Africa New Life Ministries http://www.africanewlife.org RWANDA Tue, 15 May 2012 21:59:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 HEARTBEAT http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/710/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/710/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:02:56 +0000 Africa New Life http://www.africanewlife.org/?p=710 Please find an article that appeared in the internal Seton Family of Hospitals electronic newsletter called “Heartbeat.”  Thank you to Ellen Decareau, Dr. Stan Rice and Dr. John Williams for championing this story in the Austin area and beyond!

Heartbeat
New Extension in Life For Young Rwanda Refugee
by efdecareau | Friday, Apr 6, 2012

For the first time, Jovanus, an eight-year old Rwanda refugee born in Tanzania, is dunking basketballs, bicycling and ‘rock’ climbing thanks to the help of Dell Children’s and the Austin community.

Since birth, Jovanus suffered from a debilitating condition that caused his legs to bend in the wrong direction. The condition became so severe that at times he crawled on his hands to move from place to place.

With the help of non-profit organization, Africa New Life Ministries, Jovanus received a much needed surgery in Uganda. While the surgery went well, with no post-operative care Jovanus’s legs became stiff and soon he could not bend his knees.

“Even though he had a successful operation, his legs were basically stuck in the same position in which he was casted,” said Dr. John Williams, pediatric orthopedic surgeon overseeing Jovanus’s care.

See Jovanus’s story on KVUE-TV

Natalie Green, who works in Austin for Africa New Life, brings donors to Rwanda several times a year. In the two months between visits, she saw Jovanus’s rapid decline.

“This was the time to do rehab and after care while he’s still nimble,” remarked Natalie.

Natalie was familiar with Seton’s mission-centric values—she once worked in Dell Children’s child life. Through a mutual friend, Natalie reached out to Dr. Stan Rice, emergency medicine physician at Dell Children’s, about the possibility of helping Jovanus.

Helping others in need is Dr. Rice. Following the earthquake in Haiti, Dr. Rice joined a group of medical staff and volunteers running a clinic on the island to support the wounded and sick.

“Natalie heard about our trip to Haiti and the work we did. When she saw Jovanus’s plight, she worried that he was getting worse and found a way to connect to our hospital,” commented Dr. Rice.

Dr. Rice said he spoke to several doctors and leadership and they were all behind it.

At Jovanus’s initial consultation, Dr. Williams determined surgery was not required and recommended extensive rehab and nutritional assistance. Margaret Garwood, physical therapist in the out patient rehab clinic, is helping Jovanus build flexibility and mobility in his legs.

Remarked Dr. Williams, “We can’t help everyone, but if we can changes someone’s life…well, that’s something to consider.”

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/710/feed/ 0 “What an opportunity…to the glory of God!” -Pastor Charles http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/what-an-opportunity-to-the-glory-of-god-pastor-charles/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/what-an-opportunity-to-the-glory-of-god-pastor-charles/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:33:49 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=614
We wanted to share it with you, first!
TODAY at Sundance Film Festival:
Rejoice with us as we share what God has done through the LIGHT THE STREET Campaign!
Click the following to learn more about our participation in the event at Sundance:
Event Information
Coverage by The Huffington Post
LAST WEEK IN RWANDA:
Rwanda’s 2011 student test scores were released and New Life Christian Academy is officially #1 NATIONALLY among all secondary schools (7-9) and #2 among all primary schools (1-6). Congrats to Headmaster John Africa, our ANL Rwanda staff and every student who worked so hard to make this a reality!
THIS MONTH IN RWANDA:
Classes have officially begun in Bugesera, Rwanda. Thanks to everyone who sponsored, invested and got the word out to help make this dream a reality for over 300 newly sponsored students and their families.
Please rejoice with us by posting this link on your Facebook, twitter and blogs!
With are so grateful-
The Africa New Life Team
light the streets
]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/what-an-opportunity-to-the-glory-of-god-pastor-charles/feed/ 1 The Ben Breedlove Memorial Fund http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-ben-breedlove-memorial-fund/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-ben-breedlove-memorial-fund/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:57:48 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=606

 

Written by Natalie Green, Africa New Life Staff

I had the delight of meeting and getting to know the Breedlove family in 2001.  Ally was placed in my very first 4th grade class at Regents School of Austin.  And her mother, Deanne, was one of my wonderful “homeroom moms.”

JOYFUL.  THOUGHTFUL. KIND-HEARTED. GENEROUS. SALT OF THE EARTH.

