Muraho (“Hello”) from Rwanda, St. Lukers!
Imana ninziza, which means “God is Good.”
These words have filled our hearts this week as our team of four St. Lukers traveled to Rwanda with ZOE Empowers. We have witnessed true transformation and seen firsthand the impact of your generous gifts. The journey has been life-changing—not just for hundreds of youth and their families, but also for us.
So far, we have visited three St. Luke’s empowerment groups. We’ve heard powerful stories of transformation—stories of life before ZOE and the remarkable difference just a year into the three-year program can make.
Empowerment, dreams, and love are changing lives.
Youth who once had no hope now look to the future with joy and purpose. Despite continuing hardships, there is peace in their hearts, smiles on their faces, and confidence in their voices. The transformation isn’t just personal; it ripples out to families and communities. The fruit of the Spirit, peace, shines in Samuel’s story.
Last year, our team met Samuel, who was 18 years old at the time. He had three younger siblings, the youngest only six, and had just joined the ZOE program. At the time, Samuel was filled with pain and insecurity. His father had recently passed away, and his mother was seriously ill. He was often beaten and bullied. He searched for food and work but was told he was too weak and would die just like his father. He was in despair. There was no hope. No peace. And honestly, we St. Lukers who met him have worried for him over the past year. He was beyond insecure.
This week, we met Samuel again—less than a year later. The transformation is nothing short of inspiring and a clear sign of God at work through ZOE Empowers. The most impressive change was reflected in the confident, smiling young man striding out of his business to greet us with HUGE hugs. Oh my goodness! Beyond that, he has already achieved his initial dreams and is creating new ones. In just under a year, he has:
- Raised livestock: a goat, three chickens, and seven rabbits, which he later sold to attend vocational school.
- Became a charcoal wholesaler by purchasing trees and producing charcoal to sell to raise funds. He employs others.
- Earned his motorbike license and works as a motorbike driver trying to buy his own bike.
His next goal? To earn his driver’s license and eventually own a car. He starts driving school next month.
Samuel says, “I am not just good, I am VERY VERY good!” He has moved from despair to hope—from distress to peace. And he has given us peace as well.
Thank you, St. Lukers, for your generosity! Your support is life changing.
Imana aguhe umuisha, “God bless you.”
-St. Luke’s Rwanda Team 2025 (Ann Eppinger, Amy Simon, Michelle Schall, & Kevin Ball)