News from the Field: Rwanda

A brief post to update followers on the January 2012 mission trip! The purpose of the January mission trip is to bring along Scott King, a renowned Texas sheep shearer to Musanze, Rwanda, to equip and train more Rwandans in how to shear our merino sheep. In case you didn't know, there is a lot of detail work that goes into sheep shearing -- from how to get the best cut for the fibers, getting the most wool from a single shearing, keeping the sheep safe during shearing, and shearing in a timely manner. Currently there is only one person in Rwanda identified to shear sheep for TVM, but over time we have seen the need for more local people to be trained and equipped in this way. The benefits of this we believe will have positive long term influence in the community. Community members will learn valuable skills, making them employable and invested in the work that TVM is doing in Musanze, Rwanda. Our sheep will be healthy and cared for, and finally, the widows at TVM will have more regular and higher volume of wool for their spinning! Please pray for the team as they identify, train, and build relationship with the local community members eager to learn this skillset.

Another exciting development is that we have identified a beautiful and spacious piece of land available for a five year lease. Our sheep are continuing to multiply, and TVM is planning on purchasing more merino sheep for the widows spinning cooperative. In the past year since Handspun Hope has taken off, it has become evident that we need more land for the sheep to graze, and we also need access to water for the sheep's health. Well, this piece of land has a fresh stream of water running through the property straight from the volcanos! We are waiting on paperwork details, and waiting on God's timing for the lease to be in effect, so please pray that the right answer to seeking land will be revealed!

On a personal note, the team is doing great! They got to experience a Rwandan wedding this past weekend and are getting in the swing of Rwandan culture. Everyone is healthy, happy, and living life in Rwanda to the fullest! We are praising God for safe travels and we are thrilled for Scott to be in Rwanda to further empower local people in Rwanda.

January Team Arrived in Rwanda Safely!

Hello Everyone!

To our wonderful followers and supporters, here is a quick note that our January mission team has landed in Rwanda safely and everyone is doing great.

More details to come later - stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

Friends and Supporters,

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to enter 2012 with great hope for the future of the most vulnerable in Musanze, Rwanda. We've had an incredible year and this Christmas season was inspiring to see our friends and supporters rally around us by donating sheep, sponsoring widows, and being generous with their time and resources to serve True Vineyard Ministries.

Keep your eyes peeled for a recap of the highlights of 2011. For the meantime, browse through a few different news articles featuring True Vineyard Ministries and the work we are doing in Rwanda!

Fair Trade Christmas Shopping
http://www.kvue.com/home/Shoppers-spend-responsibly-at-free-trade-Christmas-Market-134963553.html

Diana Wiley and True Vineyard Ministries
http://impactnews.com/san-marcos-buda-kyle/695-nonprofit-profile/16136-true-vineyard-ministries

Christmastime Sheep Drive!
http://impactnews.com/san-marcos-buda-kyle/611-recent-news/16292-sheep-drive-supports-san-marcos-nonprofit-organization

Enjoy!

Remember to stay tuned for highlights of 2011, made possible by YOU. Coming Soon!