Saturday, March 31, 2007

Remember Josepha???See blog from June 2006




Get to know Josepha
Do you remember Josepha? I met her while she was begging on the streets of Kigali last June, and in July GFR sponsors bought her a sewing machine and a generator to help her get off the streets. She is paralyzed and her legs folded into her torso. She is such an amazing person, that I always have to meet with her to get a JOY fix from her when I am in Kigali.

So I had Cyprien phone her husband and invite them for a wonderful dinner. Ok, update…she brought a surprise…a brand new little baby!! SHE WAS PREGNANT when we had bought the sewing machine and she did not know it and we did not know it! So, she gave birth to her 3rd daughter and named her Sandrina. She is so adorable.

Well they arrived at the restaurant, and here is this beautiful paralyzed woman, dragging herself up 35 stairs, holding my hand. As we walked in to our table, everyone was starring holes through us. Was she embarrassed? No way, she was holding her head high and smiling huge. She scooted very slowly so the stares seemed to last a lifetime.

At the table, I told them to order anything they wanted. They were so excited. I found out that her husband Simon goes out to fetch water late at night for the next day’s supply, and rises very early to shop for the food they will eat for the day, then goes to work till dark. When he comes home, Josepha has dinner ready for the family. Tonight was to be very special. There first meal in a restaurant! At dinner I held baby Sandrina so Josepha could eat a hot meal. Cyprien and Claudette switched off with me. You could see the satisfaction of every bite as it went in their stomachs. My favorite part of dinner was dessert. Would you believe they had never had ice cream before!??!

The dinner conversation was fun. I found out how Simon had been her neighbor, and then he had moved to Kigali. Back in his home village he used to dream outloud with the other boys about how they would marry a beautiful, tall woman someday. Simon mentioned that he would marry whomever God had for him. All his friends teased him that God would give him a handicapped wife. He met up with her in Kigali and this time fell in love with her. Boy his friends back in the village were so shocked when he brought her home to marry!!
There was some disturbing conversation also. This precious mother of three had been through HELL and back. She had been poisoned as a little girl of 5 years old, she remembers it like it was yesterday, it was 10:00 am when the man made her drink the poison. He poisoned a little boy at the same time. He died a few weeks later, but she lived, paralyzed. Later as a 18 year old young woman, the horrific genocide broke out in Rwanda. She wandered around while people were being slaughtered everywhere. She kept wondering why she was not being killed. Finally a man who was murdering so many people brought her in his house, and told her that she was “already dead and did not need to be killed twice” referring to her paralyzed body. She watched him continuously clean and sharpen his machete and brutally kill hundreds of people. I could not look at her. I put my head down on the table, begging God for tears to match my lump in my throat and pain in my heart.

How can someone live through that? How can someone smile as big as she does now? Seeing that and being paralyzed for life…She lives in a junk yard, in a room no bigger than my master bathroom back home. I asked her how she does it, how she survives and thrives. She says her husband loves her so much, and with help from Jesus, she has much joy. Could I say that if I was in her shoes? Could you?

Well, I got updates on the sewing business. She and Simon have saved up 100,000 RWF since August last year. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her and Simon. They work so hard. They scrape by, and one day hope to have a house of their own, for now they rent this horrible hole in the wall 7x9 room for all 5 of them. I could probably relocate them in a place of their own for $3000.00 USD. If anyone feels led to jump at this opportunity, please email me immediately. Ben.pahlow@Globalfamilyrescue.org

I am also looking for someone to commit to sponsor her and Simon on a business sponsorship to cover the cost of business rent for her sewing business. I need someone who feels led to help, commit to 12 months at $75.00 so she can have a storefront area. She will be able to profit approximately $54.00USD per month after 6 months in a new location. Thanks for considering this.

Great Josepha Pics!!





More Josepha pics






GOODNESS GRACIOUS!




