First Sabbath Offering

A school in Mahoko, Rwanda

The Republic of Rwanda is a country in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi. The nation’s economy has grown much since the early 2000’s through coffee and tea exports as well as agricultural production, soap, energy, bottled water, and more. Popularly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, in recent years, Rwanda has been drawing tourists for its beauty—especially with its rivers and lakes, including near the city of Mahoko, where we have our school project.

With over 13 million people, the languages here are the native Kinyarwanda, French, English (the official language spoken by 20%), and Swahili. Among the population, 43.7% are Catholics, 37.7% mainline Protestants, 11.8% Seventh-day Adventists (cited as a category distinct from other Protestants), and 2.0% Muslim, followed by others.

Despite all the profession of religion here, in an increasingly fallen world, we see a great need to invest in a thorough education of our children. “True education is missionary training. Every son and daughter of God is called to be a missionary; we are called to the service of God and our fellow men; and to fit us for this service should be the object of our education.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 395.

Bombarded as our children are by the things of this world, it is increasingly difficult to protect them from the wiles of the enemy. What was once limited in its accessibility is now literally attached to our children through the “smart” phones and other devices. How can we be fitted for the work of evangelism when our own children cannot be prepared for it? We have an even bigger concern because our children studying in the schools belonging to the government are compelled to attend classes on the Sabbath day. So, the need is urgent.

As our financial resources are insufficient, we appeal to our brethren around the world kindly to help us with your donations towards this school building.

When the First Sabbath Offering is gathered, please give generously, that God may be glorified through this school project here among the thousand hills. It is our prayer that the Lord may richly bless the gifts and the givers!

Your brothers and sisters from Rwanda