Our friend, Laban

When Mike and I made plans to spend a month in Kigali, Rwanda in 2007, a friend connected us to Laban. We thought we would meet him once or twice. Instead, Laban spent almost every day of the month assisting me with my masters' research--bringing me to meet with government officials, church leaders, and NGOs. He also became our dear friend. We attended a family wedding and Laban's master's thesis defense, and got to know all his beautiful children. We were devastated to receive an email from Laban last week informing us that he, his wife Marie, and their 11 children were forced to flee to Kampala, Uganda, having faced persecution and fearing for their safety. Laban is working hard to  figure out a long-term solution. In the meantime, they have no money or food and are living as refugees in one room without water or electricity. Laban has never asked anything of us, and we want very much to help his family now. He is a wise and gentle soul who taught us a profound lesson about the kindness of strangers. Please give what you can!
With love,
Eileen and Mike

P.S. In the interest of guarding Laban's safety, please don't post to social media. Thanks!