New session of GUILD begins on September 18 @1330 currently in the sancutary.
Contact: Roslind Gibb
September
18 Opening day Fees, Finance report
25 Wiltshire Farm foods
October
2 Boats & Boating Alan Dunlop
9 “Go home and sit still” Liz Allan
17 Guest Day Jonathon Buchan
23 Projecct
30 St Andrew & the Scots Bobby Keys
November
6 Pilgrim Lunch Rev. Fiona Morrison Mure Memorial
13 City of Dead – Glasgow Necropolis David Atkins
20 Trip to Rwanda Luke Anderson
30 Scottish Afternoon Andy Quinn
December
4 In House
11 Christmas Carols Kenny Mason & Jen
Sandyhills Parish Church 2025
Rwanda visit
The visit of Sandyhills has left so many precious memories in the minds and hearts of those they visited and also in my own. For many years the church has been supporting the work and it was so moving to see a large group from the church connect with the people who have been on the receiving end of their love and generosity.
The group were brilliant, their devotion to God and faith in stepping out in ministry and testimony was a huge blessing. It is my hope that God has deposited something of His own heart into the heart of each person on the group.
Special thanks to Norman for taking time out to be there and for his wonderful ministry to so many groups, to Rachel for her steadfastness and commitment to the projects and to enabling the group to come out and to the whole group for their amazing fundraising before and ministry during the trip.
Callum Henderson
Director
Comfort International
callum@comfortinternational.org
07542 731983
Rwanda Day 12
For the Sandyhills team, no day in Rwanda would be complete without singing and dancing, and our final day has been no different.
We rose early to head to the building site of the Comfort Transformation Centre to support on concrete pours for columns in the upper floor. For most of us this was our first time slinging concrete, especially in 28 degree heat but with the aid of some Scottish dancing we managed it!
From impromptu warm-ups to the Dashing White Sergeant I am pretty sure this site has not seen the likes before! We have certainly left our mark here.
After a quick freshen up we headed to David’s (Comfort Rwanda) house for a beautiful meal and a final farewell to many of the people involved in the projects. But once again some dancing and games was necessary!
As we depart this beautiful country, we each have our individual stories to tell but all are knitted together by our common belief in Jesus Christ. We have shared highs and lows, sometimes the whole emotional spectrum in one day, but we leave here inspired by the Rwandan people, their grace and dedication to unity and they’re consistency in praising the Lord at every opportunity.
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Psalm 133: 1
Rwanda Day 11
As we begin to wrap up the trip here in Rwanda we were able to spend a special day with all of the Street Kids Project coming together in a big celebration.
We were treated to singing and dancing as well as acrobatics and it was great to end our time with the projects in such a happy way. But no celebration would be complete without “The Slosh” and the team were happy to oblige in teaching!
After all the celebrations we headed to the African Hope Initiative for a beautiful service hearing from more widows who have built successful businesses and now sustain happy family lives.
We also managed to celebrate Helen’s birthday together here!
It was a day of love and joy and a beautiful end to our time with these groups.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Rwanda Day 10
This morning we headed to the Joy Centre, an initiative led by Good News International that offers vocational training in sewing and welding to you people to enable them to build lasting careers after graduation.
Set amongst lush green gardens, there is a metal workshop and sewing workshop as well as a large church and football field.
The Joy Centre is run by Justin, and there is an application and selection process applied because the courses are so popular. Applicants need to conduct an entrance exam as part of the process and the team aim to ensure places go to those most in need in the community.
The courses run for 6 months and each class has 20 students. In the current welding classes there are 4 young women, which is the most they’ve ever had in that side.
Each day there is practical and theoretical assignments but the team also ensure there is time for devotion and learning about Jesus as many students are new to Christianity when they join.
The Joy Centre also has a support program for 20 young mums (who have babies under 16) to keep them safe and support their ability to feed and clothe the babies.
We heard testimony from several of the current students:
Steven, age 16
Until he found the Joy Centre he had no hope or expectations in life. As the oldest of 4 children he had to stop school in Primary 6 when his mother abandoned him.
Raised by his dad, life was difficult. His dad did his best but couldn’t afford to keep him in school. Steven became a street kid, before learning about the Joy Centre and he expressed how thankful he is for Gods provision. He is also grateful for the spiritual blessings of devotions and prayer as he didn’t go to church before and he has now given his life to Jesus.
