Hope Gitombo Family,

As I look back into the rearview mirror I would like to joyfully share my reflections spanning from end of 2025 to early 2026 as much has transpired within our community for that period. We had many challenges ahead but faced the future with an abiding faith and sense of gratitude to God. Therefore, we have much to thank Him for, especially for the growth and expansion of the PAAV Gitombo Community School ministry.

The ministry now serves more than 250 children. The majority attend our school, and Sunday School, while a few remain in the sponsorship program educated in other institutions. Alongside these children are 45 dedicated staff members, engaged parents, and an ever-growing outreach to the surrounding Gitombo community.

A noteworthy milestone has been achieved by our pioneer children, who started the school in 2014. They have successfully completed Junior School (Grade 9). Although we had initially hoped for them to transition to Grade 10 (Senior School) within our own school, circumstances led to their placement in public schools not of our choosing, for valid space reasons. We maintain a strong connection with them, praying that they continue to uphold the Christian values cultivated during their time at PAAV Gitombo.

Additionally, out of the 20 sponsored children studying in other institutions, seven have graduated and are now ready to seek employment. Thanking you, our committed sponsors!

The construction of Sifa House at the school has been completed, despite encountering numerous challenges with government approvals. This accomplishment is especially meaningful given the limited space we have, and we view it as an answer to prayer.

We faced a severe water crisis at the school, which required immediate action. Thankfully, God provided rain in mid-February, easing this concern. However, our solar power system is not functioning well and needs attention. The paving of the road by the school brought serious health and safety challenges; and, while the road is now paved, the lack of a secure perimeter wall for our school remains a pressing issue.

Safeguarding the wellbeing of children in the community, particularly those transitioning into adolescence, is a continuing priority. Staff relationships have also posed challenges, necessitating interventions focused on morale and training. To address these concerns, we organized a teamwork training session that was quite beneficial to the school.

With all the above, still I am encouraged by Paul: We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

For the Easter season we have been reading the Gospels in our Bible studies at school with a focus on the passion of Christ from Triumphant Entry to the Cross.

I am so encouraged to invite us all to continue to stand firm and strong, anchoring our faith on Christ:  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  —1 Corinthians 15:58

Thanking the amazing Hope Gitombo Board in Colorado and our wonderful donors and sponsors. Thank you for your great support to this ministry.

Let us continue to stand firm together, anchoring our faith in His Word:      . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. — Philippians 1:6

Amen and Amen.