Donations via AffiniPay
Donate via PayPal:
TOOLS for HOPE MONTHLY REPORTS |
Above: The Twisungane Group
January 2025, Tools for Hope, Inc.
2024 Report
The impact of TFH on both groups this year has been profound. TFH mentoring significantly equips Smallholder farmers to enhance and diversify their incomes, improve economic well-being, foster spiritual growth, and overcome poverty-related challenges; both groups have experienced notable progress in agricultural and farming activities.
2024 Report of Twisungane Group Activities
Twisungane group photo
Introduction
Greetings from both groups. Diane wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This year, Twisungane group members extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tools for Hope (TFH) for their tremendous support through capacity building and spiritual guidance. Your contributions have been instrumental in transforming their lives. We deeply appreciate your continued support. TFH's support has been crucial in achieving the following milestones.
This report highlights the group's achievements, challenges, and progress throughout the year in farming activities, savings groups, income-generating activities, and spiritual growth.
Impacts in 2024
- Progress in Livestock Farming for every member
- Increase nutrition status through growing vegetables and fruits in their home
- Increased agricultural productivity through shared knowledge and teamwork.
- Increase of income-generating activities through savings
- Enhanced spiritual development among members and their families, evidenced by children engaging more with the Bible and gospel teachings.
- Key Achievements
Farming Activities
- Throughout the year, Twisungane members actively engaged in various farming initiatives, contributing to food security and economic empowerment in their families.
- . Twisungane members have made significant strides in crop farming, cultivating staple crops like beans, maize, and vegetables. The seasonal rains in the second half of the year improved yields.
- The group collectively set up 95% of their targeted gardens, cultivating vegetables like spinach, Beetroot, and fruits to combat malnutrition
- This initiative has significantly improved children's nutrition in member households.
- On average, the production increases at 5%
This year, many members expanded their livestock farming to a commendable level. Several of them bought cows, a significant milestone for their families as it provided them with milk, fertilizer, and an additional source of income. Some raised chickens, pigs, and goats, further diversifying their livestock. This achievement is a testament to the group's dedication and hard work in improving their livelihoods.
- Most members acquired two small livestock: pigs and chickens.
- Three members successfully purchased cows, improving their families' access to milk and boosting household nutrition.
- Livestock farming increased by an average of 10% compared to the previous year.
Claudine’s family notably invested in raising cows for milk production and chickens for egg production, significantly improving her family's nutrition and income.
Savings Group initiative
The savings group has been a significant change, empowering its members financially. Last year, monthly savings were $1, but members committed to saving $3 each month this year, accumulating a total of $360 over the year. This represents a 100% increase in savings, a testament to the group's financial discipline and the effectiveness of the savings group.
How saving groups helped them during the year
- 1. It provided members with a secure place to save, the opportunity to borrow in small amounts and on flexible terms, and affordable essential insurance services.
- 2. Savings group membership also leads to increased savings and credit access.
- 3. It helped meet group members’ economic needs, maintain or start small businesses, and benefit whole communities through increased economic activity. Many members used these loans to diversify their income by starting small businesses or renting additional farmland for cultivation.
- 4. Members pooled their resources and provided small loans to one another to invest in farming or address urgent family needs.
- 5. Savings groups help develop social bonds and foster closer relationships.
Loan repayments in the savings group were made consistently, highlighting the group's unwavering commitment to financial responsibility. At the end of the year, during their savings group cycle, members used their money to make hundreds of home improvements, a testament to their prudent financial management.
Income-Generating Activities
The group leveraged farming and small businesses to boost its income. Selling livestock such as pigs, goats, and chickens generated significant earnings for members. Members also sold surplus crops at local markets, with some reinvesting profits into their farms or businesses. These efforts have improved members' financial stability, enabling them to pay for school fees, medical expenses, and other household needs.
Spiritual Life Improvement
Spiritual growth has been a cornerstone of the Twisungane group’s life. In the summer holiday, we held a children's fellowship; TFH bought the Bibles for the Twisungane children. The primary purpose was to share the gospel and help them to train them to read the word of God. Every Member had a task to share the gospel with their children, fostering a spiritually enriched family environment. Once a month, we took time to pray and read the bible together.
The group's children received Bibles generously provided by donors, encouraging regular reading and deepening their faith.
Children enjoying the bible reading
Challenges
1. This year, the Twisungane group faced difficulties during the dry season, which affected agriculture season farming
2. Delaying getting a client for plot sale.
Financial Cost used
Bibles and fellowship event: $550 for both groups
·Money for helping Venuste's health issue: $300
Conclusion
The Twisungane group has made remarkable strides in material and spiritual growth this year. Despite the challenges, the members' unwavering commitment to improving their lives and faith has been inspiring. With continued support, the group aims to overcome challenges, expand their farming and income-generating activities, and deepen their spiritual journey in the coming year.
