Update from Lane in Rwanda

Dear Friends and Family,

A local Rwandan meal. First you pile rice,
then add"chips" (french fries),
then matoke (a cooked banana dish),
then usombe (spinach-like), then beans,
and finally beef in sauce. Tasty. All for $2.

Has it really been since August that we last sent out an update? So much has happened that we really need to fill you in on things. As a quick recap or for those of you new to our family updates, Anna, the kids, and I spent 10.5 months in Kenya as I (Lane) served as a volunteer Legal Fellow for International Justice Mission (IJM). The mission of IJM is to protect people from violent forces of injustice by securing rescue and restoration for victims and ensuring public justice systems work for the poor all in the name of Christ. You joined us in this fight, and for that I am very, very thankful. Shortly after we returned in June, I interviewed for a long-term, paid, leadership role with IJM and in August, I was offered the role of Field Office Director in Kigali, Rwanda.



As of October 26, I (Lane) came to Rwanda to begin this new job. After the six weeks apart, I will return to Texas on December 7, spend Christmas with our families, and then return to Rwanda with Anna and the kids on December 27. In my month in Kigali, I have settled into my new role with IJM, acclimated somewhat to life here (it is a safe, clean, and beautiful city), signed a lease on a house, and shopped for a car. Life has been full! But, I am absolutely loving it. The IJM Rwanda staff have had some amazing breakthroughs in our casework while I have been here and everyone is excited for what 2011 can bring for our clients. The Bible makes clear that God loves justice and we believe he wants to bring His justice to Rwanda through human hands. I am honored to serve alongside my Rwandese, American, and Austrian colleagues in being His hands in this fight. And, you are right there with us. Thank you.



View from our new house

 As you think of it, here are some things we would appreciate your prayers:

• for a wise and discerning heart for me (Lane) as I lead this team;
• for Anna and the kids in the remaining 2 weeks I am away;
• for our clients to experience God's healing from the trauma they have suffered; and
• for favor with the government authorities with whom we interact.



Thank you again, my friends and family, for standing alongside these girls and boys who have suffered so much. As James said in his epistle: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Crowned crane or 'Umasambi'
in the yard of the guesthouse
where I am staying

 

p.s. Grab a pen...we have our new mailing address for Rwanda! It only takes 3 stamps to send a plain letter from the USA to Rwanda. We'd love to get your Christmas cards even if it takes 4-6 weeks to get there!

Lane and Anna Mears

Post Office Box 3354

Kigali, Rwanda

Peace,

Lane