Etienne Nsanzimana, a leader of the Rwanda Church of the Brethren, reported the church’s gratitude for an $8,000 grant from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund, (reported on March 28, see www.brethren.org/news/2020/edf-grants-respond-to-pandemic-in-africa ).
“We have been distributing one month of food to 250 families composing over 1,500 people in four local churches of the Church of the Brethren (Gisenyi, Mudende, Gasiza, and Humure),” he wrote. “The church members and those in the community have expressed their gratitude for the help that you have provided to them in this hard time. May God bless you so much.
“The COVID -19 pandemic has come in an unexpected way, leaving nations with fear, confusion, and uncertainty. In Rwanda as of last night, there are 102 confirmed cases and over 2,000 people quarantined after getting into contact with those with the virus. Therefore, the government has taken very cautious measures to help combat the spread of the virus. People are to stay home except cases of getting food and medicine, medical help, or bank services. The measures taken include closing all country borders, all airports, churches, small groups, public transport of any form including buses, taxis, and motorcycles, all schools. Businesses are closed except for banks, medical facilities, food markets, gas stations, and essential commodities. There is no road transport from district to district except a few authorized food deliveries and medical emergencies.
“With the poverty, there are families who live from hand to mouth by working to get food for that day. They are already highly affected by this crisis. They are in need of food supplies and hygiene items to help people wash their hands and stay clean.
“This help was very meaningful to both church members and other needy people in the community who have been supported.”