This last June I had an opportunity to travel to Rwanda in Africa to help an amazing organization, ERM Rwanda. ERM Rwanda is working directly with the people of Rwanda, specifically widows and orphans of the genocide in 1994. In 1994 one million Rwandans lost their lives in 100 days as the Hutu tribe brutally tortured and murdered members of the Tutsi tribe. The founder of ERM Rwanda, Emmanuel Sitaki Kayinamura, lost 35 members of his family in the genocide and by the grace of God he and his mother escaped. Read his amazing story here.
Nineteen years later ERM is doing some amazing things including running a vocational school where students can learn trade skills such as masonry, carpentry, hair dressing, sewing and welding. ERM is also working directly with widows of the genocide who make crafts that are sold at the local market.
The genocide physically eradicated hundreds of thousands Rwandans, but it did not destroy their living spirit of hope, faith and determination.

Recently I was told of an opportunity in the very near future (beginning of June) to take a trip to Rwanda to help an organization with photography and video. I have been doing a lot of prayer recently about how I can use my gift of photography to give back again. When a friend mentioned an opportunity to help ERM Rwanda (http://www.ermrwanda.org/) which helps widows and orphans affected by the genocide in 1994 I was instantaneously interested.

As many of you know I went to Liberia in 2012 to do a similar photography project and was there for 3 weeks. I was able to experience amazing things that God was doing with the people and the churches in Liberia and the rebuilding from their civil war. If you didn't see my blog post here is a link to it with some of my photos: http://www.mikefiechtner.com/blog/2012/1/26/liberia.html

Unfortunately this organization in Rwanda is not able to help me get to Rwanda and is asking me to raise $3,000 for an approximate 3 week trip. That's a lot of money to raise this quickly I understand. The trip would initially be me going to all of the different projects that they are currently involved in and also 1 week with a Kings High School group that is there to serve.

If you would like to contribute please go to www.ermrwanda.org and Click "Donate Now" in the top right. Then click "Donate Now" again. Under "Please direct my donation to" please select "Other" and then in the open space please put "Mike Fiechtner - Photographer"

Thanks for anything you can give!

rwanda // africa

help send me to rwanda