Kids Small Groups

The SK Rwanda Team's Friday day of ministry was about truly embodying what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  They left Kibuye for a 2-hour drive (which was quite dusty and adventurous) to Esperance Orphanage.  Their travels were smooth and they arrived in timely fashion to be greeted by the owner/founder of the orphanage.  His story alone awed the team as he was led from Guatemala to this small province in a small country in a big continent.  His faithful following of God's call has blessed the now 149 orphans currently living there.

The awe-inspiring, God-inspired stories continued as the team got to simply BE with the kids.  They heard stories of heartache in how each kiddo came to be a part of the orphanage - death in childbirth, abandonment, HIV/AIDS, even lightning striking & killing one's mother.  It left much of the team speechless...

However, that is exactly what God wanted for the SK Rwanda team today.  They spent hours upon hours playing with the kids, hugging, loving on and holding them.  This may seem insignificant but in the life of these children it is HUGE.  At first glance, Esperance Orphanage appears to be an ideal place to live.  They are self-sustaining in that they grow their own food that they eat and sell; they are a huge close-knit "family"; they receive vital life skills and training.; ultimately, it is a beautiful and clean compound building that they live in.  On paper, this sounds better than some people's homes.  But, we must NEVER forget that nothing can compare to the loving arms of a mommy or a daddy.  The hole in their hearts is indescribable as they lack the one-on-one attention they so deeply deserve.  They long to be known, heard, cared for and loved.  I say this because the SK Rwanda Team's presence was powerful as they worked simply as the hands and feet of Jesus.  They loved BIG, shared DEEP and made a HUGE impact on the lives of these children.  Likewise, I know that each team member left changed in a whole new, incredible way.

Pray for Esperance Orphanage to "Get to Zero" as they strive to place every child into a forever home.  Pray that God is already working in the hearts of the families that will take in and love these children.  Pray for the team as this was a heartwrenching day that will leave them forever changed.  Pray that this is just the beginning of their hearts breaking for what breaks God's.  Pray for strength and perseverance as they have reached the mixed emotion phase - eager to come home yet not ready to have ministry come to a close this weekend.  Lift up this team; your prayers are felt and deeply appreciated.