From a report by Agnes, Solace Ministries
Solace Ministries Distributes Supplies to Three Survivors’ Communities.
Comfort International has a strong partnership with Solace Ministries in Rwanda. Recently two Solace Survivors’ communities in the city of Kigali and another in the western province were supported with emergency supplies of food and soap.
Agnes writes:
It is a hard time and a challenge for many people because most people have lost their jobs and find it difficult to find food due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Solace Ministries being an alternative family to our beneficiaries has the burden of reaching out the people that are most in need in this particular period of the pandemic.
Thirteen widows from Kinyinya, fifteen widows in Kanombe and fifteen widows from Rubengera were supported with food and soap; each person receiving 12.5 kg of Rice, 10 kg of flour, 4 kg of beans, 3 kg of Sugar and 3 bars of soap.
The beneficiaries of Solace in the 3 communities were very happy and grateful for this much needed support. The government and local leaders were present on the day when the beneficiaries received this food support, and they appreciated this humanitarian action of improving the welfare of the needy in this pandemic period.
Personal Stories
My name is Murorerunkwere, I am 50 years old. I come from Kanombe community and I live with my 3 children. I have my own house that the government has given me with my children. I was not working before Covid -19 because I have a sickness in my bones. My son was doing a part time job of driving to support us at home but since the lockdown ended, he has not got a job any more.
So receiving food at such a time, it is a miracle, many people are without jobs. The government supports us sometimes.
I am so thankful that Solace has thought about us. This food is so much, it will last over a month. We are only 4 people at home so it will really last a long time.
I would like to thank Comfort International who has supported us with all this food. I am very happy for this kindness, these days are hard and getting food is not easy, so thinking about us like this is touching and all I can say is that God bless you so much.
My name is Mihigo. I am 46 years old. I was married and from that marriage I have 2 children. My wife left me because I was poor. She has remarried. I have no house of my own; I rent a house and live with my 2 children who are 5 and 8 years old.
I was working as a security guard and being paid 30,000Frw. Life was hard but it is now harder because the job ended. So, I have to search in all kinds of places and do what I can to feed my children. Before the pandemic my children were studying but now they are at home. Since the start of the pandemic there have been many changes in our country that have affected us. I have not been able to find any work and looking after my children is a big task.
I am so happy that Solace has given me the support of this food. It is very useful for me and it will last at least 2 months. I will not need to worry about food now. I only need to find a way to find money for rent. All I can say is, ‘God bless these generous people who have sent us this food’. If I would see these people who have supported me, I would thank them beyond measure.
My name is Mukamunana. I am 59 years old. I come from Kinyinya community. We are a family of 3 generations, my two children and one granddaughter. My life is difficult. I have no work and my children have no work yet either. We eat once a day. It is not because of Covid-19 but because my children do not have work.
Receiving this food support makes me feel very happy. If I take care of this food it will last a long time, a period of a month and more.
I would like to thank Comfort International who has provided this food for our community and my family. Only God should bless you for standing with us in this hard time. I am very happy and everyone is overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the food, it is very good and God who sees beyond should always bless you.
“Solace Ministries appreciates the partnership with Comfort International for granting an opportunity to reach out to these hurting and poor people. It touches both God’s heart and builds our hope for strong and healthy communities.”