Ok, Whoa...last year at this time, we only had Cyprien, Bosco, and Vianney.
This March we have Rosine, Emerithe, Media, Bosco, Claudette, Luidiport, Uwimanna, Pascal, Vianney, Domina (seen in the photo) and Pastor Elson, Stratton, and Alphonse (not seen here). This is so exciting! We have an amazing team, just full of love and compassion for the poor. Below on my blog there are little biographies of each one. They are all on the frontline! Please keep them in your prayers every day. Together, we can transform the world, one family at a time.

Get to know Domina


Get to know Domina
Domina’s favorite drinks are Fanta Orange and porridge. She enjoys eating rice, beans, potatoes, bananas and meat when she gets some. She is 25 years old. Domina is job with GFR is a caseworker. She has a son who is 2 ½ years old that she got from being raped while she was doing her Secondary 3 studies. She lived a rough life after being raped and during the pregnancy but today she’s trying to carry on by loving and caring for her son. It wasn’t easy for her to respond to various needs of her son before she joined GFR, but now since she is working she’s able to raise him and hope for his future. When she comes for GFR staff meetings in Kigali, she always leaves her son with her mother. She lives next to the Pahlow's sponsored family CONSTANCE and is her friend!

Domina loves the work she is doing with GFR, especially visiting poor families talking to them and listening to them so often. She appreciates everything GFR is doing for her and she is proud of GFR. She is thankful for the good and caring hearts of the sponsors as they try hard to do the best they can for the sponsored families to survive and be self sustaining and for all of us.

Her prayer requests are that
· God will give her a husband who loves Jesus
· She could finish her studies
· God gives her son a bright future
· She does her work accordingly.
Thank you Domina for all your hard work and love for the poor.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Get to know Media



Get to know Media…
Her favorite drink is Fanta Citron, and she enjoys eating potatoes and beef meat. Media is 41 years old. She is the maid at GFR office. She and her husband have been married for 21 years. She’s got 8 children. They are all boys! She may try for one more, hoping for a girl. The eldest son is 20 years old. The youngest one is 2 years and 3 months. She lives near the genocide memorial at Gisozi. She is neighbor to Bosco. Media loves being with GFR and do all her work. She enjoys mostly running errands in town shopping for miscellaneous items for the GFR team as it helps her know more on her environment. She is so genuine and very kind. She preaches at her church when she gets an opportunity.

She is so thankful to GFR she is proud of its President and all the donors. Thanks to the Most High to have made this work possible in Rwanda.
Her prayer request is for Mr. Ben’s health. Thank you Media for your sweet attitude and support.

Get to know Emerithe


Get to know Emerithe… Emerithe’s favorite drink is Coka, and she loves beef brochette and chips (fries) Emerithe’s family was a sponsored family before she joined the GFR staff. She has four children and it was a bit difficult for her to sustain her family alone without a husband. The oldest is a daughter of 14 years, she is in secondary 1 (freshman). The second is also a girl of 12 years old and she is in primary 4. The third is 8 years old and she is in primary 2 and finally the fourth who is 6 years in nursery. She used to be part of the Morey Corporation block of sponsored families. She later wrote a note to the GFR President; asking if she could have a job so she could be independent, leaving the sponsorship to someone else who would be considered. She was a teacher before. The local government had helped her with a house but is not completed and she is trying to put cement on the walls inside, the floor, and add more room because the house seems to be very small for them. The roof leaks on one side. Emerithe is one of GFR’s caseworkers. She is proud of GFR and how it helps the poor. She thanks The Morey Corporation for sponsoring many of her neighbors. Emerithe loves to see the wonderful changes in her neighbor’s lives, and the lives of the families she works with each day. She started her work at GFR right after her first born won the national exam. She did not know how to get school fees for her. Now she doesn’t have to worry. Please pray for her to have wisdom as she raises 4 kids alone. She thanks God she got a job with GFR! She is proud of GFR in so many ways and she thanks the President and the donors for all their support. May God bless them all. Thank you Emerithe for you love for your family and your neighbors.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Getting to know you...


