G.O.D. Helps Distribute Instruments to Refugees

Dan Mugisha is from Zimbabwe, and is thrilled to use his new instrument to sing and lead worship for his church’s youth group. “I am very excited to receive this new guitar. I will use it to continue worshipping our Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ.”

Jesus’ words are powerful and timeless: “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). This is especially true when those you give to have endured some of the most painful, difficult life circumstances, and come through them praising the Lord with fervor and joy.

Last week we had a blessed opportunity to give, partnering with local nonprofit Instruments of Joy. Together we helped place brand new acoustic guitars in the hands of three local pastors from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is not the first time we have partnered with Instruments of Joy to enable aspiring artists to have their own instruments. Their mission has always been to distribute these gifts internationally, and we have helped deliver instruments to musicians in India, Latin America, the Philippines and East Africa. However, with travel prohibitions due to the global pandemic, Instruments of Joy decided to distribute instruments locally to refugees. It was our pleasure to help them find just the right people to bless with a new guitar.

Aaron Kaitenda was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to Uganda before seeking refuge in the U.S. He plays multiple instruments, sings and leads worship at a Nazarene church here in Nashville, but did not own his own instrument. “I wanted to own one. I’ll use it to praise, worship and glorify the name of Jesus Christ.”

As we work regularly with a local Congolese community, we were able to connect with three men from areas of conflict in Africa. These deserving men have endured years of political unrest and displacement in their home countries before coming to the United States to find refuge. They are now serving among their local refugee communities, leading worship for youth. We may not be able to travel internationally at this time, but God enables us to serve an international community of refugees here in our local area.

Upon receiving the instruments, the pastors’ responses all had two common themes; sheer delight at the gift of owning their own instrument, and a commitment to use that gift to serve those around them by leading others into worship before the Lord. It was humbling to witness these men who have experienced so much adversity and yet did not hesitate to express thanks to the Lord for the provision of the guitars. We are inspired by their example to find strength and hope in the Lord and rejoice in Him amidst all the chaos that the world has thrown at them. May we do likewise each day!