Those words do not scratch the surface but they are spot on.  The entire family, Shawn, Deanne, Ally, Ben and (baby!) Jake were always full of joyous smiles and understanding, bright eyes.

On Christmas night 2011, Ally and Jake’s brother, Ben, went to be with Jesus when his lifelong heart condition caused his heart to stop beating.

While his sweet smile, knowing eyes and joyful spirit are no longer with us on earth, the heartbeat of his legacy beats strong and lives on.

The Breedlove family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support shown for Ben.  They would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has reached out to show their love for Ben and their family. Ben’s family has requested that all donations in memory of Ben be given to Africa New Life Ministries to love and serve the children of Africa.

Prior to his passing, Ben spoke of his desire to impact the lives of impoverished children in Africa but was just not sure how…

Ben’s family knows now.

They believe he would be honored and love knowing that his celebrated life and legacy changed the world for the lives of so many vulnerable children.

“Though the sorrow may last for the night, His JOY comes with the morning.”

To give in Ben’s memory please click here: The Ben Breedlove Memorial Fund

Be blessed by Ben’s videos:

Ben Breedlove – This is my story (Part 1)

Ben Breedlove – This is my story (Part 2)

 

Courtesy of Austin American Statesman

Austin teenager Ben Breedlove died on Christmas but not before leaving his loved ones a cherished gift that quickly became an Internet sensation.

Breedlove, who was 18 when he succumbed to a lifelong heart condition, loved making funny videos and had his own channel on YouTube in which he gave girls advice about boys. True to form, his final message is a video .

His loved ones found it hours after he had an apparent cardiac arrest at home. In it, Breedlove talks about cheating death three times and describes a vision that he had when his heart stopped earlier this month and his desire to stay in that peaceful place.

Watching the two-part video Breedlove made days before he died, “I can’t tell you the kind of joy” it brought, said his mother, Deanne Breedlove. “It was a gift to us, and for him to be so confident and unafraid of death and to share it with other people was so touching.”

Breedlove is shown holding up written note cards rather than speaking about his close calls with death. The video was featured Tuesday on a variety of websites, including the Huffington Post, and on Facebook and Twitter. Many wrote they were tearful and inspired.

“I am going to achieve my dreams for you, Ben. I will,” one commenter wrote.

“And I’m not going to fear anything or let fear get in the way of anything now.”

A follower on his YouTube channel, “OurAdvice4You,” thanked him for his help: “Ben, I never personally met you but I watched your videos and … remember … thinking, ‘Whoever ends up with him will be the luckiest girl on Earth.’”

In his last video, Breedlove recounts the vision he had previously described to his family and friends when he “cheated death the third time,” on Dec. 6. He had a cardiac arrest at Westlake High School, where he was a senior.

While he was being revived, he saw himself with his favorite rapper, Kid Cudi, and the two were wearing suits.

“The first thing I thought was, Damn, we look good!’” he recounted. “I then looked at myself in the mirror. I was proud of myself, of my entire life, of everything I have done. It was the best feeling. I didn’t want to leave that place.”

The rap artist wrote on his blog Monday that he was in tears after seeing the video.

Best friend Grant Hamill said he didn’t know of the video until after his friend had died. Breedlove had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle that makes it work harder.

“It was rough seeing him and what he was thinking about,” Hamill said. “He hated the hospital and being constrained. We didn’t talk about it. He wanted me to be just his friend.”

Breedlove enjoyed wakeboarding, playing guitar and drumming. He hunted with an adult family friend, Mark Kohler, who called him funny, smart and “an old soul.”

He used YouTube to influence his peers, said Kohler’s wife, Pam. “Obviously, he knew what he was doing when he left this message,” she said.

Breedlove’s mother said she was grateful for the goodness it had inspired. “Ben himself was full of joy,” she said, “and to be his parent was a huge blessing.”

 

