“In Spring 2003, my life’s path shifted, and that shift has led me to Rwanda. The cause of my shift was the convergence of three things that I already knew:

1 millions of people worldwide are suffering with spiritual and physical hungers,

2 God cares deeply for the poor and oppressed,

3 that I yearn to serve Jesus wholeheartedly.

As this convergence of realities came into focus, my mind spun around the question of faithfulness. Could I truly be faithful to respond? How? As an advocate? Through sacrificial giving? Or perhaps. . .

I began to pray that God might permit me to be directly involved in his work overseas. And that turn in my life’s path led me to FH’s HungerCorps program and – in July 2007 – to Rwanda.

Rwanda is a very beautiful country, with layer upon layer of green hills spotted with mud-brick homes and small patches of farmland. Along each red dirt road walks a steady stream of people, many carrying goods on their heads or babies on their backs. People. People whom God has searched and known. People in great need and people with great potential. My neighbors, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Jesus. Living here in Rwanda is a dream come true, and has been a time full of joys and sorrows, wonder and unanswered questions, weariness and refreshment. At work in the FH office and at home in the small city of Gitarama, I daily see God’s answers to prayer. My faith has been built as God has richly provided guidance, renewal, and much-needed wisdom.

I believe that what God calls us to, wherever we are, whatever the task before us, is love and faithfulness. I praise Him for the privilege of endeavoring to live and love faithfully for him here, with FH, in Rwanda.”

- Christianna Whitekettle, serving as Hunger Corps in Rwanda

FROM THE FIELD

“Growing up in Uganda, this Great Lakes Region has had a special place in my heart. Almost five years ago, while visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a Congolese friend of mine, I was drawn again to this area, particularly the DRC. Here was a place where millions of people had suffered so much because of war, hunger, disease, displacement, and exploitation. Yet here was also a place where millions were survivors, they hadn’t given up and had hope. God was working there! I prayed and hoped I could come back to be a part of the reformation God was doing.

In March 2005, when I heard about an opportunity to work with FH in Congo, my heart and mind immediately responded and God opened the door for me to come. God had called and enabled me to respond. Even before reading the FH website quote, ‘We go to the hard places’, I knew there would be many challenges, though not as difficult as some have been. But as with all things, God has been faithful, good, wise and more than sufficient for every challenge and need. Most of the time I love the challenges, though there are those days I despair. I’m grateful to have served the Lord here with FH alongside wonderful national and international staff for three years and for however many more God grants me here.”

-Joel David Holm, FH Logistics Director, Democratic Republic of Congo