5 quick thoughts from Malawi after 1 full week:
1. “Dreams becoming reality” is one of the best ways I can describe MOAM’s first ever student manager mission trip. The Lord has blessed MOAM. Every time I read my journal entry from my trip to Rwanda 2 years ago that mentions, “Starting a nonprofit that funds mission trips” (see journal entry below) – I get goosebumps. 2 years later, MOAM is accomplishing just that. What a powerful God we serve. God honors bold prayers, and bold prayers honor God. Founder of Rafiki, Rosemary Jensen said, “I had no great vision for an organization such as what exists today, and no one to guide me. I simply did the next thing that God put before me, believing that He would lead me.” I believe this also perfect describes exactly what our 100% volunteer organization has been doing since forming last May.
1. “Dreams becoming reality” is one of the best ways I can describe MOAM’s first ever student manager mission trip. The Lord has blessed MOAM. Every time I read my journal entry from my trip to Rwanda 2 years ago that mentions, “Starting a nonprofit that funds mission trips” (see journal entry below) – I get goosebumps. 2 years later, MOAM is accomplishing just that. What a powerful God we serve. God honors bold prayers, and bold prayers honor God. Founder of Rafiki, Rosemary Jensen said, “I had no great vision for an organization such as what exists today, and no one to guide me. I simply did the next thing that God put before me, believing that He would lead me.” I believe this also perfect describes exactly what our 100% volunteer organization has been doing since forming last May.
2. The people of Africa are still incredible. So joyful, peaceful, loving, hardworking. Meet Joffrie- He is a grounds worker here at the Rafiki Village. You will quickly come to know Joffrie as a hardworking and joyful man. What you will not so quickly learn about Joffrie is that he walks 2 hours to work every day, 2 hours home at the end of the day. Every single day. The only feasible option Joffrie may have at reducing his 4 hours of walking each day would be to purchase a bike. However, this would cost him approximately 1 month’s wages. Not exactly a feasible expense when what Joffrie and his family are doing each week is what they need to do in order to physically survive that week. If these people ever have any sort of abundance, they often strive to share it with whomever possible. Any extended family or friends of the orphans here at Rafiki were invited to a recitation held here at Rafiki last week. These individuals are some of the poorest among the poor (hence why it was not possible for them to care for the children they know here at Rafiki), yet after walking several hours to get here, some of them still showed up with rice, or manna or whatever they could scrap together to sacrifice as a sign of their gratitude to Rafiki. The Rafiki children, the “mom’s” of the children, and full time missionaries here are amazing. Incredibly inspiring to spend time with these people.
3. A graduate of Rafiki WILL one day be the President of their respective country. Rafiki may only be serving a miniscule amount (approx. 100 children/country) of the orphans that exist here in Africa, but these children ranging from 2-13 years old are literally growing into the finest individuals in the world. It is very difficult to hear the ‘stories’ of some of these children.. some found in toilets, some abandoned at hospitals, some found on the side of the road. Meeting them now, you’d never guess. The knowledge and passion these children have for God’s word and their overall education is incredible. I’ve never met more joyful individuals. Eating meals with these kids is amazing..they are so extremely authentic, thankful and courteous already, and literally retain everything they learn. The children have no shortage of great questions for us guests at each meal. I have to admit that I have been caught off guard multiple times by questions ranging from “Who is your favorite prophet” to “Who is your favorite composer?”. These are both questions the kids can debate in depth by the way. Listening to these children pray before, and after, everything we do is beyond inspiring. Every time I join one of the cottages for evening devotions, or prayer, or dinner, all I can think about is Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” God’s presence is so evident here at Rafiki.
4. It is a great opportunity and God-connect for MOAM to be here to lead the Sports portion of G.A.M.E.S. (the summer school phase of Rafiki’s education curriculum.) I already believe The Lord may be calling MOAM to soon lead G.A.M.E.S. at all ten Rafiki cottages. These full time missionaries are so deserving of a break, and the kids are so incredibly hungry to learn about sports and grow in all aspects of life. The Lord certainly blessed and guided MOAM’s selection of student managers. Justin (Mississippi State), Meredith (Wake Forest), and Mikey (Virginia) are incredible individuals that truly have a strong passion for growing in their Christian faith. We knew we were selecting from a great pool of candidates as we recognize student managers as some of the hardest working individuals in the United States, but it has been a true blessing to see how quickly this group has meshed and developed strong friendships. MOAM is very proud to be part of connecting these 3 with this experience, and opportunity to serve. All 3 are now even prayerfully considering longer term mission work. For further evidence of how great these 3 are – please see their blog posts.
5. I envy how ‘unplugged’ and how ‘unmaterialistic’ these people are. Sure it is much easier for them to remain this way since they are relatively ‘unconnected’ (no tv, internet, etc), but I believe this has even more to do with how grounded these children are in God’s word. Each cottage starts and ends every single day with family devotions. These children seemed to be completely focused on 4 things. #1- Serving God, #2- Loving their family, friends, and neighbor, #3-Learning, and #4- Having fun playing with others. Literally, that is it. No concerns of what they wish they had, or what is unfair about their situation, or worries about the many hurdles they may face to become the doctors, teachers, and lawyers they aspire to be. They simply live IN THE MOMENT in all that they do. The joy these kids have when someone reads them a book, or simply carries a conversation with them is unreal.
