Loree Johns
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Tattooed and Beautiful: God’s Love and Forgiveness Transforms Broken Lives

April 19, 2015 by Loree

 

Motorbilke taxis lined up for hire.

Motorbike taxis lined up for hire.

The first time I saw them, I had to laugh. Men in business suits and women in dresses and high heels–riding on the back of a motorbike. Few people have cars in Rwanda and motorbikes are cheaper then taxis, so they are the favored transport.

Why would a highly educated young man take time out of his work day to ride on the back of a motorbike taxi—in busy downtown Kigali— to teach a bible class?

A brilliant man, David has a degree in electrical engineering, but found his passion in a higher calling. He did not become a christian until he was a man, and once that fire was lit, he converted his whole family.

He wants to make a difference in the lives of these young women, to offer them the living water that will sustain them even when enhanced job skills won’t.

He wants to share a tragically beautiful gospel.

Ancient words of sacrifice and redemption that transformed him and freed young women like Queen.

Queen Maureen- DUHU graduate

Queen Maureen- DUHU graduate

Queen Maureen is a beauty.

When I first met her, this fashionista was wearing vivd colors,  skinny pants and tall wedge heels. Many of the DUHU’s were quiet and shy around us, but she spoke with confidence and had a regal bearing befitting her name.

A recent graduate of DUHU, Jamie Boiles biblically based business training program, Queen is a talented clothing designer and now the manager of a tailor shop. She introduced us to the tailors who worked for her and she measured me for a custom dress.

With passion and vigor, revealed in her indomitable spirit, she shared her story. She came from a wild background. She was tattooed and had dreadlocks when she first arrived at school, both of which are taboo in the conservative Rwandan culture.

She faced a lot of prejudice because of her appearance. There were some who thought she might not be a fit for DUHU.

She told of finding God and leaving the party scene behind. DUHU helped her realize she was worth something as a woman and loved by God.

She said people would ask her “How can you be a christian and have tattoos“? She replies with patience, “Jesus loves people with tattoos, he loves all of us. Do you think he would not love me because of tattoos I received before I was a christian”?

She was eloquent and well spoken and utterly impressive.

A butterfly freed.

She once crawled through life, imprisoned in a cocoon of sin and bondage. Now she has soared above her broken past—free to become the woman God wants her to be.

I met her again in two days time.
My fun and colorful dress was done.
Smiles, photos, hugs–

A lovely reminder to speak thanks and offer a prayer for her when I wear it.
***************
Mark 3:28- Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter.

-What is tattooed on your heart that you need to give over to God?

-Do It!

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Posted in: Ministry, Praise and Thanks, Pursuit of All Things Godly, Travel Tagged: Africa, butterfly, David, DUHU, Jamie Boiles, motorbike, Queen Maureen, Rwanda, Tattoos
← Just Go With It: When God’s Plans Look Different Than Yours (Rwanda #4)
Perfection: The Lie We Live When We Pretend We Have It All Together (Rwanda # 6) →

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Learn how to rewrite your messy stories one grace at a time. In these 52 devotionals, we share stories of hilarity and hardship to uncover how God transforms our mayhem and invites us to live free.
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