There are two things in ministry that I find challenging: talking about God’s call in my life and requesting money for ministry. I have learned over the years that God’s call and His plan for my life are not always easy to discern. I have made my share of mistakes and I am somewhat shy about proclaiming that God has called me to a certain ministry. However, I truly believe the evidence is overwhelming that God is now calling me to work in Rwanda, Africa, with an Arkansas based non-profit organization called Bridge2Rwanda.
Bridge2Rwanda’s mission is to create a new generation of well-educated, entrepreneurial, servant leaders in Rwanda — young people committed to Jesus, their country, and to one another. To achieve this mission, Bridge2Rwanda helps support the Sonrise School, a boarding school in Musanze, Rwanda, which has over 1,000 students from all ethnic groups and backgrounds and focuses on academic excellence and servant leadership. Sonrise is ranked as one of the top performing schools in Rwanda, despite the fact that over 50% of its student population is comprised of orphans who were admitted to the school because they were the neediest children in their villages. Bridge2Rwanda is also in the process of building Muhabura University, a new university that is committed to Christian leadership development, and will offer business and engineering degrees. Through the education they receive at the Sonrise School and Muhabura University, young Rwandans will be equipped to transform their country. This work is not traditional church building or gospel preaching, but I believe it will plant seeds that will produce a crop of strong, Christ-centered men and women who will impact all of Africa for Christ.
Bridge2Rwanda has identified needs at the Sonrise School and Muhabura University which match my skill set and diverse background. In addition to being uniquely qualified for the position, God has removed all the barriers that could prevent me from considering this opportunity. My family supports this decision and I will still be able to complete my degree at Memphis Theological Seminary. Therefore, I have decided to answer God’s call and join the Bridge2Rwanda team. I will move to Rwanda in January, 2010, and live in Musanze for a period of one to five years, as God sees fit.
The following will be my three main areas of responsibility:
Construction Management
· Renovation of three existing buildings on Muhabura University (MU) Campus with focus on ICT infrastructure. Preparing these buildings as accommodations for dorms, classrooms, and offices.
· Miscellaneous small construction projects at MU site and Sonrise School.
· Construction of guest house near MU site.
Monitoring Existing Projects
· Oversight of Solar Panels at Sonrise School installed by a team of Baylor students.
· Oversight of new water wells at Sonrise School and MU Campus (being drilled by Living Water) and installing electric pumps.
Teaching
· Teaching ICT classes at MU and the preparation of curriculum for such classes as needed.
This is what God has called me to do and it is a privilege to be able to participate in God’s work in Rwanda. As a civil engineer by training, I have always been drawn to Isaiah 58:12 which says “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”(NIV) The images of foundations, walls, and streets have always been ones to which I readily relate. I see this work as building educational foundations, repairing the broken walls of an economy, and restoring the streets so that all may dwell safely.
I would like to ask you do two things to help me in this endeavor. The first is to pray for me and my family as I move to Rwanda. Your prayers are so incredibly important. Secondly, please prayerfully consider partnering with me in God’s work in Rwanda by becoming a member of my financial support team. Just as God is leading me to Rwanda, I believe He will lead others to participate in His work by financially supporting the work He has called me to do.
Please know if you choose to be a part of my financial support team, your support is greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible under Bridge2Rwanda’s federal 501(c)(3) status. See http://www.bridge2rwanda.org/who-we-are/borrowed-talent/#bob-browder .I am so thankful for your prayers, support, and encouragement.
For additional information about Bridge2Rwanda, Sonrise School, and Muhabura University, please visit our website at http://www.bridge2rwanda.org/.
God Bless You,
Bob
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