Dufatanye group Annual report
Introduction
As the year ended, we held an evaluation session with the Dufatanye Group members to reflect on their goals at the beginning of the year. We reviewed their achievements, identified goals that were not yet met, and discussed the challenges they faced. The process began with individual evaluations before assessing the group’s overall progress.
Dufatanye group, established to empower families through sustainable livestock farming, has completed another year of progress and development. This report highlights some personal testimonies from the members of the Pig Project, the group’s achievements, challenges, and plans for the coming year. The group's primary focus remains raising pigs and other livestock, which continues to improve livelihoods and strengthen community bonds. Diane thanked them for their outstanding effort in successfully repaying the first loan for the pig project on time. They also thanked TFH for providing another opportunity to utilize the loan for the project's second phase.
Livestock Statistics
- · Total number of Pigs Raised at the end of this year: 40 pigs.
Other Livestock Raised:
Ø Goats: 26
Ø Chickens: 25
Ø Cows: 20
Ø Rabbit: 5
Key Achievements
1. Livestock Production
Dufatanye group members made a profit by raising different livestock. Like money from selling livestock, milk, eggs, and meat
2. Crop production
- Through getting fertilizer from pig manure, members were able to get a good crop production, especially bananas, cassavas, maize, beans, and peanuts
3. Agriculture Production increased by 50%
- Financial Impact
Savings and Investments
$480 saved collectively through group savings initiatives. Each group member saves $2 monthly, amounting to $480 collectively by the end of the year, excluding interest from loans borrowed within the group. On average, based on the members who take loans from the group savings, everyone receives approximately $500 over the year.
Example of Income Generated from Livestock Sales
The Dufatanye Group recorded notable income from livestock sales as follows:
-
Goat Sales:
- Number of goats sold: 10
- Average price per goat: $60
- Total income: $600
-
Egg Production from Chickens:
- Number of eggs sold: 100
- Average price per dozen: $3
- Total income: $300
-
Pig Sales:
- Number of pigs sold: 20
- Average price per pig: $90
- Total income: $1800
-
Cow Sales (Milk Production):
- Liters of milk sold: 400
- Average price per liter: $0.50
- Total income: $200
Total Income Generated: $2900
This income has helped farmers reinvest in their farms, cover household expenses, and improve their living standards. It also highlights the importance of diversifying livestock to ensure steady revenue streams.
Income used for:
- Health insurance: 100% of the people paid for it.
- School fees
- Household improvements
Manure Utilization
All members used pig manure as fertilizer, which resulted in increased crop yields for potatoes, cassava, and vegetables.
Annual success stories from different farmers
Oliva's Journey to Transformation
Oliva, an elderly member of the Dufatanye Group, is a mother of six children and a grandmother to 12 grandchildren. She lives with six grandchildren. Life has often challenged her significantly as her large family has grown. Housing has been one of her most pressing issues, as her small house could barely accommodate her household members. Despite these struggles, Oliva’s determination, hard work, and support from TFH have brought remarkable changes to her life this year.
This year has been particularly rewarding for Oliva. Her pig gave birth twice, allowing her to sell piglets and earn $170. With this income, she achieved something she had been struggling with for years—she expanded and renovated her house. This improvement has made a significant difference for her large family, providing them more space and better living conditions.
In addition to the financial benefits, Oliva has expressed gratitude for the support and training she received through TFH, which empowered her to manage her pig farming more effectively. The manure from her pigs has also been an invaluable resource for fertilizing her small garden, boosting the productivity of her crops, and contributing to her family’s nutrition. She credits TFH as a catalyst in her journey and hopes to continue building on her success.
Vestine, a dedicated member of the Dufatanye Group, has experienced a significant transformation in her life through raising pigs, a project supported by TFH. For Vestine, the opportunity to raise pigs was not just a means of earning income but a stepping stone to achieving greater stability for her family. Vestine diligently cared for the pig she received from TFH and eventually leveraged the proceeds from selling piglets to build an additional room next to her house. This new space became a valuable source of steady income as she decided to rent it out. Today, that room provides her $8 monthly in rental income, which has become crucial support for her household. The rental income has helped Vestine cover various household expenses, including food, school fees for her children, and other essential needs. This extra income has given her family financial stability that was previously out of reach.
