 children and 7 staff
Morning stretchesin HFL, Murakoze Cyane (Thank you so much)!

February Update

2010-02-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Highlights

On February 1st, the children began attending public school! With your partnership, we have been able to equip 21 children to go to school and better their futures. The eldest is in primary 6 and all the small ones are in primary 1. Please be praying for the success of our boys and that they would not get discouraged in their studies or by the fact that the students in their classes are all younger than them.
Play For Hope, a Christian sports ministry organization, held a soccer clinic with our kids, teaching them drills to improve their skills. The kids had a wonderful time and several local street boys participated as well. Their staff noticed a huge difference in our kids exclaiming, “Whatever you have done, you’ve certainly done it right! These boys are so different from when they arrived at HFL.”
We continue to be in relationship with local street children who regularly come to HFL to wash, to receive a meal, to pray, and to be accompanied to the doctor if they are severely sick. Each day, several of these boys beg staff to be accepted in HFL.
Your chance is finally here to connect with one of the boys at HFL on a personal level – to learn more about his family history, his interests, his dreams, and to begin communicating directly with him via emails. No financial participation is required to participate. Simply email Hilliary Anderson at anthill00@hotmail.com and tell her you’d like to get involved. We hope you will be transformed as much as we have by being in relationship with these children.

For more stories and information on what is happening at Hope For Life, check out Megan's blog: http://www.megstersblogs.blogspot.com/ .

Paul, one of the oldest and most mature boys in HFL wishes to be the one to thank each of you for your support this month. He boldly exclaims, “God sees your generosity and will have rewards waiting in heaven for all you have done for us.”

January Update

2010-01-06T00:08:00.000-08:00

Umwuka mushya! Happy New Year from the children and staff of Hope For Life! December proved to be a monumental month for HFL as 11 children and 1 staff member were joyfully baptized on Christmas day, 50 chickens were purchased to generate income for HFL, and 5 more children were accepted into HFL. Your support has played an enormous role in allowing 21 children to begin this year with renewed hope, excitement for beginning their studies in public school, and immense joy at what they’ve been given. Their lives and hearts have been completely transformation since this time last year.

The Sunday before Paul’s baptism, he boldly stood up with tears streaming down his face and announced that he had something to say. He confessed that he had lied about his family history and was not Rwandan. Convinced he would be forced to leave the home, he declared, “Now I can tell you the truth about my past because I know Jesus. I know that He is always with me and that He is going to take care of me wherever I am, even if I’m on the streets again.” This exhibition of faith initiated a night of confession from all of the boys. The night ended in many tears, hugs, and affirmations of forgiveness and love, furthering the boys’ holistic healing. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” –James 5:16

This is but one story of the dramatic transformation that is occurring at each heart in HFL. May their boldness, healing, and faith inspire you. For more information on the daily happenings at HFL, read Megan’s blog at http://www.megstersblogs.blogspot.com/.

December

2009-12-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

(Daniel and Veterine)

Merry Christmas from Hope For Life:
A Year In Review

Eight months ago, eight children sat in a prison dejected, alone, starving, and sick with malaria. In the midst of this, eleven other children slept in sewer gutters, begged during the day and took hits of drugs at night to keep warm, ease their hunger, and suppress the emotional pain of being abandoned. Today, each one of these beautiful 19 children is fed, warm, healthy, and most importantly, filled with hope. What began as rescuing 11 boys from prison has grown to be a flourishing home for 16 former street boys and a weekly ministry to 40 other street boys. Each unique child is flourishing and growing in a different way because you cared enough to do something about it.

The past 8 months have also brought success in other realms. Since April 2009, Hope For Life has seen our 4 Rwandan staff grow and flourish immensely. When we started, we observed their hesitancy to make decisions, and suggest their own ideas. Today, they are implementing their own ideas to better HFL and their dreams of taking care of the vulnerable children in their own community are coming true.

One of the last ways we have been encouraged by success has been through you. Since sharing about the plight of street children, you have responded with eagerness, faith, and generosity. You have replied not only by giving of your resources, but also of your hearts. One of the most encouraging things has been the response from this generation of teenagers and young adults. Students have heard about the daily life of kids their age in Rwanda, and have organized car washes to raise money, given up luxuries in an effort to live simply, and become committed monthly sponsors of HFL themselves. It has been beautiful to see the skills and resources of young and old in our community intersect with the needs of our world. Together, we believe we can continue to bring change.

