Issue No. 8 | September 20, 2022

HIS HANDS ON AFRICA 2022 VIRTUAL GALA 

His Hands On Africa's 2022 Virtual Fundraising Gala will be like no other! This year, you will SEE the work happening through HHOA in Rwanda. Your support has brought us incredibly far in our mission and we can't wait to share all the ways you have made a difference. You will hear meaningful stories from patients in Rwanda and learn from numerous ministry partners. Founders, Thomas and Lita Lee will be live, sharing their hearts and vision for the future. We have also planned fun entertainment and a few other surprises too. You won't want to miss it!

As close partners with Tom and Lita, having you attend the Gala would mean the world to them and all of us at His Hands On Africa! We are so excited about what God is doing in Rwanda and we want to share that celebration with you. Please join others from around the world for this unique time together online.

Dear Harry,



As I return from a one-month leave, I’m happy to see that the Nyamata compassion community clinic is running well. It has officially been upgraded to a teaching hospital, and I believe the transformation of the dental clinic played a significant role. The HHOA Rwanda team is exploring ways to create a more sustainable system for Nyamata and is continuing to pursue the completion of the satellite clinic in Ngeruka by the end of the year.

In addition to the development of the compassion community clinic, the HHOA Rwanda team has been growing and developing as well. For the past year, we have had two Korean dental missionaries working with the HHOA team, and just recently, Dr. Park completed his one-year internship and is now free to work and learn at our clinic in Nyamata. Dr. Jang recently graduated from dental school and has one more year in his internship before he can join the team at Nyamata full-time. So for the next year, we will have THREE of our doctors working with me at Nyamata!

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Two of our Rwandan doctors, Dr. Alex and Dr. Aimable, are also growing their dental skills and knowledge to better serve their community and country. Usually, Rwandan doctors are required to serve at a public hospital for 4 years after completing their internship. However, I recently found out that if they are accepted to a specialty program outside of Rwanda (Rwanda has none), they only have to serve two years. In a nation of 12 million people, Rwanda only has two oral surgeons, so the need for specialists is very high! As a result, Dr. Alex and Dr. Aimable are in the process of applying to oral surgery programs in several countries. If accepted, they will be spending four years outside of Rwanda and will return to work for HHOA in various capacities. They will also have the opportunity to serve the country by teaching at the dental school. Please pray for this incredible opportunity of growth for our Rwandan doctors and their acceptance into these specialized programs.

In Him,

Thomas

SUMMER OUTREACH

This summer, HHOA Rwanda had the privilege of hosting our first summer short-term mission team from around the world. During the team's visit, HHOA held a dental outreach at Vineyard Christian School, near our Compassion Community Dental Clinic. The dentists were able to provide dental sealants (preventive care) to the school kids, which was a first for the HHOA Rwanda team. Until now, HHOA has focused primarily on treating urgent dental emergencies, but with our dentists' consistent care and attention, Vineyard Christian School children are now moving toward maintenance care, which will prevent dental emergencies from happening. 

Dr. Lee also trained the HHOA team on how to pack, organize, and prepare for the mobile outreach. This preparation process is essential to ensuring the HHOA team is equipped to treat every situation and the patients receive the best care. It was another first, and a big step in empowering our dental team to care for the community. By setting up our dental team for success, HHOA is able to serve more people and make a greater impact!

Umuganura - A Rwandan Festival of First Fruits

Haines, Bryan. "12 Rwandan Foods to Try: Traditional Rwandan Dishes, Desserts, Drinks." Storyteller.Travel. https://storyteller.travel/rwanda-foods/. 

Many of you know HHOA celebrated its "First Fruits" at last year's virtual gala. It was a time focused on giving thanks and rejoicing in all the Lord had provided in and through HHOA. However, did you know Rwandans celebrate their country's "First Fruits" every year?

Umuganura is a Rwandan first fruits harvest day celebrated on the first Friday of August each year. This public holiday is considered the Rwandan Thanksgiving and primarily focuses on giving thanks for the current year, promoting the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda, uniting the young and old generations, and celebrating the accomplishments of the country. Traditionally an agricultural society, Rwandans devote a part of their harvest before it is even planted to give. May God see the hearts and the hard work of our Rwandan brothers and sisters and bless them on this Umuganura Harvest Day and always. 

"Rwandans Celebrate Umuganura Day in Nyanza." IGIHE. https://en.igihe.com/news/rwandans-celebrate-umuganura-day-in-nyanza.