BENJAMIN DANIEL BREEDLOVE

On Christmas night, our son, Ben Breedlove received a gift greater than any we could have given him. He stood in the presence of his Lord and Savior and felt the peace that surpasses all understanding. Ben’s 18-year-old heart may have been afflicted with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but his physical limitations didn’t keep him from experiencing the things he loved—in fact, he found extraordinary ways to expand on those experiences and take us all along for the ride. He had a curiosity for learning (remember the drum kit?), and his quick, analytical mind sought ways to be the best at whatever captured his attention. He loved wakeboarding, shooting, and playing Call of Duty. His claim to fame was when he and little brother, Jake, beat Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley in an online match. And they did it gleefully! There are so many ways to describe Ben: he was witty, sharp and funny, and his pranks were legendary. Just ask the unsuspecting drivers on City Park Road! He knew how to operate outside the system, while accomplishing his goals in an honorable fashion. While Ben never seemed to take anything seriously, his happy- go-lucky nature was matched with a warm, loving and candid personality. His YouTube channel gives witness to what his legion of female admirers thought of him! And now the world has come to know our Ben. He was a genius at using the Internet to reach and influence his peers. Through his brilliance with maneuvering the capabilities of YouTube, Ben has left a message for his generation. In the weeks prior to his death, he had faced some scary situations with his health, but had been given an amazing gift that he was determined to share; first with us, his family, and then, not surprisingly (and generously) with his YouTube audience. We know the Lord used the amazing life of our precious son to reach a weary world on Christmas night, just as He did over 2000 years ago with his own Son. We invite you to visit YouTube, and just enter “Ben Breedlove” and receive the gift that Ben hoped would change your life. Ben was abundantly loved by his devoted family: parents, Shawn and Deanne; sister, Ally; and brother, Jake. Waiting to start the party in Heaven were both his grandmothers, Jan Breedlove and Sue Raine. Ben left grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends of the family, fellow students at Westlake High School, and members of the Internet Generation to mourn the loss of his creativity, wittiness and beautiful smile. Ben has left a lasting impression and legacy far beyond his 18 years. While the pain of losing Ben will never be far, his life is serving a greater purpose. You were always full of surprises, Ben, and this is the best one yet! “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.” Memorial services will be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon, Thursday, the 29th of December at Gateway Church, 7104 McNeil Drive, Austin, Texas 78729.

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-ben-breedlove-memorial-fund/feed/ 19 Reflections of Rwanda: 10 Year Anniversary Celebration by Michelle Schmidt http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/reflections-of-rwanda-10-year-anniversary-celebration-by-michelle-schmidt/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/reflections-of-rwanda-10-year-anniversary-celebration-by-michelle-schmidt/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:46:49 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=554 Rwanda is beautiful. Beauty lives in the dancing eyes and swaying hips, in the proud gold-edged green leaves, and in the vibrant fruit, at once mellow and exotic in flavor.
But in September, during Africa New Life Ministries’ 10th Anniversary Celebration, the most beautiful things to encounter were the stories.
The stories were everywhere. You could see them walk, as young Jovanus, the boy who a year ago had “backward legs,” returned to his home to Kageyo after corrective surgery. The stories danced among the young girls of Kayonza, rehearsing their celebration performance amidst construction materials in the soon-to-be girls dormitory. At the Dream Center in Kigali, these stories swirled in the festive buzz of the hundreds of families and friends and dignitaries who gathered under brightly decorated celebration tents.
The stories that live in Rwanda are more than the kind that are preserved for the grand moments of a ceremony. They are the currency of the place. They live and breathe in the staff, who when asked, speak of God’s hand to provide for them, to change, prepare, and then use them. Rich stories rest, brick upon brick, in the buildings of the Kageyo and Kayonza campus. They are sewn quietly into the bags made by the women in the sewing center, and ladled into cups of porridge that fill the bellies of the hundreds of boys that roam the streets of Rwanda each day.
The stories are not confined to place, but stretch across the oceans where values are overturned and God’s power seen. In these stories, lives are woven together, through obedience and opportunity, to create unimaginably rich tapestries that sing glory to the Creator.
And the stories aren’t complete; they dance on in the hopes and dreams of children who are experiencing the new life God has put before them.
These are stories only God could write. These are stories that most of us encounter on rare occasions or are stowed away neatly in the past, but there, in Rwanda, in this time of celebration where past and future converge, these stories are plentiful and alive. God’s work is undeniable. May we, in whatever capacity or location God has placed us, join Him and continue to tell His story.

Ephesians 3:20-22 — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/reflections-of-rwanda-10-year-anniversary-celebration-by-michelle-schmidt/feed/ 0 The Afters’ Josh Havens Talks with FaithVillage about Africa New Life http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-afters%e2%80%99-josh-havens-talks-with-faithvillage-about-africa-new-life/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-afters%e2%80%99-josh-havens-talks-with-faithvillage-about-africa-new-life/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:23:16 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=549 The Afters’ Josh Havens Talks with FaithVillage

We recently had the chance to catch up with Josh Havens, lead singer for the band The Afters. Check out what he had to say about Africa, God’s faithfulness through tragedy and doing insanity workouts with tourmates Sanctus Real. 

