Stories that Make A Difference

  It was a Saturday evening and I'd just got home, exhausted and looking forward to relaxing. I'm not sure but I think I watched a movie or something. What I remember is seeing a WhatsApp notification make its way onto my phone screen. I wasn't excited about receiving it and just tossed my phone to the side, along my bed, and refocused my attention to my computer screen. The message that had come in was from a lady from church. The first few words read, "Hey Gael. Super last minute but do you mind..." The reason I didn't open to check the rest of it was that I knew what I was being asked to do. She was asking me to lead service the next morning at church. Now, those who know me very well know that I'm highly reluctant with that last minute request stuff. I function best when I've been mentally prepared in advance. I tried to ignore it for a bit, deciding I'll think about it later. However, I wasn't at peace after that. My spirit couldn'...

  The year 2020, the start of a new decade was one that many started with high hopes for. For some, it was the year in which they'd finally get their breakthroughs. For others, it was the year in which they'd been determined to make a much needed life change. Everybody had their expectations. However, in different places around the world, the year didn't begin as well as people would have liked. In Australia, the wild scorching bushfires were still blazing, refusing to spare millions of acres of land and millions of wildlife. In the Philippines, the effects of the devastating floods wouldn't allow for a joyous celebration. In our very own, Rwanda, floods claimed lives, and destroyed the homes of many. Let's not forget those around the world who've been suffering for God knows how long, with no food, homes, healthcare, living in extreme poverty, or under a harsh political climate. Oh... Kobe and daughter, Gianna died too, affecting many who idolised him around ...

  I was on a taxi moto/bodaboda one Thursday evening, on my way to church for cell (small group meeting). Prior to that, Lyse, my lovely wife (still dating then) and I were on a phone call and as usual, I’d enjoyed every minute of it. Even better, she’s the one who’d called me, which is something that makes me feel so special.  However, as the moto wound down and up the road, through the chilly swamp that sits between Nyarutarama and Kibagabaga, I couldn’t help but wonder why I didn’t call her as much as I could, especially considering the fact that hearing her voice actually lightened up my heart. “Then why don’t you call me as much?” I remember her asking me once, to which I had no answer. Little did I know the answer was patiently waiting for me, at church. As usual, it all started with some catching up with friends over some snacks, sharing some news about ourselves, how the week has been, the highs, the lows and what not. And then, the pastor shared the verse God had pl...

  It's a new year, new decade, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store. I'm also looking back at the lessons I learned that have made me even more excited for what's to come. However, some of them have left me with a bit of sadness inside. See, God has always been good, but walking in His ways and growing more and more in Him will gradually renew your mind, transform your heart and build you more and more into His image. Becoming more like Him means you'll be more loving, compassionate, merciful, empathetic, caring, considerate,...and also less tolerant to sin and its effects. One will begin to hate it, especially one who's been bound by it and has experienced its consequences. Or, one who has witnessed someone else suffer its consequences. It does not just affect the person committing it, but also the closest people around him/her. One of the sins that enrage me the most is that of adultery. Having cheated in some of my past relationships only adds...

  Is it just me or does every new year pass by faster than the last? It's crazy how so much can happen, how many lessons can be learned, or even how much time can be wasted, in little time. Also, it's crazy how we can get caught up and forget to take a minute to breathe, relax and just reflect on what has been, so as to prepare for what's to come. The year has already come to an end, and fortunate ones are enjoying the festive season with family and friends, food and drink. Alarm clocks have been turned off indefinitely, people won't get fired for going to work late on the last few days. Diet plans have been thrown out the window, it's a cheat week. And, new year's resolutions are being drafted and what not, some that were already made in the past year. Now, I'm not so big with new year's resolutions. I usually don't get to fulfil most of them. Some I fail to, and others I may shift focus from according to some of life's unexpected seasons. L...