Florence, age 16
Florence is the oldest of 5 children and her father left when she was young, so she was forced to stop school to help raise her siblings. She worked on construction sites in heavy manual labour jobs to get money to feed her family. Through a very hard upbringing she felt no one loved her. Florence chose welding over sewing as she believes anything a man can do she can do to support her family.
Aline Niyogisubizo, age 17
Aline is the oldest of 5 children and she stopped school in P6 as her parents couldn’t afford to send her to secondary school. Her mother was living with a man who wasn’t her father and he didn’t treat her well so she left to live with her grandmother.
She is focused on building a better life for her and her siblings.
Gasumu, age 19
Gasuma, is one of 6 children and stopped school at 3rd year of high school as his father was also a heavy drinker. In spite of having a good job, earning 6000 Rwandan francs per day, he would use most of it for alcohol leaving only 1500 for home (approx 75 pence). As a result, Gasuma spent 18 months on the streets, and got involved with a bad group, smoking and drinking.
A friend of his mother found him drunk on the street and got him help but Gasuma didn’t believe he could come to the Joy Centre as he had no money. He is so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program as he knows he has an opportunity to change his life and the future of his family.
In the sewing room we met a group of women, aged between 15-32. The first project the group worked on was making a skirt and as the programme continues they will make uniforms for the next class before they graduate.
We heard testimony from two of the young women in the class:
Patrick, age 18
Patrick is one of 6 kids and the second youngest. His father had a good job in construction, but was drinking too much and spending most of his wages on alcohol leaving only 1000 Rwandan francs for food each day, which is the equivalent of around 50p to feed the whole family.
Patrick stopped in 2nd year of high school when his father could no longer support the family. It was at this time that Patrick tried to make money as a dancer. But a friend and former student of the Joy Centre invited him to apply and his life is in a more positive place now.
Aliane Uwicyeza, age 15
Aliane is one of three children, but all have different fathers. She lives with her mum, but she couldn’t support the cost of schooling and Aliane lost hope when she had to stop school.
She really enjoys the sewing class and knows she can have a future with this skill.
The Joy Centre also has a support program for 20 young mums (who have babies under 16) to keep them safe and support their ability to feed and clothe the babies.
After the testimonies we had a service in the church led by Pastor Ben where we learned that prayers have been answered and the centre is now Accredited by the Rwandan government which means the qualifications young people gain can be applied in any business across the country.
After the testimonies we had a service in the church led by Pastor Ben where we learned that prayers have been answered and the centre is now Accredited by the Rwandan government which means the qualifications young people gain can be applied in any business across the country.
To finish the morning the team and the students came together for a game of football and were even joined by the driver, Gaadi, who even had his football boots at hand!
In the afternoon we visited the Ladies Craft Group which was started after the genocide by many orphans and widows.
After losing the husbands and fathers that were supporting them, they became very vulnerable and many people were living with trauma and depression. Some people started to come together and learn what they could do to support themselves. The group was destined to heal their hearts so they could hear God in their lives.
In time people started to buy the crafts that were being made and telling the group that God loves them so they were able to start believing and that’s when they met Callum Henderson.
Callum would buy items and sell them in Scotland to support the group and this led the women to trust that god is on their side.
Today has shown us, as a team, that the Goodness of God is everywhere and hope is very much alive in Rwanda.
Today was a challenging day. We began by travelling 90 minutes out of Kigali to Rugarika to the home that Sandyhills Church have paid to build for a widow and her four children.
It was a long drive, mainly down red dirt roads, but on arrival we were surprised to see just how far the build has gotten. They team were able to help with concrete lining the outside walls as the main structure and internal rooms are already in place. Norman discovered a new skill as “stepladder” fo help Millie and Luke reach the top of the building.
We then headed inside to present our gifts including the beautiful knitted blanket from the Herbert’s and then prayed over the house. On the way back we stopped to visit an elderly lady who is completely alone. She is her 80’s and has no family so the team prayed with her in a bid to offer some comfort.
The afternoon was difficult. We headed to Gasanzi, a village in the hills, to find four young boys who have been offered the opportunity to join the Street Kids Rescue program. None of us were prepared for what we saw. Poverty at extreme levels and a drug epidemic taking over young children aged between 8-14. One of the boys has rejected the idea of leaving the streets because his addiction has taken over.
