Up and Running!

Secondary school is up and running! There have been many challenges—some expected, and some unexpected—but we are grateful that school is finally underway. Today, 519 secondary students are living full-time in dormitories at Hope Haven. They are thrilled to continue their journey of personal and academic development.

One of the guiding ambitions of our faith is to recognize the “image of God” in every person. As humans, we choose?how?we steward the gifts that have been entrusted to us. Animals are impulse-driven. Human beings are self-aware and self-determining. This belief is rooted in Genesis 1:27.?“God created?mankind?in his own image,?in the image of God?he created them;?male and female?he created them.”

For millennia, many humans have chosen the honorable profession of teaching. We have all benefitted directly from people who chose vocations through which they impart knowledge and help shape future generations.

During the rapid expansion of Hope Haven, Kellen Kirungi, our Deputy Managing Director, has worked tirelessly to recruit and hire more than 30 new secondary teachers.

Kellen is stewarding her gifts to help others steward their gifts—what a beautiful process.

In this week’s video, Wendy Raffaeli, our Director of Finance and Development, shares the joy of welcoming new hires to our team: “We have hired so many people—we’ve hired over 30 new secondary teachers, including physics, biology and chemistry. We’ve also hired a lot of local village workers, to work in our kitchen and to clean this building. They are so happy to be at work here. You see their smiling faces, and they wave hello…Hope Haven is amazing. It’s not only changing the lives of all these students and their families, it’s changing the lives of the people working here.”

It was also delightful to chat with Chaplain Edison this week. Soon after students moved in, he initiated cell groups in the dormitories to facilitate spiritual encouragement and development. This is in conjunction with our existing chapel services for secondary students every morning at 6:30, alongside primary school chapels each Monday. Summit Ministries is also providing comprehensive Christian worldview curriculum for every level. Teachers have been trained by Chaplain Edison to facilitate lively discussions integrating Christian values with sociology, philosophy, psychology, science, history, math and performing arts.?

The “Men of Hope” program for men in our community continues to flourish as well, with English classes each Wednesday and Friday, and a discipleship program each Monday. As Edison noted, “The good news is that this discipleship initiative has transformed some of these men into responsible Rwandan citizens and leaders who are really committed to serve their God through a changed character.” It is astonishing to see all the activity and growth underway on campus as staff and students work together to fulfill their unique callings.?

How can we recognize the “image of God” in others we encounter this week? Are there ways you can pitch in to help someone steward their calling in a practical way??