Blessed Ones
From the Blog, June 2013
“Walking from home to my office today I ran into Delphine, who greeted me by name, with a big smile, hug, and Kinyarwanda blessings. Delphine is one of the women that I met on my very first visit to Rwanda in 2008. She is part of the first group of HIV/AIDS-affected women that Rwanda YFC has supported to rediscover hope, dignity, and skills to support their families. Through The Elevation Project, I’ve been privileged to get to know some of these amazing women, as well.
I remember the first time I met Delphine. She was quiet, downcast and barely moved or showed any expression as she shared about her life. She’s the same age as me, but her story is so different from mine.
As a teenager, she was raped as she was walking to work. She had the courage to report it, but instead of the rapist being punished, Delphine was forced to live with him as his wife. She took care of his children from a previous relationship, managed the house, and eventually bore him more children. Through this relationship, she also contracted HIV. As I heard more and more of the horrific details, it was very obvious why she seemed so hopeless.
And yet in the years since, through the support of the other women in the group and with the involvement of Rwanda YFC, Delphine has rediscovered her God-given beauty. She laughs, smiles, dances, and is hopeful. She even expresses hope for her husband - the same man who raped her, forced her to serve him, and infected her with HIV. She reports that she is able to pray for him now, and that as she’s prayed for him she’s witnessed his heart softening. In the midst of a completely unjust situation, that is Grace.
I am honoured and extremely humbled to have been a small part of Delphine’s story through The Elevation Project partnership with Rwanda YFC. The group of women that Delphine is a part of is called the Blessed Ones, but truly, those of us who are able to get to know these ladies are blessed, as well.”
I’m heading back to Rwanda in less than a month, and I wanted to re-write this story that was published on The Elevation Project blog (elevationproject.tumblr.com) so that you will understand why I’m so excited to be going back. This has been a life-altering program for these women and it’s grown in ways that no one anticipated. Because of this, Rwanda YFC has invited me in to their strategic planning for 2014. So, not only will I have the opportunity to have more chance “run-ins” with Delphine and the other Blessed Ones, but I’m also going to be spending a significant portion of my time really delving into the depths of Rwanda YFC’s work with women - working to make it more effective and sustainable so that we can continue to see women like Delphine find hope, community, and love.
Opportunities
At The Elevation Project, we just finished working through all our plans and budgeting for the 2013-14 year. We are excited for all of the things we have planned this year, including the exciting opportunity I mentioned above regarding the women’s program.
We’ve also been looking at new funding models to support The Elevation Project and we need your help!
The Elevation Project is looking for 10 Silver Donors ($20/mo)
& 10 Gold Donors ($50 - $100/mo)
Would you consider becoming either a Silver or Gold Donor?
Many of you who are reading this already support my work with The Elevation Project. Without you, The Elevation Project wouldn’t be possible and I’m sincerely grateful for your support. Would you consider suggesting The EP to someone else?
Monthly giving is convenient, easy to set up, and it makes planning for the future easier for all of us at The Elevation Project and Youth Unlimited.
If you are interested in making a donation - either one-time or monthly - click here to give online or here to download a giving form to mail to Youth Unlimited, 115-12975 84th Ave, Surrey BC V3W 1B3.
With your help, we are looking forward to hearing more stories of hope, just like Delphine’s!
Thanks for all you do to make my work and the work of The Elevation Project possible!
Prayer Points
From the Blog, June 2013
“Walking from home to my office today I ran into Delphine, who greeted me by name, with a big smile, hug, and Kinyarwanda blessings. Delphine is one of the women that I met on my very first visit to Rwanda in 2008. She is part of the first group of HIV/AIDS-affected women that Rwanda YFC has supported to rediscover hope, dignity, and skills to support their families. Through The Elevation Project, I’ve been privileged to get to know some of these amazing women, as well.
I remember the first time I met Delphine. She was quiet, downcast and barely moved or showed any expression as she shared about her life. She’s the same age as me, but her story is so different from mine.
As a teenager, she was raped as she was walking to work. She had the courage to report it, but instead of the rapist being punished, Delphine was forced to live with him as his wife. She took care of his children from a previous relationship, managed the house, and eventually bore him more children. Through this relationship, she also contracted HIV. As I heard more and more of the horrific details, it was very obvious why she seemed so hopeless.
And yet in the years since, through the support of the other women in the group and with the involvement of Rwanda YFC, Delphine has rediscovered her God-given beauty. She laughs, smiles, dances, and is hopeful. She even expresses hope for her husband - the same man who raped her, forced her to serve him, and infected her with HIV. She reports that she is able to pray for him now, and that as she’s prayed for him she’s witnessed his heart softening. In the midst of a completely unjust situation, that is Grace.
I am honoured and extremely humbled to have been a small part of Delphine’s story through The Elevation Project partnership with Rwanda YFC. The group of women that Delphine is a part of is called the Blessed Ones, but truly, those of us who are able to get to know these ladies are blessed, as well.”
I’m heading back to Rwanda in less than a month, and I wanted to re-write this story that was published on The Elevation Project blog (elevationproject.tumblr.com) so that you will understand why I’m so excited to be going back. This has been a life-altering program for these women and it’s grown in ways that no one anticipated. Because of this, Rwanda YFC has invited me in to their strategic planning for 2014. So, not only will I have the opportunity to have more chance “run-ins” with Delphine and the other Blessed Ones, but I’m also going to be spending a significant portion of my time really delving into the depths of Rwanda YFC’s work with women - working to make it more effective and sustainable so that we can continue to see women like Delphine find hope, community, and love.
Opportunities
At The Elevation Project, we just finished working through all our plans and budgeting for the 2013-14 year. We are excited for all of the things we have planned this year, including the exciting opportunity I mentioned above regarding the women’s program.
We’ve also been looking at new funding models to support The Elevation Project and we need your help!
The Elevation Project is looking for 10 Silver Donors ($20/mo)
& 10 Gold Donors ($50 - $100/mo)
Would you consider becoming either a Silver or Gold Donor?
Many of you who are reading this already support my work with The Elevation Project. Without you, The Elevation Project wouldn’t be possible and I’m sincerely grateful for your support. Would you consider suggesting The EP to someone else?
Monthly giving is convenient, easy to set up, and it makes planning for the future easier for all of us at The Elevation Project and Youth Unlimited.
If you are interested in making a donation - either one-time or monthly - click here to give online or here to download a giving form to mail to Youth Unlimited, 115-12975 84th Ave, Surrey BC V3W 1B3.
With your help, we are looking forward to hearing more stories of hope, just like Delphine’s!
Thanks for all you do to make my work and the work of The Elevation Project possible!
Prayer Points
- Liz, The EP Intern, arrived safe in Rwanda! Continue to pray for her as she serves.
- I raised $8300 of my $10 000 Challenge - thanks for your support!
- Pray for my time in Rwanda, October 4 - December 17.
- Praise with us at the continued healing of Marina Mugarura, the National Director of RYFC’s wife)
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PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.
~ Mother Teresa
PLEASE CLICK HERE.
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Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.
~ Mother Teresa
