We're Blessed to Be a Blessing to Local Widows in Rwanda
During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered by the Hutu-majority government, in the name of 'ethnic cleansing'. It shook the nation to its core; everyone was effected. The death-wake of the genocide, coupled by the systematic spread of HIV during the genocide, has left thousands of widows and orphans behind, struggling to survive. Even today, the echos of the destruction are still felt and seen.
At Lift Them Up International, we're answering God's commission to "...look out for orphans and widows in their distress.." (James 1:27). Many people know about our Child Sponsorship Program, that helps orphans and other vulnerable children get an education, healthcare, and regular meals. But did you know that we also have a program designed specifically for blessing post-genocide widows?
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Widows, especially those in underdeveloped countries, are one of the most over-looked people groups on the planet. They're the ones who slip through the cracks, while the world focuses on beautiful, young families and the next generation. We may not see them, but God does; He hears their cries and sees their tears. That's why, throughout the Bible, He tells His people, time and time again, to look after and care for widows and their families.
When they're serving up their last cup of rice to their children and there is no hope on the horizon, God hears their cry for help... and He sends it. In this case, He sends it through generous gifts made by LTU donors and the loving, local Rwandan churches, who are the 'hands and feet of Jesus' in their communities. Together, we can strategically drop 'love gifts' on these precious women and let them know that they are not forgotten and are not alone. |
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| This was the gift that started it all: one $50 gift in 2017. Two ladies gave to LTU and said, "Could you make sure that this goes to bless a widow who needs it?" |
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And just like that, "Widow Blessing Baskets" were born! We worked with our partners on the ground in Rwanda, to develop guidelines for selecting and blessing local widows in the church and it took off, like a wildfire of blessing!
A gift of just $50 provides approx. 3 months of food for a widow and her children. Isn't that amazing?! Our Blessing Baskets consist of a 20 lb bag of corn flour, a 20 lbs bag of rice, and a gallon of cooking oil- these are the basis of the Rwandan diet; just add vegetables and meat (when you have it) and you're all set!
Below are 9 women, who have been blessed by this ministry in the past few months. Their gifts came from our supporters at the First Baptist Church and United Methodist Church in Cimarron, KS; the United Methodist Church in Kalvesta, KS; and a sweet friend in Midland, TX. |
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| Wow! God is so good! Imagine the relief these ladies felt when they got the news. I know the joy, because I got to meet and hug each one of them when I was in Rwanda, visiting the churches in July. All of them sought me out after the Women's Conferences that we held, gave me a ton of hugs and told me to tell each of you 'Thank you so much for caring for them!'. It was beautiful. |
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| Each woman has a story; each one represents a family; and each one now knows the love of her Father in heaven, because of you. Thank you and God bless you. |
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So, I just wanted to let you know what we've been up to and again, to say 'Thank you" to you all for loving so well! It's been an amazing thing to be a part of and I hope that you feel that way, too.
If you would like to send a Widow Blessing Basket, you have 2 options:
For online donations, click this link to go to our website-
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For donations through the mail- send a check for $50, write 'Widow Blessings' in the comments section, and send to:
Lift Them Up Int.
1107 Buffalo Ct.
Midland, TX 79705
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Either way, you'll receive a receipt upon payment and I'll also send you an update and a picture of what your gift was able to do, like the ones above.
Sincerely and with great love,
Kendra Willard
Founder/Director
(620) 338-2732
PS. Coming soon is an update on the Cathy Staats Memorial Fund and a church building project! |
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