As the end of the year draws near, we ask you to consider giving a one-time gift or becoming a monthly sponsor to Hope For Life. In addition to our regular monthly expenses, the children will begin attending public school in January and each will require a uniform and school supplies. We also hope to make Christmas a special time of celebration. The kids are thrilled at the idea of being able to eat in a restaurant for a first time, and we would like to give them this opportunity for Christmas.

Since sharing about the plight of street children with you 8 months ago, you have responded by giving of your resources and of your hearts. THANK YOU for your past generosity and in advance for doing the same this Christmas season. Following is a list of our needs this Christmas season:

(Hilliary, Veterine, and his sister Rachel)

Hope For Life’s
List of needs

School expenses
per child for 1 year:
School fees $36
Uniform $52
Backpack $7
Paper & pencils $10
School books $15

Christmas Presents:
Dinner $250
TV $200

Self-Sustainability investments:
Chicken $12
Goat $49

Future Goals for 2010
Plot of land $14,000

Recent Highlights:

*Megan arrived safely in Kigali, Rwanda on December 2nd!
*We have accepted 3 more children into the HFL home – Veterine, his brother Daniel, and their friend John. These boys stole our hearts on our first trip to Rwanda and when Megan arrived, she immediately began looking for them. Veterine, who was crippled from birth, and his brother lived in severe poverty with a family friend. Everyday Veterine would drag himself through the dirt begging for money. The money he earned went to pay for his sister’s schooling. On our first trip we desperately wanted to help Veterine and give him the opportunity to receive an education so that he would not be forced to beg the rest of his life. However, his mother would not let us pay for his schooling because she needed the money he earned from begging. After talking with Veterine’s mother, she has now agreed to let him live at HFL in exchange for HFL paying for his sister’s schooling.
“We are hoping Veterine never spends another day sitting in the dirt begging. He has been so happy since being at HFL! Today, the boys at HFL were literally yelling at each other, fighting over who was going to care for Veterine. It was a beautiful fight :) Their transformation is absolutely remarkable. I think it’s the more amazing thing I have ever seen and I am so deeply encouraged. I wish that everyone who has been a part of HFL could see it!” – Megan Swanson
*The most recent and complete update on Hope For Life can be read on Megan’s blog. I would encourage you to do so, it is absolutely amazing the work that God is doing in these boy’s lives. http://www.megstersblogs.blogspot.com/

(Hilliary, Veterine, Daniel, Megan, Rachel, and another sister)

Thank you for helping to make this a memorable Christmas for the children in Hope For Life. The staff and children wish the same to you and your families this holiday season.

November Update

2009-11-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Highlights

One of our staff is attending a 20 day training put on by Youth With A Mission. We are excited she has been given this opportunity to improve her skills with kids, as it has been her dream since she was a young girl to work with vulnerable children. Topics include child advocacy, child rights, development, and motivation for working with children.
We now have 35 rabbits! Possessing these animals has allowed us to cut our food costs, and generate income by selling them at the market. The boys have eagerly taken on an increased responsibility in caring for the rabbits. They excitedly tell staff every time a rabbit is pregnant, and love to help in delivering the bunnies.
The 5 newest boys at HFL have been doing very well in their new environment. One of the youngest boys, Simeon, has been very shy and timid but was found teaching a large group of boys a gospel song at the weekly outreach service for street youth.

Update on Megan’s trip to Rwanda:
It’s hard to believe that after over a year of waiting to return to Rwanda, I am leaving in 3 short weeks. While there, I will be living with HFL Staff Member Josiane and her family to help in the many daily tasks at HFL. These duties include assisting with the daily care of the boys, securing local resources and connections to benefit HFL, training staff on basic counseling and behavioral management principles, and coordinating the weekly outreach service to local street children. Please be praying for this trip and for the HFL staff who have been faithfully serving the people of Rwanda.

* We have updated our website with information on the new boys. Check it out! www.hopeforlifeministry.org.

October Update

2009-10-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

(The 6 HFL boys who passed their district exams!)

It has been a busy month and we have much to report!

