From December 6-15th, I had the chance to visit our partner ministry YFC Rwanda for a special occasion: celebrating 25 years of YFC Rwanda. A full week of events, conversations and celebrations was ahead of me.
As I walked across the property of YFC Rwanda in Kigali, the place was bustling with chatter and dancing caused by countless of young people. About 1131 youth had just arrived from all districts of Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC to participate in the annual YFC Rwanda youth convention. Every place in the dorms was filled and even the class rooms of Kigali Christian School were used to host everyone for the entire week. The youth convention happened under the theme “Growing and overflowing in Christ” prior to the main festivities of the 25th anniversary of YFC Rwanda. Seeing the youth’s hunger to learn what it means to walk with Christ as a disciple, as they were diving into the gospel through devotions, panel discussions and workshops was amazing! God’s presence was felt in the vibrant worship sessions as well as in the shared meals and conversations.
The highlight of the visit was the 25th anniversary celebration on Dec 14th. Hearing Jean Baptiste Mugarura – the National Director of YFC Rwanda, share the vision and history of the ministry over the years is touching every time. The story of YFC Rwanda is evidence for the presence of God in the darkness, for hope in desperate times and for new life that flows out of the living word of God. Above all it is a story of reconciliation and transformation. It was such an honour to celebrate the work of God in Rwanda with so many youth and leaders from all around the world.
As the Elevation Project we have been walking and partnering alongside YFC Rwanda for 12 years. Many youth have been touched by the relationship. Now, we celebrate the faithfulness, hope and vision of our partners to reach the young generations of Rwanda with the Gospel of Jesus over the past 25 years and for many years to come!
Join us and become a part of this cross-cultural partnership. It costs approximately $600 a year to support a child’s education at Kigali Christian School. Sponsoring a child for $50 per month helps provide school supplies, lunch every day for students who might not otherwise have a decent meal, and an excellent Christian education by loving teachers. By sponsoring one of these students, you can be a part of the change, giving them the key to their future — a good education in a loving and respectful environment.
To find out more and to set up sponsorship, visit www.elevationproject.ca
-Christian Hege
Manager of The Elevation Project