Goats!

Proverbs offers some solid advice: Take good care of your herd.

The philosopher writes, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds…the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants” (Proverbs 27:23, 26-27).

In many agrarian contexts, livestock can mean the difference between life and death. Income, milk and meat are the top three benefits of goats in Rwanda, and owning a goat makes a significant difference in the quality of life for struggling Rwandan families.

During a visit from Mission Hills Church last year, we delivered several goats to families who are part of the Hope Haven Rwanda community and the impact has been remarkable! 

The two boys pictured above, Nishmwe Serge and Munezero Maurice, are members of a family that received a goat and it wasn’t long before their goat gave birth to two kids. Their father, Karerangabo, and mother, Epiphany, said that they are extremely grateful for the goat and plan to give the young goats to other families.

Nzeyimana, a 30-year-old single father, was another goat recipient. He operates a bike taxi while his seven-year-old son attends Hope Haven. When Nzeyimana’s bike was stolen a few months ago, he was able to sell his goat to buy a new bike.

Muforomo and his wife, Claudine, also received a goat from the Mission Hills team. During a recent visit to their home, they excitedly shared that their goat has delivered two kids and they are planning to sell them soon to repair their home which was recently damaged by heavy rains.

Yvonne is a single mother and the manager of our school cleaners. She started as a cleaner when Hope Haven began. Today, she is the sole earner for her two biological children and her nephew who lives with them. When Yvonne’s family received a goat, she began to use it to fertilize her garden and has been able to share fertilizer with her neighbors.

In each of these cases, what may seem like an insignificant investment has helped transform the community. Will you pray with us that we will find new ways to help transform our community?

Please also pray for many teams who will visit us this summer. Pray for effective, lasting ministry and that Jesus will be lifted high here in Murindi!