Whilst visiting some of the homes a group of children lay in the rubble openly inhaling paint fumes to get high and there were no responsible adults in sight.
We have seen many things during this trip but in this area it was hard to feel hope. We continued to pray and we ask all those in Sandyhills to remember the Gasanzi community in their prayers. The Lords light is needed there.
Rwanda Day 8
After a beautiful breakfast in the garden of the Guest House we headed to the Nyabisindu Street Kids Program where we were lovingly welcomed by some of the kids we met earlier in the week and some we were were meeting for the first time.
We all headed to a red ash pitch for games and along the way, more children followed who were not on the program but who were in need of some laughter.
Abbie and Emily led on games with two large groups and they were brilliant. They held the children in the palm of their hand with simple games with the parachute and ball. Millie then stepped in for a fearless game of “What’s the time Mr Wolf” and the kids loved it.
On the opposite side of the pitch the Sandyhills boys led on a 3 stage football tournament and despite the roaring heat, every child was so happy to be included.
After games, we headed back to the centre for prayer and testimony. Adam shared his testimony on being called to serve the Lord as Youth Pastor at Sandyhills and Paul shared his story and the teenagers really resonated with him. It was a beautiful moment.
In the afternoon we headed to the site of the new Comfort Transformation Centre. This project will offer so much to the people of Rwanda with support, recovery and reconciliation but it is a major construction and needs financial support to continue the build. The plans, while ambitious, are absolutely achievable and we know from Romans 8: 28 that “all things God works for the good of those who love”
Rwanda Day 7
Today is a national holiday in Rwanda so they team have enjoyed a quiet morning before being joined at the Guest House by graduates from the Street Kids Rescue program. David from Comfort Rwanda started the introductions before we split into groups to learn more about each other and our experiences.
Through open conversations we each learned so much about these young people. Patrick, a 21 year old graduate from the program shared about his upbringing with a single mother and he ended up on the streets age 10. After meeting David from Comfort Rwanda his life was changed forever. Entering the program he was able to go to school and has now graduated from university and has a bright future.
We heard from Kevin, how has now graduated from university with a degree in civil engineering and he and Paul bonded over their experiences as electricians.
Mubaraka, also 21, shared his experience of being on the streets and being seperated from his mother. He shared about the difficulties in adapting but that through the Street Kids project and the support of Sandyhills he has a renewed hope of life. So much so that he has been awarded the IEE (Inspire, Educate & Empower Rwanda) Top Student Award, a prestigious recognition here in Rwanda.
After the group sessions Norman preached on finding your purpose in the Lord which really resonated with the group, who are all devoted to a life in Jesus. We very quickly discovered that we are all more alike than we first realised.
Rwanda Day 6
The team woke feeling fresh today having had a rested night. After breakfast it was time to travel to to the Karengera community where we all got stuck in to making mud bricks to support the build of a new house. We have never laughed so much! From Luke’s sound effects from the squelching mud on his feet to Millie’s stellar effort in shaping and forming the bricks, every person loved it.
After a serious clean up operation we were welcomed into the trees for some singing and listening to the Gospel. This community is well established and has prospered over the years with the support of Good News/ Comfort International. The pineapple field is doing very well commercially, allowing every member of the community to now have basic healthcare!
They also have plans to invest in more land to further develop their income streams.
After this it was back on the bus for a 4 or 6 hour journey (depending on whether you ask Rebecca or Callum) back to Kigali. We are officially the record holders for the minibus who sings the longest with an impressive playlist mastered by Luke.
This has been a day filled with joy and even a birthday. Nicola turned 43 today and the team have spoiled her, even allowing more Take That and Robbie Williams tunes onto that special playlist!
After a late arrival back in Kigali, it was time for a quick dinner and bed, but not without some birthday cake!
Rwanda Day 5
We left Bisisero to head to Mubuga this morning to visit another Comfort International/ Good News project. The community in Mubuga met us in the forest, and we enjoyed a beautiful combination of testimony and praise surrounded by the rolling hills of Rwanda, cows and goats (the unofficial Sandyhills mascot for the trip).
Today we heard more about the impact of unity and reconciliation here in Rwanda. What started as a government initiative after the genocide is now a way of life. In Mubuga you have survivors of the genocide living side by side with perpetrators. Here you can see how forgiveness has been the only option for communities to survive and thrive. The local pastor preached on Psalm 150 and highlighted the importance of appreciating each new day and it was a message that resonated with us all.
