Never Lose Hope....

I've loved having my children home for the summer break. I've loved throwing the schedule out the window and  getting up and going whenever and to wherever our little hearts have desired to go. I've been trying to get this post out for almost a week, written and rewritten it, but with many interruptions this will have to suffice..... 

My traveling companion!

Last weekend I had the privilege of ministering at the 'Christian Revival Conference', in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was accompanied by one of my favourite traveling companions, my sister in law. She's traveled the world with us and I never grow tired of her. Her sweet gentle spirit is always so refreshing. I also had a new found friend come along, Deborah. Some of you know for years I've prayed to meet a local Rwandan, someone who could teach me the language. My desire is to one day preach in the native language of the country I've grown to love. After 3 years of desiring this...I found a Rwandan lady, who lives right behind our church! She's also a believer. She was thrilled to accompany us on the journey! 


At the conference there was an older couple I couldn't help but watch all weekend. I was drawn to the older man, my heart melted every time I saw him.  It's not very often when we minister in Rwanda that we see older people. Most were killed during the genocide, so meeting a gentleman in his 76th year was an honour. I was able to communicate with him with the assistance of a translator. He had shared with us how he just moved to the US this past February. He was laughing about his journey here.  He said it was far colder here than he ever dreamed possible. Imagine being 76 years old and living in the hot African sun your whole life, now picture  moving and traveling alone to the US in the coldest month of the year.  He didn't know the culture, the language or even have an understanding of what Michigan winter weather was like. This precious gentleman missed his connecting flights en route from Africa to the US. He had no way of communicating to anyone at the airport because he didn't speak English. What a terrifying experience. He was laughing as he recounted his journey here.  

Later on at the conference his wife got up to testify. This precious couple had been married for 25 years when the genocide took place. They, along with their 12 children had to flee the country. Along the hard journey, seven of their children died and her and her husband got separated from one another. For quite some time they had searched for one another, but had been told by many that the other had died. For years and years there was no reason to assume otherwise. Over time believing her husband was dead, the wife ended up moving with some of her now adult children to the United States. After 20 years of them each believing the other was dead they were contacted by the UN and informed that the other was still alive. With much doubt that this could actually be true, they tried to connect. The husband was in complete disbelief that his family could possibly be alive, yet alone now living in America. After many months of talking and trying to confirm that this was in fact was true, they made arrangements and he flew alone to be reunited with his family. 

Unbelievable! After the loss of 7 children, and thinking each other was dead for over 20 years they were reunited! 

All things are possible....

Pastor Alphonse, his beautiful wife and his precious parents! Amen! Reunited!

I was utterly amazed when we heard the story. 

I love to preach and teach the Word of God...but honestly,
moments where I can to sit and laugh with people are my favourite!

What can we learn from their incredible journey? What can we learn from their endurance and Faith? So much! The weekend was so fun, funny, tiring, powerful and stretching. There were and continue to be times I feel inadequate to do what He's called me to do. It seems in this day and age there are so many wrestling for the spotlight and recognition. To me, these are true champions of faith. They kept their eyes on the author and finisher of their faith. They've endured darker days than I can even imagine or comprehend, and still stand and declare how Great our God is! 
What a humbling weekend in so many ways.... I'm so thankful the Lord continues to lead me and guide me. I'm so thankful for these two precious treasures and the testimony that they brought! 
God IS faithful. 
His ways are above our ways, 
His thoughts are above our thoughts! 

Never lose hope,

My awesome interpreter! Such a hard job!

Heather