Journal Entries During & After 2012 Mission Trip to Rwanda
Things are continuing to go great here at the Rafiki Village. I will admit that at times I do find this trip tobe challenging but these moments are washed away by the tremendous amount of joy and happiness I get to experience through these kids every day. The genocide memorials I visited over the weekend were very eye opening and helped me to grasp just how evil ‘man’ can be. This is why we must focus not on ‘man’ but on God and what His will is and what His word says is right. I am still very uncertain as to what will all come from this trip besides really growing in many areas of my life. But one thing that has recently been popping into my mind is a non profit that takes athletes on mission trips during their off seasons. I think this would really be a great way to use my platform and hard work to helping athletes make the most of their platforms and opportunity to serve God. This would also be great for spreading awareness on our duty to serve others. I am still struggling to accept how everyone here survives without so many things that I am use to in the US. So many people here are simply struggling to get by each day working very hard for very little material wealth but still they are so happy and peaceful people. This is very encouraging for me to experience and help me understand that I really need very little things of the world to be happy; God ‘s provision provides all that I need. I pray that God will continue to keep me healthy and energized so that I can continue to grow and make the most of this experience He has blessed me with. I also pray for this non profit idea I believe He has pushed into the back of my mind.
6/6/2012
God has blessed me with another great day here at Rafiki. I continue to enjoy devotionals each morning. This morning’s application was how can we do a better job of trusting in God’s provision in knowing that He will provide for His people just like Jesus provided enough food to feed all of those listening to Him with only a few loaves of bread and fish. Another blessing I am thankful for is all the great people I have been able to meet here. I praise God for the progress that Ryan and I have been able to make on our landscaping project. I really pray that it will turn out as great as I think it will and that it will also be a blessing that the Rafiki village is able to enjoy. I pray that God will continue to draw me closer and closer to Him through this experience and helping me in discerning His will for me. I continue to pray about the nonprofit idea that recently crossed my mind. I continue to pray that God will really help me in cleansing the ‘mud’ from my body and eliminate the moments of jealousy, impatience and frustration that I sometimes struggle with. This trip is such a great testimony to understanding that the only thing necessary to enjoy life to the fullest is His love. And this love and hope that He provides, does not disappoint. These kids and people of Rwanda appear to have so little, but they are some of the happiest most joyful people I have met. I get so happy every time I see Dadi or little Queenie bust out laughing. These kids are really keeping me going and allowing me to enjoy each day to the fullest, simply through their presence and dedication to serving God.
God has blessed me with another great day here at Rafiki. I continue to enjoy devotionals each morning. This morning’s application was how can we do a better job of trusting in God’s provision in knowing that He will provide for His people just like Jesus provided enough food to feed all of those listening to Him with only a few loaves of bread and fish. Another blessing I am thankful for is all the great people I have been able to meet here. I praise God for the progress that Ryan and I have been able to make on our landscaping project. I really pray that it will turn out as great as I think it will and that it will also be a blessing that the Rafiki village is able to enjoy. I pray that God will continue to draw me closer and closer to Him through this experience and helping me in discerning His will for me. I continue to pray about the nonprofit idea that recently crossed my mind. I continue to pray that God will really help me in cleansing the ‘mud’ from my body and eliminate the moments of jealousy, impatience and frustration that I sometimes struggle with. This trip is such a great testimony to understanding that the only thing necessary to enjoy life to the fullest is His love. And this love and hope that He provides, does not disappoint. These kids and people of Rwanda appear to have so little, but they are some of the happiest most joyful people I have met. I get so happy every time I see Dadi or little Queenie bust out laughing. These kids are really keeping me going and allowing me to enjoy each day to the fullest, simply through their presence and dedication to serving God.
8/1/2012
I must praise the Lord for my opportunity to officially be a sponsor of Honorie (young boy in Rwanda’s Rafiki Village). I couldn’t be prouder and happier about this. The Lord has blessed me with the financial means to do this. I can truly never out give God. Today I think God placed something on my mind that may be a calling. I’m really interested in establishing a nonprofit that generates money from donations of athletic apparel. These are then auctioned on Ebay and profits are used to create grants for selected student equipment managers to go on a mission trip. This seems like an awesome idea to me. I just pray that if it is in fact in His provision, He will really bless me with the discipline, confidence and desire to carry this out for His glory.
I must praise the Lord for my opportunity to officially be a sponsor of Honorie (young boy in Rwanda’s Rafiki Village). I couldn’t be prouder and happier about this. The Lord has blessed me with the financial means to do this. I can truly never out give God. Today I think God placed something on my mind that may be a calling. I’m really interested in establishing a nonprofit that generates money from donations of athletic apparel. These are then auctioned on Ebay and profits are used to create grants for selected student equipment managers to go on a mission trip. This seems like an awesome idea to me. I just pray that if it is in fact in His provision, He will really bless me with the discipline, confidence and desire to carry this out for His glory.
To God Be The Glory!
Drew Boe, Founder & Board of Directors - Managers On A Mission
Drew Boe, Founder & Board of Directors - Managers On A Mission