From Mubuga we travelled on to Kibigora where we met the community of female survivors and heard their stories of unity and reconciliation. The amazing strength shown by these women, and by all of the people we have met so far has been truly inspirational.
Rwanda Day 4
This morning we left the Golf Hotel to head to Gishyta village, where Sandyhills has been partnered with Good News for over a decade and we saw the enormous impact of the houses that Sandyhills contributed to building.
We were warmly welcomed by the community leaders who explained the difference in their lives of having a home, a safe place to rest.
We heard testimonies from several members of the community and the overwhelming theme was that of Gratitude.
For the love, support and prayers of Sandyhills Parish Church to each of them.
Norman preached to the crowd and the rest of the group sang songs with Lauren and Millie leading on teaching the actions of My Lighthouse!
We left Gishyita and carried on our journey to Bisisero, where the local community were the only group to show resistance during the 1994 Genocide.
We visited the Bisisero Genocide Memorial which is built into the hills and the climb to the top is known as the “walk of pain” to represent the pain felt by those who ran up and down the Bisisero hills protecting their families and neighbours against the militia for around 3 weeks.
At the beginning of the attacks there were over 50.000 people living in the village. By the end only 1300 remained.
The loss is staggering and the village so remote it is hard to comprehend the devastation felt and we pray that the world never forgets what happened there.
From the memorial we visited the local football field where a competitive game was being held and of course some of the group were delighted to get involved! Norman, Paul, Lewis, Luke, Adam, Neve and Lauren all pulled on their strips and after a warm up, of sorts, there was a quick rendition of Flower of Scotland before kick off.
Whilst some of us thought the rules of this match were questionable there were a few highlights. Max scored a cracker of a goal, Norman was up there with an assist, Neve was and Lauren held up the defence well.
So much so Neve was awarded man of the match and Lauren has been invited back to set up a girls team.
The highlight of the day came as the sun set and we were welcomed by two families to join them for dinner and to stay overnight. Bernadette and Narcisse’s families showed true biblical hospitality to us all and as dinner was prepared we sang worship songs around the table.
Words cannot describe this night. Holy, Spirit Filled and Joyful are the best words i can come up with.
28 July
A deeply emotional day for the team as we visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial this morning.
Every member of the group was devastated by what they learned and say today, yet hope still remains here.
The lessons of faith and forgiveness won’t be forgotten.
We then travelled 4 hours West to Lake Kivu, where we all took a boat trip to Bhat Island. Our moods were lifted by a lot of singing to an eclectic playlist, masterfully managed by Luke!
After close encounters with the fruit bats we returned to the Golf Hotel for dinner and reflections followed by an early night.
27 July
We had a full-on day yesterday. 18 hours travelling but God blessed us with travelling mercies and all flights were on time and all luggage arrived!
We got to Good News Guest House about 2.30am so a couple of hours sleep and we are now preparing for a day with Comfort Rwanda where we’ll meet with around 70 people from all the projects – street kids rescue, comfort babies and the Friends of Jesus project.
July 26 – 8 August 2025
Pray for unity and that the team will work well together, demonstrating God’s love.
26th July – Depart Edinbugh Airport enroute to Kigali va Istanbul arr 00:50 Sunday morning
27th July – Service at Comfort Transformation Centre
28th July – Visit Gisozi memorial, Travel to Kibuye, stopping at Nyanje survivor’s group
Hopefully updates to follow as the visit progresses.
Sandyhills Parish Church
Come and join us each Sunday service starts at 10:30am
Hot Press
Praise & Testimony
Sunday 7th September
Dinner @1700 please contact Norman
nafrin@churchofscotland.org.uk
Followed by service & praise @ 1800
Sandyhills Clubs
Kids Club
Friday 3-30 pm – 4-45 pm
Primary 4 – 7
Oasis Youth Club
S1-S6
Friday 7pm to 9pm
nafrin@churchofscotland.org.uk
House Group email contact
housegroups@sandyhillschurch.com
Monday : Weekly in person 10 am
Thursday : Fortnightly via ZOOM 7-00 pm
Church Bible Study
Wednesday : Every second Wednesday in upper room 7-00 – 8-30pm
contact sessionclerk@sandyhillschurch.com
Prayer
Prayer let us know