Who Was There on "Day One?" - Part Two

Last week, we shared a bit about a couple of our first employees. This week, listen as Priscillah and Joyeuse share their perspectives on those early days. Then, as a bookend, meet our newest Rwandan executive, Kellen Kirungi.

Joyeuse was Hope Haven Rwanda’s first cook, and she still serves in this key role ten years later: “I remember we had a wooden kitchen. The previous owner of the property had cows and put a shelter up for the cows. So we turned it from a cattle stall into a cooking stall.”?

She continued, “When I came to Hope Haven, I came with my two twin boys. One of the twins had a clubfoot and was also very sick.?I had to carry him everywhere. I would bring him to Hope Haven and place him in class, and then after class, I would come and pick him up and take him home. Hope Haven paid to have his leg fixed.”?

Hope Haven has changed Joyeuse’s life and now she has a vision for her future. She’s grateful and hopeful. She continued with a grin, “My children will be the bosses in the future.”

Our current Family Director, Priscillah, was another initial employee. While Priscillah has been working at Hope Haven, she has completed her bachelor’s degree, her master’s degree, and a certificate of counseling. Now she has a world of opportunity.?

Her first thought as we shared memories was related to Susan’s faith. She exclaimed, “I knew we were on the right path because I saw Susan praying a lot! Everything we did was covered in prayer. I remember when I came, most of the things I used to teach under the tree were Bible verses. When you read the Bible, it makes you strong and you see hope for the future. I did not imagine Hope Haven would be like it is today.”

She noted, “I don’t know where I would’ve been without Hope Haven because all I have achieved has been possible because of Hope Haven.”

During the course of ten years, God has continued to bring the right people—right on time! Leaders like Fred, Emmanuel, Odeke, Pascal, Mignone, and others have all helped pave the way. Our latest executive hire is Kellen Kirungi, Deputy Managing Director.

As a highly trained and experienced professional in Human Resource Management, Journalism and Education for more than 15 years, Kellen is the perfect fit. Part of her new role is the hiring and development of our employees, evaluating their performance and rewarding them. She has also shown her passion and skills in change management, innovation and creativity.

Kellen has already proven herself as a strong leader and is just one more example of God building this amazing team!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

How is God leading you to serve more faithfully this week?