Please, lend me your ear, and let me share with you some of the people that I have been with Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Get to know Bosco
Favorite drinks: Tea and Fanta Citron Favorite foods: Rice and BEFF JERKY. Nickname: “ihene”(goat) because of his talent to swiftly climb a mountain while leading a GFR sponsor up and down the hills of Rwanda with amazing speed. If you are coming to Rwanda this summer with GFR, you would be lucky to have him escort you to your family! Bosco’s role at GFR is the Communication Liaison between you and your sponsored family. If you have received a report from your family or a letter, or a photo update…he is the man to thank! I must tell you, this man is a totally amazing man of prayer. When he prays out loud, you can feel the power of God alive in him He is very humble. I see great leadership in him and a heart for the poor. GFR is truly lucky to have him. Please pray that Bosco will find a wife, a woman who loves God. I love you brother.

Get to know Uwimanna


Get to know Uwimanna
Favorite drink: “Coka” Favorite food: Grilled whole fish. Nickname: “Uwi Uwi” When I first met Uwimanna, he was our security guard. Within days, my whole family fell in love with him, as he played silly games with each of our kids, like kick the ball past Uwi, or badminton, or volleyball, or chop the head off the Green Mamba! He literally saved Nathan and Michael’s lives one evening. He would sleep in a little guard shack on a cement floor. He worked in Kigali and traveled 6 hours one way 4 times a year to see his wife and 4 kids. He loves music. He was always sprinting to open the gate for the teams as we arrived home. When we would leave for the day, he and I would exchange “Nda Gukunda Cyanne” pronounced: (NDah GooKoonDah Channey) or “I love You”, Every morning he would have the GFR truck washed and polished without asking. He had such a servant’s heart. I was so amazed with his spirit that I asked him to move his family 7 hours to one of the villages we work in, and become the first GFR Hut to Home building manager. He is doing a great job. He is currently finishing up 5 homes and is waiting to start 3 more. Uwi is also very humble... He is trying to get into the choir at his church but he needs papers from his old church! He says he has never been more happy in all his life. Please pray for Uwimanna and his wife Denise as she is expecting a baby at the end of April! (Yes, that is 9 months after his GFR hire date!) He always says “goodbye my friend” in English. Thanks for loving me Uwi!

Get to know Joseph


Get to know Joseph
Favorite drink: “Coka” Favorite food: Fillet of Beef and Milk Chocolate. Nickname: “Chef Good Job” Joseph is the official GFR chef. If you are coming to Rwanda, most people love his King George Beef and fries, or his Beef Brouchette, or maybe his chocolate pound cake..and you will be able to have some. He is not only a great cook, but a huge support for us at GFR. He loves each of the staff very much, and loves to show his affection. Today I had lunch with him, and when we saw each other we ran and hugged so tight. We planned for the summer teams, and he got so excited about the 81 people coming! He is currently looking for a house big enough for each of the teams this summer. Please pray for Joseph’s health.

Get to know Vianney...








Get to know Vianney, wow, love those socks!!!!!!
Favorite Drink: Fanta Citron, Favorite food: Tilapia with Fries Nickname: “Cowboy” from watching old movies of the Lone Ranger. Mzee Vianney told me today he LOVES HIS JOB so much! Vianney is one of the happiest people I know. This is amazing after having lost his first wife and father in the Genocide. He loves to laugh, and make people laugh. Vianney speaks French and Rwandese. Vianney told me that Dan Clark was one of his favorite people to come to Rwanda…thanks Dan for being so great to him and speaking FRENCH! He is in love with his wife Odette. They have six children, the oldest is 17 and the youngest is 2, his name is BABY COWBOY! Baby cowboy is very handsome. Vianney’s role with GFR is the Field Director. All the case workers, the veterinarian, and agricultural specialists report to him. He has training sessions and orientation for all GFR families on how to build the right terrace, how to plant anti erosive plants, how to care for animals and breed them, how to use manure for increased production. He also oversees the new home building with Uwimanna reporting to him. He has been with GFR since the very beginning. Vianney, thank you for all your hard work and tough sacrifices you have made for GFR. You have taught me much. I love you COWBOY!

