The Summer in Africa mission was more than most of us expected. We travelled to Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania to work with our Victory Family in each nation; Bishop Jude Kiteta from Kenya and Pastor Vitalis Jodo from Kisumu, Kenya; Pastor Andrew Mtili from Tanzania and Bishop Joseph Kamanza from Rwanda along with leaders from D.R. Congo and Burundi who came for leadership training and relationship. All were ministered to and given an iPod full of great teachings that were donated by pastors. Thank you pastors!!! You made their day!!!

Bible College grads, leadership training, women’s conference and much, much more was accomplished during this mission.

We were blessed with a medial team: Dr. Jeremy Widdup, Cherise Strand and Nicole Goertz from Saskatchewan; preachers and teachers and assistants Pastor Les Bourassa, Pastor Terri Murphy, Pastor Colette Delaney, Frieda Issak, Ashley Delaney and Gracie and James Lanigan from across Canada. The medical team ministered tirelessly. Dr Jeremy, our dentist, assisted by Nicole, pulled teeth and taught on dental care to the children and Mamas. Our nurse, Cherise, doctored up the children and taught on hygiene. Pastor Terri Murphy taught on Micro Loans and helped teach and preach leaders and women. Pastor Les Bourassa was our French interpreter, preacher/teacher and all round handy man. Pastor Colette Delaney taught guitar to the most gifted students while her daughter Ashley, our first-time missionary, played with the children and did crafts. Frieda Issak and the rest of the team gave their all and ministered where needed.

This summer we had many volunteers come and help run the orphanage for us. Lidia and Izabela from Poland spent the summer in Rwanda helping the Mamas with the children. They are learning the language as this was their second summer in Rwanda at the orphanage. Yanis and Maureen Smit were able to come for one month and assist in so many ways. Joy-Lyn Simpson is currently still in Rwanda holding the fort and doing a great work managing things!

Thank you all so very much! You did a great job!

The Rwanda orphanage, Victory Family, Home of Champions, was the highlight as usual and has been considered a gem of Africa! God truly gave us favour. I was able to meet with the Minister of Gender for Rwanda, one of the Senators and the local mayor. The Senator that I met with in Rwanda informed me that the President and his wife stop when passing the orphanage and look up and say “what a wonderful place they have built, it is a gem in Africa”. The First Lady actually was able to come to the orphanage and she gave the children a cow. They are very excited because the cow is pregnant and will give birth in three months. Our plan is to breed live stock to feed the children and eventually sell to help the orphanage become self sufficient.

Bishop Joseph Kamanza , head of Victory Churches of Rwanda, and Liberetta were married the Saturday before we left for Kenya. The team decorated their hotel room and house and Dr. Hazel married them. That was an adventure in its self.

I know this trip has changed us all and we can never be the same.

Dr. Hazel Hill
VCI Missions Director
Leader Summer in Africa Trip