Steering Ishmael to His Destiny

Steering Ishmael to His Destiny

Please enjoy this blog post from one of our amazing supporters, Sharon K:

When my husband, Wayne, brought home the book Meant for More, I was curious, and opened it up. Before I knew it, I was wiping tears away! The testimonies of goodwill pulled my heartstrings in a way I hadn’t felt before. The book also left me feeling grateful for the work Brian Thomson and the Home of Hope ministry does to help thousands of children and orphans in Rwanda, Kenya, Congo, and India.

Wayne and I had plans to travel to Rwanda the upcoming month, following a trip to Ethiopia to visit HOPEthiopia’s orphaned children and project activities (where Wayne is a co-founder). We met with Brian, to share stories of philanthropy, and spoke of our approaching travels to Rwanda. Brian was kind enough to organize a driver for our adventures in Rwanda. Pastor Fidele, of Home of Hope, took time off work to drive us with care. He quickly became a cherished friend.

Ishmael: A Talented Footballer with Challenges

En route to Volcanoes National Park, Wayne received a message from Ishmael, who he referred to as an extremely talented football player! Ishmael is now 18 years old but has faced numerous challenges and has had to fend for himself since childhood. Wayne initially crossed paths with Ishmael a few years ago through a program designed to aid disadvantaged youth.

When Ishmael messaged, we were in Musanze, the same town Ishmael was living. We invited him to meet us and Pastor Fidele at a restaurant for a meal.  We learned Ishmael’s life remained tough, selling chicken at night for $2/day, to pay for his shelter.  Passionately he shared how he was on a local football team and was invited to try out for the premier league football team in Kigali. However, he was unable to pay for a return bus ticket, nor was able to purchase the right football gear.

As a result of our special meal and visit, we were inspired to assist Ishmael. As part of the tentative plan, Ishmael would move to Kigali and work with Pastor Fidele at Home Church. He would be coaching street children in football and providing a meal to them. Before this plan, Pastor Fidele wished to establish this type of street ministry. In return, Ishmael would receive funding for his room and food, as well as sponsorship to complete S4 and English classes at school.

We also wanted to see his football dream fulfilled! The next day we drove Ishmael to Kigali, where we equipped him with football attire and gave him return bus fare, so he could be ready for the next opportunity. Ishmael, with confidence and determination, took matters into his own hands, and called the football club to request the once offered evaluation opportunity.  It was granted and the following week he made his way to Kigali and guess what happened? (Drum roll please...) He successfully secured a spot on a team competing in the Rwandan Premier League!

A New Life for Ishmael with Home Church

Plans were coming together with ease. Pastor Fidele found Ishmael a room with a member of Home Church, a place where Ishmael is supported and belongs. It’s been 8 months since we left Rwanda and Ishmael has a whole new life - one to feel proud of.  He spends much of his time helping hungry street children, bringing them to a safe place to eat and to belong. Ishmael is studying hard at school and his English is improving as well.

It was a blessing to be in Rwanda with Wayne and Pastor Fidele. I am so thankful all these events unfolded the way they did. Together, we were steering Ishmael to his destiny, to the path he was meant for. When I hear updates of the work Ishmael, alongside Home Church are doing, to love and support street children, I realize that the title of Brian’s book, Meant for More applies to all! We are all meant for more!

Written by: Sharon K.