Many of you are likely wondering how much was raised for Christian Hope Village in Rwanda. The answer is…we’re still waiting for the total to be counted! However, I am happy to say that we raised $3,900 at the event on August 29. Additional contributions of $3,000 were made last week and other contributions will be made this week or next. As I said at the screening of “As We Forgive,” on August 29, I knew it would take two or three weeks to receive the gifts. We may be few in number, but we are generous in spirit!

In times like these, people can easily withhold giving to needs of others. The Epistle of James says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” As hard as our economic times may be, they will pass. This country will not struggle for long, and our “struggle” is purely contextual. I’m reminded by Archbishop Kolini’s comments to a mutual friend, “No one is coming to burn your city to the ground, steal your land and kill your loved ones.” Yes, our struggle is real, but very safe by such comparisons, wouldn’t you agree? This time in our country does not amount to a nation making orphans of their young. Yet, this is Rwanda’s daily reality to overcome. Rwanda’s children will NOT climb out of ongoing poverty without help.

Thank you! May God bless you and our parish with joy for our response to this need. Should you want to give in the future or give additional gifts, just let me know. Hope Village and other projects are ongoing in Rwanda.