In March, Tamara traveled on behalf of Memory Books to Kabuga, Rwanda with ERM/Rwanda and Apple of His Eye Charity teams. Tamara & Ron Faris as well as Memory Books for Children International appreciates having the occasion to team up with these ministries for this trip collaborating to reach orphaned children with inspiration and hope.
While at the ERM Hope Vocational Training Center in Kabuga, Tamara was invited to speak at the 2018 Graduation Ceremony. Speaking to over 175 graduating seniors, the following is an excerpt from Tamara’s message Called by a New Name! shared at the Commencement Ceremony:
When a child is born he is given a name he will be called, and known by among family and community. But the child’s identity doesn’t begin there. The child’s family name may be known as a poor family or living in an undesirable place or known to be wealthy. The family name may be linked to crime or to members being held in jail. Maybe those with the family name have suffered disease or death. The moment a child is born the world labels the child with an identity he had nothing to do with.
But a child’s identity—your identity—began long before the world labeled you. Your identity, your true identity rests with the One who created you. God knew you before you were even substance. Before you were knit together inside your mother’s womb, God knew everything about you, from beginning to end, because He created you. On the day you were born, God whispered into your mother’s ear your name. God wants you to know that from the very beginning He named you His name for you. Your true identity rests with God. Not as the world knows you, but how God knows you.
It is believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to the world to die for our sins. Many people did not believe Jesus when he lived as a man on earth, and tried to stop him from talking about His Father God. They crucified him on a cross. Following Jesus’ death, believers and followers of Jesus Christ spread the word that Jesus is truly the Son of God and came to save the world from sin. The church of Christianity expanded quickly. But during this time Christ followers were thought to be a threat to the Jewish church and its leadership. Believers of Christ were threatened, arrested, persecuted, and even killed for their faith.
A young man named Saul believed Christianity should be stopped, and stood by as a witness as Stephen, a Christ follower, was stoned to death. Saul said Stephen’s death was good. Saul began to seek Christ followers and threatened to have them arrested. While on the road to Damascus, Saul was suddenly struck down in blindness by a bright light from heaven. A loud voice said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Those traveling with him heard the voice that instructed him to go to the city and listen for a voice telling him what to do.
At that time the Lord spoke to Ananias, instructing Ananias to go to where Saul was and pray over Saul. “I have chosen Saul for an important work,” Ananias heard from the Lord. Ananias did as God instructed and went to Saul; immediately scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see. Saul believed Jesus had healed him. From that day forward, Saul set about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, coming to save the world from sin. Because people were afraid of Saul, it took many years to overcome his reputation as someone who hated Jesus followers. Saul was called by a new name—a follower of Jesus Christ. Until the moment Saul was healed from blindness, Saul lived apart from God’s plan for his life. God always had a plan for Saul’s life, an important plan to be a light pointing to Jesus. Some people say that the name “Saul“ means “God’s blessing.” You see, in order for Saul to be God’s blessing to others and fulfill God’s purpose for his life, he was required to turn from evil and toward Jesus. (You may read the story about the young man named Saul, who was later called by his roman name of Paul, in Acts 9:1-15; Acts 7:54-60; Acts 8:4; Acts 13:1-3.)
God knew everything about you before you were created; He created each of us. He knows your true identity in Him. Like Saul, your name has special meaning to God. Learn what your name means, and discover your true identity. You are chosen and beloved by God. Today you are called by a new name. Your true identity rests with Him.
At the same location as the graduation ceremony, Tamara also had opportunity to share during early morning devotions. Children, teens, young adults, and even staff were excited to learn from Tamara about the meaning of their names to show how each and every one has a story that matters to God. ERM Hope student Sandrine (Sandra) upon learning her name meant Defender of Truth exclaimed, “That is exactly the way my life is. I am always defending what I believe. That is who I am!”
Tamara also talked with orphaned or vulnerable children attending weekly Saturday morning events. To the delight of all who received them, Tamara distributed over 500 Memory Books during her two-week stay in Rwanda.
The article photos show the use of a talking stick. Used for centuries by many American
Indian and African tribes when matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold a talking stick to begin the discussion. When finished the stick was passed to whoever wished to speak. Likewise, Memory Book Clubs use a talking stick. Permission to talk is given the person holding the stick. No one else is allowed to talk or whisper when someone is holding the talking stick, which carries with it respect for free speech and freedom to say whatever is on one’s heart without fear of reprisal or humiliation. If a child does not want to share, they simply hand the talking stick to someone else without judgement. The talking sticks shown here were created by Beth Biornstad.
READ MORE IN OUR MAY 2018 NEWSLETTER.
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