RedArrow Ministries Supports Anastaze Nzabonimpa

We were able to continue our support for Anastaze Nzabonimpa through Resonate Global Ministries.   CLICK HERE for his reconnect video.   Below is information from Anastaze Nzabonimpa's newsletter. 

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you (1Thessalonians 5:18)

This verse has been ringing in my mind ever since I came back to reconnect from August to now. I have been thinking about how to remain thankful and grateful amidst uncertainty and very difficult times
in life.  Since it is his will in Jesus Christ I find it fulfilling and challenging at the same time.

This is a season to give thanks and be grateful to God our creator for all he has done, not only in our lives, but also in his church. It is another moment to reconnect with our God as we recognize our weaknesses and being vulnerable and let him take over our lives and lead us where he wants us to be.As He takes the lead, also circumstances surrounding our lives, sometimes if not all the time, dictate another lead that is not pleasant for us. But when Paul was writing to our brothers and sisters in Thessalonians, he took into consideration all that would be trying to stop us from looking forward and trusting God for the best. Paul knew that there are circumstances in this life that would tempt to blind us and obscure us, stopping us from seeing clearly what God has done and continues to do in our lives. I have no doubt in my mind that the Thessalonians were getting attacks left, right and center, and they needed a reminder from Apostle Paul to continue to give thanks and be grateful for all that God was doing in their lives and not be deterred by what they face. Let me unpack this verse as I look forward to our thanksgiving moments.

In everything give thanks: This is a hard thing to think about, let alone doing it. In this life there are lows and highs, joyful moments and sad moments. God knows it. Jesus even experienced it.  In whatever situation, we are called to give thanks.You are sick, give thanks to God for watching over you. Things are not moving in the way you expected, give thanks because God is aware of what will happen next.  Even when you feel spiritually dry, give thanks because God will lift you up. I know giving thanks in everything
looks impossible but we do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  This shows that believers can endure and persevere through any circumstances by relying on divine strength, not themselves. 

It is the will of God: God has good plans for us and his will is very clear. To give thanks and not to despair whenever we face troubles. It is his will to see his children trusting and giving thanks no matter what. His will might look tough if you look at it with physical eyes, but we need to look at it with spiritual eyes. It is when we seek him in spirit and truth that we see him. During this period of thanksgiving I pray that we get to understand and know his will and follow it.   We discover the hidden secret of unmatched love of our God through his Son Jesus Christ. Let not your heart be troubled but to trust in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1) Jesus does not want us to be distracted by anything but believing in Him because He alone can give us peace. The last words in this verse show us that the will of God has been enshrined in Jesus Christ and since we have Him, there is a reason to always give thanks. 

In this thanksgiving season, I have a lot to thank God for. I want to thank God for you for your support of all kinds. Your prayers, your financial support and the willingness to be a part of my work in Kampala. Thank you for your generosity, love, and welcoming spirit that you showed me while on reconnect. I really appreciate it. During this thanksgiving time, consider continuing to give towards this work of God of reaching the vulnerable as we take the love of Jesus through the Gospel to them.  Street Children, Refugees, and other groups that form the community I serve and journey with in Kampala need to feel cared for, need to see the unfailing love of God reaching them and transforming them.  With your support and my presence in Kampala, the love of God is brought to them and they gain the sense of belonging to the larger family of God that is the church in the world. They are reminded that their identity is not determined by their circumstances but by the love of God who created them in his image.

I wish you wonderful thanksgiving moments with your family and friends. May God continue to bless you and guide you on your journey supporting his work around the world.

All for His glory.- Anastaze and Jenesta