We have accepted 5 new boys who are all orphans into HFL, bringing the total number of kids in our care to 15. Since being in the home, they have become part of the church choir and staff report they are “very happy to be living a different life.”
As a result of the outreach program HFL recently began, 20 young men have stopped taking drugs and alcohol and have accepted Christ. Additionally, staff have started teaching reading, writing and English classes to the young men who come to the outreach each week.
6 of the eldest boys (pictured above) recently took a district level exam on reading, writing, math and biology and all the boys passed! We are so proud of their hard work.

(The five new boys who have joined Hope For Life.)

Please Pray!

Please continue to join us in prayer. One boy has decided to leave HFL. The vast majority of children’s homes and orphanages report having similar problems with the children in their care. Pray that he decides to come back, that God protects him, and that he wouldn’t have power in convincing any of the other boys to join him in returning to the streets.
Also, Megan is leaving for a 4-8 month trip to Rwanda on November 21st and could use your prayers for wisdom, preparation and the Lord’s constant guidance.

(Street boys bathing at HFL's weekly outreach program.)

We continue to move forward in our work knowing that God sustains the work He starts in each of us (Hebrews 12:2). Thank you for continued support to bring smiles, life and hope to the faces of countless boys in Rwanda.

September Update

2009-09-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

Together, we’ve done so much!

This month we celebrate 6 months of work amongst street children in Rwanda! Each week, we continue to receive positive reports from Rwanda documenting the healing, growth, and holistic transformation of these 11 boys. Since March, you have helped to rescue formerly homeless children from jail, provide them with basic necessities, equip and train 4 Rwandan leaders, and offer education, Christian mentorship and a second chance at life.
As we celebrate all that has been done, we remain keenly aware that this work has been made possible because of your compassion and generosity. We hope that you are encouraged with what you have heard and seen, and that your faith is being strengthened by what God is doing in and through us.

Progress Spotlight: Pascal

“When we started the house, Pascal was the worst behaved boy among all the others. He couldn’t listen, he fought with the others, and told other boys to escape and go take drugs. When the kids began school, he couldn’t listen to the teacher, and he didn’t know the alphabet. 6 months later, Pascal has passed 1st and 2nd grade and is even able to follow along in English class! His behaviors have completely changed. He is obedient, kind, and helpful and he has surrendered his life to God. When you ask him if he could go back and take drugs, he responds, “ No way!” --HFL Staff Member, Josiane Uwamaliya

HFL Boys initiate weekly outreach to street

“Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” 2 Corinthians 8: 3-4

Staff in Rwanda have started an evangelistic outreach to other street children in the Kigali area. Each week, 40-50 street youth have been coming to a church service at the HFL home, which includes prayer, preaching, worship and basic social work services. Several of the kids have been saved, numerous have vowed to stop using drugs, and others are deciding to return to their homes and try to reconcile with their parents. Additionally, local community members are beginning to get more involved in helping to mentor the kids. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this outreach is that the idea originated from the 11 boys in HFL’s home. As they began dedicating their lives to Christ and praying for other street kids in Rwanda, they expressed the desire to reach out and proposed to begin this outreach. At the church service, they help bathe the street kids and wash their clothes. We have been deeply encouraged that generosity and compassion is being rooted in these children as a result of the hope and joy you have given to them.

Praise & Prayers

Staff are looking for Claude, a street boy who was previously enrolled in a different street youth program. He is back on the streets or in jail. Pray that HFL staff find him soon.
The kid’s teachers continue to give positive reports on how quickly the boys are progressing academically, especially in their English lessons.
The rabbits HFL purchased have had another round of bunnies, which will soon be ready to sell at the market.

August Update

2009-08-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

As we look back on the past 5 months, we are in awe at all that we have been given and all the ways that God has blessed our efforts. We hope the news below encourages you.

Highlights:

Each child has gained at least 10 pounds due to receiving consistent food at HFL.
The boys recently told staff that they wanted to be baptized! Their holistic growth is evident by the physical, psychological, relational and spiritual transformations they are experiencing. This kind of holistic change is exactly what we’ve been praying for.
We continue to receive positive reports from HFL’S partnering organizations regarding staff leadership, each boy’s development, and the overall infrastructure of HFL.