FaithVillage: I saw you recently went on a trip to Africa and took your daughter with you. How was that trip and why did you decide to take her along?

Josh: We went to Rwanda. It was an opportunity to go with an organization we’re going to be doing some work with, Africa New Life.

My sister, Esther (a.k.a. Esther Havens, humanitarian photographer), came to me and told me about this organization she had done some work with and she said they were phenomenal. They do things the right way.

So I had the chance to go to Rwanda with them and see their projects. I had the opportunity to bring my daughter with me as well. She’s six years old. I never really thought of bringing one of my kids to Africa. But my daughter, Adeline, is very compassionate-hearted. Of all my kids she is the one I thought it would make the biggest impression on. You know, this stage in her life. It was just an awesome trip. They’re a phenomenal organization.

There were some cool things for my daughter to experience too. This refugee settlement we went through, it’s so remote that a lot of the kids had never seen a little white person there. So when we went to this village they were so curious about my daughter. There’s actually a picture where they’re combing their fingers through her hair, touching her face, her skin. Trying to figure out, what is this girl? She just took it all in stride, made friends and was so loving. It was really cool to see.

One day we were traveling through this little Rwandan village and it was like quintessential Africa—people lived in little mud huts in total poverty. It started pouring rain all of a sudden and this woman invited us to come into her home. It was a tiny, tiny little shack. It was probably eight by ten feet, maybe. And she lived there with her four daughters and her husband.

My daughter had never seen anything like that. It was cool for her to see how a lot of people in the world live. She wanted to know why we were there, why we would come to Rwanda, and of all places her village. We told her about the school project they were doing in her village and she wanted to know why we would care about people in Rwanda. So we started sharing the Gospel with her. She was in tears that there would be someone who would care about her. That Jesus could care about her and love her in her situation. And she wanted to know Jesus. So she actually ended up giving her life to Jesus right there. That was really cool for my daughter to see and be a part of. And now I’m actually sponsoring her family and her kids will be able to go to that local school program there.

We walked into this family’s home before their kids were able to go to school, so we’ll be able to walk alongside them and see what kind of changes are made in their lives. We’ll see the difference that having Jesus in their lives makes.

FV: I love how on your newest record, Light Up the Sky, you changed up the sound. When I first heard it, it seemed very daring to me. What made you want to take that gamble?

J: We just thought this is going to be the smartest thing we’ve ever done in our career or it’s going to be the biggest bust (laughs)!

FV: Well it worked! Looks like it was the right decision.

J: Fortunately, it was the right decision. We love that record. We just made the record that we wanted to make. For where we were at in life and all the things that we’d been through, that was the record that came out of it.

All the songs come out of a real honest place. We’d been through a lot of heartbreak and heartache over those years before that record. We lost people close to us. Our manager had just passed away as we were going into the mixing of that record. We had some close friends that passed away. It was just one thing after another, honestly.

And so going into making that record, it was a real outlet for all those things and an opportunity to talk through all those things and see where God is. I believe that God’s with us not only when life’s good, but He’s there alongside with us. He’s there walking through the hardships in life with us too. It was cool to see that firsthand and experience God’s faithfulness even as we walked through life’s valleys. That’s where a lot of those songs came out.

I think throughout all of that, what we kept thinking was that sound-wise it was a little different, and it was a gamble. But ultimately we’re just being honest to ourselves and to who we are as a band. Hopefully people connect with that. It’s been cool to see the overwhelming response that we’ve had. It’s been incredible to see all the stories and how God has used those songs to help other people in similar situations.

FV: What struck me was what a hopeful album it was in spite of all those very difficult things going on.

J: We just talked about our stories, you know. We actually made a place on our website where people could share their own stories. One, it helps other people who are in that same place, maybe struggling to see God’s hand in it. And two, it’s just inspiring to know and hear from other people who have been through something similar to what we’ve been through and made it through.

FV: What’s next for The Afters?

J: We’re going into making a new record and it’ll be interesting to see where this journey takes us. Each record is a journey and I’ll be curious to see what kind of songs come out of this.

We have a lot of shows ahead. We’re going on tour with Casting Crowns and Sanctus Real. . . we’re calling it the Casting Pounds Tour. We and Sanctus are getting together everyday and doing the insanity workout. It’ll be sort of accountability for each other. We’re all eating super healthy and we’re all gonna get super fit by the end of the tour! Then we’re going to shoot photos for our next record (laughs)!

You can purchase Light Up The Sky here. Also, watch for The Afters on tour this fall with Casting Crowns and Sanctus Real.

