Photo of Dufatanye members and their children

Introduction

The recent children’s fellowship event, a unique and spiritually enriching experience, was a testament to the impact of Tools for Hope’s (TFH's) support on the Dufatanye group.  The event brought together 60 children and their parents in a time of fellowship, focusing on strengthening their connection with God and each other through Bible reading, shared meals, and various activities.

Activities Conducted:

• Giving Gift of Bibles for the children
  The children's excitement was palpable as they received their Bibles, symbolizing their dedication to regular reading and spiritual growth.  This enthusiasm indicated the fellowship's impact on their spiritual journey.

All were happy

• Teaching them how to read the bible (Bible Reading Session)

The children engaged in reading selected passages from the Bible.  This session strengthened their faith and encouraged them to discuss and reflect on the teachings together.  It was inspiring to see the children eager to understand the Word of God, with some even reading aloud to their peers.

Diane used the Zacchaeus story in Luke 19:1-10 in the bible study session with the main steps (Observation, interpretation, application), and by using this story, she explained to them about salvation.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.  3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd.  4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.  I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord!  Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.c 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

           They read at an individual level.

Diane created different bible study groups according to their age groups.  They also read in groups.

• Sharing Drinks and Meals:
  Following the Bible reading, everyone shared a meal and drinks together.  This was an excellent opportunity for parents and children to bond and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and welcoming environment.  Sharing a meal reminded them of the fellowship and unity they strive to nurture within their community.

Impact and Feedback:

• Spiritual Growth
  The children and parents expressed that the fellowship helped them grow closer to God through reading the Bible.  Parents were particularly thankful for TFH for the opportunity to engage their children in spiritual activities, which many found to be a rare and cherished experience.
• Family Bonding
  Their shared experience of reading the Bible and enjoying a meal together fostered a sense of unity among the families.  Diane asked parents to continue reading the Bible together at home, making it a part of their daily routine.
• Encouragement to Read
  The distribution of Bibles was well-received, and the children’s enthusiasm for reading was evident.
• 4. Challenges:

• Limited Time with children
  While the fellowship was a success, the children will return to school next month, which means Diane and they will meet again in Bible study during the school holiday.
• Distractions: Children might be more involved in outdoor activities or household responsibilities in rural settings, reducing their reading time.

 Way forward:

• Parental Involvement
  Looking ahead, we plan to further involve parents in future sessions, potentially through guided discussions or family-focused activities.  These initiatives aim to reinforce the lessons learned and ensure the continued success of the fellowship.

Conclusion:

This month’s children’s fellowship was a resounding good, bringing families together in faith and fellowship.  The combination of spiritual nourishment through Bible reading and the communal sharing of meals created a memorable experience that we hope will have a lasting impact on the children and their families.

We look forward to the continued growth of this program and the blessings it brings to their community.

TWISUNGANE Group

 Photo of Twisungane children’s members

                  Photo of Twisungane children’s members

Introduction

This month’s Twisungane children’s fellowship was remarkable, providing a balanced mix of spiritual nourishment, family bonding, and fun.  It was a joyful and spiritually enriching experience during the holiday season.  The gifts of Bibles, combined with practical learning and shared experiences, have laid a strong foundation for continued spiritual growth among the children and their families.  There were 26 children and 20 parents.

Key Activities:

• a.     Receiving the Gift of Bibles:

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, each child who knows how to read well received their own Bible.  The excitement among the children was evident as they unwrapped their gifts, knowing that these Bibles would be theirs to keep and cherish.  The parents expressed deep gratitude, recognizing the importance of this gift in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth.

Introduction to the Bible:

After receiving their Bibles, the children were guided through an introductory session on using and navigating them.  This included understanding the Bible's structure, finding specific books and verses, and learning how to use the Bible as a daily tool for spiritual growth.

 Learning and Practicing Bible Reading:

Interactive Bible Reading Session:

The children participated in a firsthand Bible reading session in different groups according to their age group. During this time, they learned how to read, make observations, interpret, and make an application from the scriptures, with a focus on understanding the stories and applying the lessons to their daily lives.  This activity was designed to be interactive, encouraging the children to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in discussion.  Diane used the Zacchaeus story in Luke 19:1-10 to apply those steps.

Practice and Reflection:

After the guided session, children were encouraged to practice reading the Bible independently. They were given passages from the story of Zacchaeus to read and reflect on, which they later shared with the group.  This practice helped improve their reading skills and deepened their understanding of the Bible’s teachings and salvation.

Sharing Food and Drinks with Parents:

Family Bonding:

The shared meal was a significant part of the fellowship, reinforcing the sense of community and togetherness.  Parents appreciated spending quality time with their children in a positive, faith-centered environment.

Recreational Activities:

Games and Play:

The children participated in various games and recreational activities to round out the day. These included indoor and outdoor games to promote teamwork, fun, and physical activity. The children's laughter and joy as they played were a testament to the success of the day’s events.

Impact and Feedback:

Spiritual Growth:

The Bible reading sessions were particularly impactful, as many children showed a keen interest in continuing to read the Bible at home.  Parents are committed to helping their children be more motivated to engage in daily scripture reading.

Positive Reception of the Bibles:

The gift of Bibles was met with overwhelming gratitude.  Parents and children alike appreciate this valuable resource, which they believe will be crucial in their spiritual journey.

Enhanced Family Relationships:

The shared meals and games allowed families to connect on a deeper level.  Several parents commented on how the fellowship permitted them to spend meaningful time with their children away from the usual distractions of daily life.

 Challenges:

Need for Continued Practice:

Although the children were enthusiastic about reading the Bible, continued practice at home is essential to reinforce their learning.  We plan to provide parents with additional resources to help guide their children in regular Bible study.

 Next Steps:

Follow-Up Sessions:

We plan to organize follow-up sessions to ensure the children and their families regularly engage with their Bibles.  These sessions will offer further guidance on incorporating Bible reading into their daily routines.

Expanding Fellowship Activities:

Based on the positive feedback, we aim to expand the range of activities in future fellowships, including more in-depth Bible studies, additional games, and even creative workshops that combine faith and arts.

Strengthening Community Bonds:

We will continue focusing on activities that unite families, encouraging stronger relationships and a more vibrant faith community.

Conclusion:

We are grateful for the ongoing support from our donors and look forward to building on this success in the coming months.

http://www.toolsforhope.org/

Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.

Please send this newsletter along to anyone you feel may benefit from it.          

Donations via AffiniPay