Prayer Requests:

Claude: A boy we worked with last summer, Claude, was formerly in a children’s program called AEE, but is now back on the streets. HFL staff is considering accepting him into the home.
Grants: We have an opportunity through Moody Bible Institute to receive $15-20,000. These funds would be allocated for self-sufficiency promotion, reserve funds, and infrastructure

July Happenings

2009-07-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

We praise God for His faithfulness in providing each month for the HFL home! It has been a busy but encouraging month.

Here are a few of the highlights:

The HFL home moved to a new location. The new house is even better as it has 4 bedrooms, a dining room, living room and 2 indoor bathrooms.

The boys and staff have designated every Wednesday as a prayer day at the home They spend their evenings praying and hearing guest ministers from their community. They invite all HFL supporters to join them in prayer and fasting on Wednesdays.

Play For Hope, a Rwandan sports ministry, worked with our kids last month. They had a great time forming relationships with other kids and the Play For Hope staff while improving their soccer skills—an activity they rarely got to enjoy living on the streets.
The boys continue to study and are now excitedly learning English in remedial school!

Prayer Requests:

We continue to be short on monthly financial commitments. Please join us in lifting up this request to God.

Yves, the boy featured below, is having difficulty in school. Pray for him to be able to follow along in class and to not give up in his studies.

May and June Update

2009-06-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

April Update

2009-05-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Update for March

2009-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Recent News

The Lord is still moving in this work! We have received more monthly financial commitments, and we are trusting and praying that God will provide for the rest of our monetary needs.
The children have begun remedial school at the local church to catch up to where they need to be academically in order to enter public school. They are thrilled for the opportunity!
A few of the boys are fighting drug addictions. While they were on the streets and in jail, drugs were readily accessible and a few got addicted. Pray for them as they are recovering.
“By the power of our prayers and yours, a lot has been done in the boys’ spirits. Now when you talk to the ones who were tempted by drugs, they tell you that they don’t miss drugs or street life anymore. We thank God for that. The boys are doing good and are improving from street life; they are obedient and hard workers…” –Rwandan staff member, Josiane

HFL is now up and running!

2009-03-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Recent News

The boys are officially out of prison and in the home! Additionally, progress is going better than we had hoped! Josiane emailed us with word that the children are very eager in helping out around the house through cleaning, cooking, washing clothes, and helping bathe the younger ones. A Rwandan community member has offered to pay for the boys to take reading and writing classes, since they have never learned to read or write. The classes will be held at a local church on Mondays. In order to generate a small income, they are going to buy rabbits to breed and sell. Also, a soccer ball and a small black and white TV were given to the home from the local community, so that the boys wouldn’t get bored in the evenings. These efforts are promoting the self-sufficiency and local community involvement we are aiming for!

Friday 3/13-

We began renting a house in an area called Kabuga in Kigali Rwanda. The house has four bedrooms, a living room, and three cottages. These cottages will serve as the living quarters for the cook, a prayer room, and as an office. Housed in a quiet neighborhood and lined with a fence, this property suits our needs very well.

Josiane and Chantal also did some shopping for the home and boys. They bought all the necessary items to begin running the home, along with clothes for the boys.

Saturday 3/14-

Josiane and Chantal went to the prison to get the boys. However, when they got there, they were told that three of the boys, Habimana, Claude, and Bikoti had been accepted into a program called African Evangelist Enterprise. This is a Christian organization that runs throughout Africa and takes care of orphans until they are in University. These three boys are now living at the AEE center, and Josiane told us they are very happy to be accepted into their program.

While at the prison, two other young boys, ages five and seven, began crying and begging to come to HFL. Josiane and Chantal couldn’t abandon them, so they are currently in our program also. We have 10 boys living at the home, and we have been told that they are doing very well and are pleased with their new and different lives.

Donators and Donations-

If you have pledged to commit monthly, don’t forget to start sending your donations in.
Our website now has PayPal monthly, which means you can sign up on our website (http://www.hopeforlifeministry.org/) to have funds taken out of you account automatically each month.
Send Checks to :
Breakthrough Partners
617 Dayton St., Ste. 2
Edmonds, WA 98020

**Make the check out to Breakthrough Partners, BUT make sure to write Hope for Life, Megan Swanson or Hilliary Anderson somewhere on the check so that the Breakthrough Staff knows to designate your gift to us!

Needs-

We are still short on monthly funds, so please be praying for us!

From the boys and our staff, thank you for your life giving support, encouragement, and prayers!