Monday, March 26, 2007

Torn

Back in Rwanda! Wow.

Ok. It has been a long, long time since I have written in my blog. Is it possible that my life in the USA is too busy to take 30 minutes to write a couple of paragraphs and post a few photos? Believe me, I have thought about many blog entries…but they all stayed in my head. My friend Burt keeps asking me to write...so here I go!

Here I am again Lord. You have me on an incredible adventure. Here I am, send me.

Many of you know I came to Rwanda on short notice, to help the Rwandan staff prepare for the teams coming in June, July, and August…from the USA, and from the UK in September.

Coming back to Rwanda alone is a mix of emotions. First of all, my best friend is back home. She is wonderful. She is a strong woman. I miss her badly. She completes me. So I feel sad.

Secondly, my children…who are also not with me. Outside of God and Melody, they are my life…and we have been separated. They are sad, but they are also glad that I am here, for they know firsthand what happens in Rwanda, and each of them have told me they wish they could have come with me.

I thought I would let you in on some of my last couple of days, via random quotes I have heard over the last 3 days…remember, life is about relationships…

“Yes Mr. Ben, I am sure that your luggage has arrived from Nairobi, you can pick it up today!” – Kigali Airport employee

“Read a book or something and get a real job.” My new friend Rex in an email to me.

“I am not sure if I want to grow up if this is how it goes” - Amber Pahlow during an internet chat with me about how we humans hurt each other.

“Daddy, they played Butterfly Kisses and you weren’t there! I made up a dance where we would spin around and then Jake would throw me up in the air.” – Hope Pahlow during a SKYPE conversation with me today…referring to the DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE that we had been planning on for months…my close friend Jake took my place.

“What exactly is a missionary supposed to look like anyway!??” – My friend Travis Withrow during a conversation about how many in the African church have had a form of legalistic Christianity shoved down their throat for decades, and are now themselves having to overcome judgmental attitudes toward modern missionaries.

“So…dad…how was your day? I am feeling like every day is like 1 week without you here.” – Nathan Pahlow during a yahoo messenger conversation. The older he gets, the more thoughtful he is becoming.

“100 francs, 100 francs, please Muzungu, just 100 francs!” – street boy that came up to my window in Kigali.

“It will take much time for the rice, maybe 1 hour, would you like chips (fries) instead?” – waiter at lunch at Chez Lando restaurant

“Yes sir, that SOLIO will charge a Noikia cell phone in the BUSH!” – Store clerk in the Fly and Buy at the airport in Amsterdam.

“Just wanted to let you know that I had to take Mike to Edwards Hospital after you talked to him… his fever was spiking again and it just seemed like something was wrong. Turns out he has pneumonia… Love you tons.” – my lovely wife in an email to me.

“Went shopping with Jessica today and got NOTHIN!! How strange is that?? Stuff is sooo expensive... I think mum and I are gonna go running again tonight!! YAY! Also, Jaimie will be here tonight, thank GOD. I miss her SOO much! Especially with YOU gone too... *forlorn!!* You makest me to smile!!” – Amber Pahlow in an email to me.

“Thanks for what you are doing in Rwanda, and for allowing me to play some small part in fulfilling the vision and mission that God has given you to revolutionize the lives of an entire people group. You are loved and appreciated. Be Great.” – My friend and GFR sponsor, David S.

“I tried to catch you before you left for Rwanda. I wanted to tell you I will be praying for you. So...I will send my prayers into cyberspace....maybe they will get to God faster. Dear God, Speak to Ben.....as he will be traveling alone......help him to take advantage of the solitude and listen to you.....open the eyes of his heart....so that your Holy Spirit will whisper in his ear when he needs comfort and needs to feel Your love. I love Ben so much........I can't even imagine how much you love Him.” – My great friend Ruth G. in an email to me.

“Holy crap that p00ns that's so cool I love u and I am home sick with a 103 temp. I heart you. Your son Mike” – my son Mike in an email to me, umm, does anyone know what a pOON is?