Back in November 2012 I had the incredible privilege
to travel to Rwanda to meet Grace, our first sponsored child through Africa New
Life Ministries (ANLM). We had been
writing letters back and forth with sweet Grace since March 2011, so meeting
her and her family was truly surreal. I
got to see firsthand how our sponsorship money was being used, for this
precious, shy, beautiful girl named Umwiza Grace. Her whole family benefits from
the shared hope that Grace will complete school and have the supplies that she
needs. On top of that, Grace’s medical needs are cared for, and she is being discipled by the
dedicated Rwandan staff of ANLM. What a
joy it was to be welcomed into her home, hug Grace and her family, pray with
them, and hug Grace some more!
Just before we said our goodbyes, Grace asked me if the
girls would be able to visit. Without
giving any thought of how we would make that happen, I quickly said YES! So, here we are nearly 3 years later, ready
and willing to go. We will get to share
our lives and love with the people of Rwanda, and allow our girls’ eyes and
hearts to be opened to an entirely different way of life. Some of my prayers are that our two sponsored
kids (you can read more about Jean Claude here) will know they are so
loved, and that our family will forever be changed by this experience.
Rwanda is a place where material poverty is everywhere, yet those
who know the Lord have an indescribable joy and dependence on God. The people of this small country in East
Africa have so much to teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation after
surviving the genocide of 1994. The more
I learn of their realities, the more I am challenged in my own life.
We have a desire to advocate for the families in Rwanda by
going, learning, and coming back to share our experience here. We would love for you to partner with
us. Your prayers are needed as we
prepare to go and finalize all the details of traveling with the girls. If you would like to support us financially to
make this trip happen see the info below. While my side
business has provided enough to cover the cost for Chad and I, we are looking
at a remaining cost of $8,700 for the girls (our total trip cost is $14,498). As a family we are also raising funds through
some of the girls’ entrepreneurial projects and fun events. We
appreciate any amount of support with extremely grateful hearts!
There are two ways to give financially toward our trip:
1. Go to www.AfricaNewLife.org.
2. Click on Donate in the top left corner.
3. Set up an account (so that they can send you a tax receipt).
4. Click on "Make a donation".
5. Select "Give to a mission team member" and select "The Perry family" in the drop down menu.
OR
Mail a check made out to Africa New Life (but don't put our name on the check, simply write Perry Family on the back of the envelope or on a separate note) to:
Africa New Life
Attn: Team Trips
7405 SW Tech Center Drive. #144
Portland, OR 97223
Thank you ALL for for sharing in the excitement with us. This is something I have dreamed about for years, and to know that we are soooo close to going has me losing sleep because I'm just so excited!!
Joyfully,
Lisa