Success Story: Azarias' Transformation through Pig Farming
Azarias, a determined member of the Dufatanye Group, once faced significant farming challenges due to his land's low fertility. This made it difficult for him to grow enough crops to support his family. However, his life took a remarkable turn when he received pigs through the support of TFH.
The pigs became a significant change for Azarias. With the manure they produced, he could fertilize his land effectively, significantly boosting the productivity of his crops. For the first time, he was able to grow healthy cassava and beans and even ventured into growing tomatoes, which brought him additional income. Beyond using the manure for his farm, Azarias began selling it to others, earning $8 per sack. This new source of income further improved his financial stability.
The benefits of raising pigs extended far beyond farming. With the income he generated from selling manure and other pig-related activities, Azarias could cover school fees for his children and meet other household expenses. What once seemed like an insurmountable challenge has become an inspiring story of resilience and success. Azarias expresses deep gratitude to TFH for the support that helped him achieve this transformation.
Lessons Learned
- Diversifying livestock types (e.g., goats and chickens) provides additional income and food security.
- Strengthening group savings ensures members can manage unexpected challenges.
- Provide training on advanced livestock management and disease prevention.
- Expand manure utilization to improve crop yields for all members.
- Strengthen the group’s savings initiative to support more investments in livestock.
- Establish partnerships with local markets to ensure better prices for livestock.
Community Development
Knowledge sharing and collaboration among members led to improved livestock care practices.
Challenges Faced
Livestock Health: Outbreaks of diseases led to the loss of 2 pigs.
Feed Costs: Rising feed prices posed a challenge for many members.
Market Access: Some members struggled to find buyers for livestock at favorable prices.
Children's fellowship and spiritual life improvement
During the summer holiday, we had a good time with the Dufatanye children's group, praying together and sharing food and drinks. TFH gave the children Bibles.
Children got the gift of Bibles and enjoyed the reading.
Conclusion
The Dufatanye group has made remarkable improvements in life this year. The members' commitment to improving their lives and faith has been inspiring. With continued support, the group aims to overcome challenges, expand their farming and income-generating activities, and deepen their spiritual journey in the coming year.
Thank you for your guidance and support throughout the year, which has been instrumental in achieving their goals.
Ways to support Tools for Hope:
Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.
December 2024, Tools for Hope, Inc.
TWISUNGANE Group
Photo of Twisungane members
Introduction
The Twisungane group is doing well. Venuste is still waiting for a hospital bed because the doctor has many patients, which has caused a delay. However, we are hopeful that he will receive help next month.
This month, Diane visited Richard, one of the members of Twisungane. He has four children. He has an inspiring example of how setting clear goals and working diligently toward them can bring meaningful change. In general, Twisungane members set goals this year to buy small livestock and a cow because they understand the numerous benefits it could bring their families. Richard’s family chose to buy a cow that provides milk for nutrition and sells it for 5$ daily, which will bring benefits and manure to enrich the soil and support farming efforts.
Pictures of Richard and his cow
He and his family worked hard to save $250 for the year, a significant achievement made possible through careful planning and disciplined contributions. Finally, he could purchase the cow, which gave him a moment of pride and joy for his household. This milestone has become a source of encouragement for his family and the entire Twisungane group, reminding us that setting a goal, however ambitious, can be achieved through determination and collective support.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of working together toward shared success.
Richard attending a group savings meeting alongside the secretary.
He continues to save within the group, so he knows the benefits of savings. Diane appreciated his achievement and encouraged others to take reasonable steps.
The way forward
As the year drew close, we met with all the members. Diane encouraged them to spend time with their families to reflect on their goals for the year. Diane asked them to evaluate their progress, discussing what they achieved and didn’t and the reasons behind their outcomes. This reflection will help them prepare to set new goals for the coming year.
DUFATANYE GROUP
Photo of Dufatanye members after meeting
Introduction
Dufatanye group is doing great.
During her monthly visits, Diane visited the Laurent family. Let me share the remarkable story of Laurent, a father of two children who has experienced a profound transformation in his life thanks to the support of TFH, which has genuinely been a tool of God's work in his journey. Before TFH’s assistance, Laurent struggled to improve his family’s living conditions. However, his story turned positive when he began raising pigs through the TFH program.
Laurent in his potato field and his pigs
Raising pigs has been a blessing for Laurent and his family. Not only have they provided an additional source of income through the sale of piglets, but the pig manure has also served as an excellent fertilizer for his farm. With this, Laurent cultivated potatoes and cassava on ample acres. Laurent is excited to see the results of his hard work, and he plans to start selling his potatoes and cassava harvest next month. Following Diane’s advice on savings, he began setting aside small amounts of money. This year, he set a goal to invest in small livestock and successfully purchased a pregnant goat for $50. A few months later, the goat gave birth to two kids, further enhancing his family’s livelihood and diversification—on a more significant scale, boosting his agricultural productivity.
