The Jacques family is in the final stages of preparing for their move to Rwanda, to establish a ministry and lend their hands to supporting the post-genocidal country.
Cherrie Jacques and her husband, Peter, traveled to Rwanda about a year ago and were awed by the struggles they saw; they decided that they wanted to do what they could to help.
“It's a pretty intense environment because of the genocide, so there's a lot of help that's needed there, and it's such a unique country,” said Cherri Jacques. “They lost over a million people, so they're still fighting so hard to get back from that.”
Cherrie Jacques noted that basic things like water and electricity aren’t the norm for many people in Rwanda, making life more difficult. (supplied)Currently, they plan to focus on support in several areas, beginning with education. A recent survey in the country found that there are 160,000 children between the ages of six and 14 who aren’t going to school, which is a roadblock in moving forward out of poverty.
Secondly, they are looking to provide vocational training for adults, to help them develop skills to provide for their families. The third component is providing counselling to help deal with the trauma of the genocide.
“Almost everyone in the entire country is either struggling with shame and guilt for participating in the genocide, or it's the flip side where they're victims of the genocide,” said Jacques.
They’d like to organize mission teams to come help set up these necessary supports, with the ultimate goal of having the local population maintain them for themselves.
From there, Jacques said that they would consider expanding the ministry’s structure to other parts of the country, if possible. They are expecting to spend about three to five years there, given that they receive support from back home.
“We're not fully funded at all. We're just really trusting,” said Jacques. “We're always looking for people to come and help, or to help sponsor us.”
The family is set to leave on June 17, and Jacques emphasized that they are still in need of some support to help them on their way — both in funding and in manpower.
“One of our goals, too, is to set it up so that teams can come, be involved, and really make a difference — right from our little town of Moose Jaw,” said Jacques, adding that the big support they are looking for is people willing to teach English.
Victory for Rwanda has a Facebook page, which Jacques said would be a good way to keep up with their efforts. Those interested in donating can do so through Victory Church, who can offer charitable receipts.
Interest in being involved with the ministry can also be directed to Victory Church, who can help organize support trips, or to Victory for Rwanda by emailing Jacques at [email protected].
“If anyone feels in their heart to get involved and to help, be bold and courageous and step out and do it,” urged Jacques. “It's life-changing, just to know that so little effort can impact lives in such a great way.”