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/the-afters%e2%80%99-josh-havens-talks-with-faithvillage-about-africa-new-life/feed/ 0 Save the Date to Celebrate Rwanda! http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/save-the-date-to-celebrate-rwanda/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/save-the-date-to-celebrate-rwanda/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:45:06 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=509 We are so thrilled to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year. God has poured out many blessings on Africa New Life Ministries and the people in Rwanda. It has been amazing to see the journey and transformation that has occurred, and we cannot wait to celebrate this with you.

Please, save the date of Friday November 4th, and plan on bringing your family and friends to join in the special evening we have planned to rejoice in Rwanda at Imago Dei Community 6:30 pm-10:00 p.m.

The evening will begin with complimentary hors d’oeurves and wine will be available for purchase from Anam Cara Winery. You are invited to view a gallery of captivating photos of Rwanda by Esther Havens, share your story of Africa New Life Ministries with others through media, writing, or art, and much more. There will be a silent auction with special gifts from Rwanda and from around Portland (check africanewlife.org/10years for an updated list of auction items). The following vendors will be showcasing special merchandise to benefit Africa New Life Ministries:
Hello Somebody(hello-somebody.com), Love 41( Facebook), Tabitha’s Hope ( www.tabithas-hope.org), and Tabbies (www.tabbies.org).

Pastor Charles Mugisha Buregeya will be here from Rwanda and share how God has began to unfold the dream he had for Africa Life Ministries 10 years ago.

Save the date in your heart, on your phone, or anywhere you won’t forget. We look forward to sharing this evening with you!

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/save-the-date-to-celebrate-rwanda/feed/ 0 JOSH HAVENS OF “THE AFTERS” VISITS AFRICA NEW LIFE RWANDA! http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/josh-havens-of-the-afters-visits-africa-new-life-rwanda/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/josh-havens-of-the-afters-visits-africa-new-life-rwanda/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:44:40 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=510

 

 

 

 

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/josh-havens-of-the-afters-visits-africa-new-life-rwanda/feed/ 0 A 6th Grader from Kageyo Receives Top Honors http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/a-6th-grader-from-kageyo-receives-top-honors/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/a-6th-grader-from-kageyo-receives-top-honors/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:50:26 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=506 Murungi Diana who attended Kageyo Primary School, a government school managed by Africa New Life, received the top scores on her national exam.  Diana met the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame and received gifts from her.  As a result of Diana’s performance, she now attends New Life Christian High School, Africa New Life’s school in Kayonza that is ranked 5th in the nation.

Here Diana models everything she received as a top performer in Rwanda.

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/a-6th-grader-from-kageyo-receives-top-honors/feed/ 0 FAMOUS Guest House Baked Oatmeal Recipe http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/famous-guest-house-baked-oatmeal-recipe/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/famous-guest-house-baked-oatmeal-recipe/#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:05:39 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=505 For those who asked for it….here it is!

To everyone…ENJOY!

Baked Oatmeal (serves 6)

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl:

2 cups oatmeal (regular or quick cooking)

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

Mix wet ingredients together in a bowl:

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Combine dry & wet ingredients.

Grease 8 inch square cake pan and pour batter into pan.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25 minutes, or until set in the middle.

Serve fresh out of the oven with warm milk/cream, fruit and drizzled honey. (We use bananas in Rwanda.)

It can also be prepared the evening before and refrigerated overnight to bake in the morning.

Thanks to Judith and Chef Theo for sharing with us!!

]]> http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/famous-guest-house-baked-oatmeal-recipe/feed/ 1 $25 Gift Certificate to The Pumpkin Patch! http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/25-gift-certificate-to-the-pumpkin-patch/ http://www.africanewlife.org/blog/25-gift-certificate-to-the-pumpkin-patch/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:20:35 +0000 Africa New Life http://africanewlife.org/?p=491 For those in Portland, OR, Africa New Life is partnering with The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island this season!

Display at The Pumpkin Patch, Sauvie Island, OR

If you sponsor a new child in Rwanda and take your Welcome Packet or receipt to the market at The Pumpkin Patch, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate for farm fresh produce!  To view the promotion, click here.

In February, the Eggers family, owners of The Pumpkin Patch, traveled to Rwanda to help with farming projects in Kayonza and Kageyo.  They wanted to do more to raise awareness and sponsorship in Rwanda.  Please stop by the market this summer or fall to show your support!

The Pumpkin Patch is also selling Rwandan baskets made by a women’s cooperative in Kageyo.  All proceeds will go directly back to these women and help raise them out of poverty.

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