Laurent in his cassava field and his goats
Through the simple yet powerful act of raising pigs, Laurent has achieved an incredible transformation in his family’s life. This has enabled him to afford health insurance, cover school fees for his children, and manage other household expenses. His story is a testimony to the potential of hard work, faith, and the opportunities provided through support and empowerment.
(Picture of Laurent and his family)
One of his children got a Bible from the Children's Fellowship; his family is happy and thankful to TFH. This story is inspiring and a reminder of how meaningful changes can begin with small but purposeful steps. Farmers and Diane also had the pleasure of sharing what they harvested.
Way forward
As the year drew close, we met with all the members. Diane encouraged them to spend time with their families to reflect on their goals for the year. Diane asked them to evaluate their progress, discussing what they achieved and didn’t and the reasons behind their outcomes. This reflection will help them prepare to set new goals for the coming year. They will share it with us next month.
Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.
November 2024, Tools for Hope, Inc. Newsletter
DUFATANYE GROUP
Introduction
The Dufatanye group, a beacon of resilience, is making significant progress. Diane recently visited two women, Egidia and Gareth, who are members of this group. Both women requested to transition from pig farming to goat raising after facing numerous challenges with managing pigs. They explained that, as they age, the labor-intensive nature of pig farming—such as regular feeding, pen cleaning, health maintenance, and the need for ample space and shelter—has become increasingly difficult. These demands made it challenging for them to maintain profitability. Diane assured them that TFH’s mission is to improve their lives by supporting their choice to raise any livestock that benefits them.
Recognizing their challenges, the Dufatanye group focused on goat farming instead of continuing with pigs. This strategic shift has brought about a wave of positive change. Goats require less feed, are more resilient to diseases, and can thrive in the smaller spaces available on their farms. Since making this switch, both women have seen noticeable improvements. They sold the pigs they had and purchased goats, allowing them to raise healthy animals with fewer expenses and less effort. They are now benefiting from selling goats for meat and breeding purposes.
Egidia's successful transition from pig farming to goat farming is a testament to the Dufatanye group's impact. She sold her pig and invested in goats, now owning seven healthy animals.
Gareth, a shining example of adaptability and resourcefulness, also transitioned from pig farming to goat farming after encountering similar difficulties. She found goats easier to manage and required less maintenance. With the success of her goat farming, she decided to diversify her income further. After selling her pig, she bought one pregnant goat and now has three goats. Additionally, with a loan from TFH for the project's second phase, she rented a piece of land for $75 to grow beans and maize. She hopes to increase her harvest and generate additional income to support her family through this new venture. Her adaptability and wise use of resources have inspired others in the group, proving that even in difficult times, it’s possible to thrive through innovation and perseverance.
This month, the Dufatanye group made a responsible financial decision. They requested to postpone the loan payment to next month, as they have allocated their funds towards necessary agricultural preparations, including buying seeds and labor. This shows their commitment to their farming activities and their responsible financial planning.
Introduction
During her monthly visit with the Twisungane group, Diane met with Venuste, who is expected to undergo surgery for a prosthetic arm after receiving funds from TFH. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for your support. May God bless you abundantly.
In the accompanying picture, you can see Diane providing him with funds from TFH. After receiving the funds, Venuste was initially scheduled to get his prosthetic arm in October. However, during a recent consultation, the doctor identified complications with his arm due to prolonged bandaging, which led to skin irritation, rashes, itching, and skin breakdown. As a result, the doctor removed the bandage and allowed his skin to fully recover before proceeding with the corrective operation. His prosthesis fitting has now been rescheduled for this month.
In the above photos, you can see Claudine feeding her livestock. She has shown impressive progress this year by drawing from her family’s savings to invest further in livestock farming. After successfully raising a cow, which provided milk and manure for her crops, she recently expanded her efforts by purchasing ten egg-laying chickens. Each chicken cost her 3,500 RWF (about $3), and she is optimistic that this new endeavor will enhance her family’s income and nutrition. Claudine’s commitment to livestock farming is building a healthier and more prosperous future for her household. Diane continues encouraging others to improve their savings to raise livestock.
kitchen garden with beetroots and carrots
After the rains, they began growing vegetables, as shown in the kitchen garden, where beetroots and carrots flourish.
Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.
October 2024, Tools for Hope, Inc. Newsletter
Photo of Twisungane members
Introduction
During Diane’s monthly visit with the Twisungane group, she visited the family of Venuste, who has recently experienced a series of health-related and financial tragic events. They have four children. The family has been going through significant hardship when thieves attempt to cut his left arm. Although he survived the attack, his left arm was severely injured. The doctors have advised that he needs an artificial replacement arm (Prosthetic Arm). After getting an artificial replacement, he will be able to do his daily activities as naturally as possible after that surgery. He is confident he can still support and serve his family with the prosthetic.
Venuste is the vice president of the Twisungane group and a father of four. He works as a farmer to support his family. In July, he experienced a violent attack in his village during the night. Hearing a noise outside his house, he went to investigate and was brutally beaten by criminals on his left arm, causing him to lose consciousness. Fortunately, neighbors came to his rescue and took him to the hospital, where he received treatment for a severe arm injury.
Initially, the doctors bandaged his arm, but after some time, they had to decide whether amputation would be necessary. In September, after the wounds healed, the doctor recommended Venuste use a prosthetic arm to help him continue his work, as the injury affected his left arm, not his right. There is no specific deadline for getting the prosthesis—the doctor said it could be done whenever he has the funds available. He needs $300$ for the prosthesis.
In addition, here in Rwanda, the medical insurance that most people use does not cover the cost of prosthetics, which are quite expensive. The hospital was able to assist Venuste in treating and healing his wounds, but it cannot provide the prosthetic arm under the current insurance.
Apart from Venuste’s situation, his wife underwent successful surgery for an enlarged thyroid (goiter). Given these medical and financial challenges, Venuste has asked TFH for support. He is hopeful that, with a prosthetic arm, he will be able to continue providing for his family.
In addition to this, his wife has been struggling with a severe health condition. She was diagnosed with a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), which required a successful surgery that has significantly improved her health. Thankfully, the operation was successful, but the cost of medical care has further strained the family’s finances, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Photo taken during her time in the hospital
With both the husband's injury and the wife's health condition, the family’s financial situation has worsened. The medical expenses have depleted their savings, and they struggle to meet basic needs. The husband is unable to work due to his arm injury, and the wife is still in recovery from her goiter surgery. As a result, the family faces different difficulties, such as medical expenses, and the situation is becoming increasingly urgent.
Family's Request for Support
The family, deeply grateful for the support they have received in the past, and for the financial assistance donated to cover the husband’s surgery costs. They humbly ask for TFH's continued support in this difficult time.
Despite the challenges they face, the family remains hopeful for the future. They are preparing their kitchen gardens and eagerly await the rain to continue planting, believing the climate will change in the coming month, allowing for better-growing conditions.
They have begun preparing their kitchen gardens but are waiting for the rain to continue planting.
Please continue praying for them; the Ministry of Health confirmed a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. So far, the updated news shows that there are 26 confirmed https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON537.
There is currently no available treatment or vaccine for MVD. This is why it is essential for people showing Marburg-like symptoms to seek care early for supportive therapy, which can improve patient survival. WHO assesses this outbreak's risk as very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.
DUFATANYE GROUP
Photo of Dufatanye members
Introduction
The Dufatanye group is also doing great. This month, Diane started evaluating their goals for this year, which include improving their farming through raising other small livestock. Diane visited some of them, and they made good progress in their community in both pig farming and small livestock rearing (e.g., chickens, rabbits, and goats).
Her name is Athanasie. She made remarkable progress in both pig farming and small livestock rearing. After losing her spouse, she faced financial hardship while trying to support her family. With the TFH's introduction of the pig farming project, she saw an opportunity to transform his farming practices and improve her family's livelihood.
The pig manure significantly boosted the fertility of her banana plantation. This resulted in a larger and healthier banana yield, which improved her family's diet and provided additional income through banana sales.
Her two pigs multiplied, and she now has one mature pig, including eight piglets. This growth has given her the potential to sell some pigs at the local market, generating a steady income.
In this second phase of her pig farming project, she decided to diversify her livestock. She purchased 35 chickens for egg production. She sold one chicken for $2$, and now she expected to get more money. With eggs now available daily, her family's diet has improved, particularly benefiting her children, who are now consuming more protein-rich meals.
Her small-scale poultry farming has yielded several benefits.
We are grateful for the ongoing support from our donors and look forward to building on this success in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.
September 2024, Tools for Hope, Inc. Newsletter
DUFATANYE GROUP
|
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:
All were happy
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.
   They read at an individual level. Diane created different bible study groups according to their age groups. They also read in groups.
   Impact and Feedback:
Way forward:
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:
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.
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 |
August 2024, Tools for Hope, Inc. Newsletter
TWISUNGANE Group