In the Spring of 2021, American Alan Lane began to work with his Rwandan interpreter, Claudine Umwaliwase, to help him learn the Kinyarwanda language. Shortly thereafter they began to get out into the community where he lived, taking along his camera with the hope of being able to interact and engage with as many people as possible. 

The camera ended up being a blessing, as it allowed Alan to help establish trust with the community, as he would not only take pictures of people, but also hand them back to people for free.

This gradually led to Alan and Claudine coming across a number of people who had various need. They developed friendships with many of them, able to provide emotional and spiritual support by simply offering them companionship. Over time they began to start helping support them financially. This was, and is, mainly in terms of food and medicine, or in some  cases necessary surgeries or other such needs, but also helping those who are able to find a way to start a business so they can better provide for their families. 

When Alan asked Claudine how she would define what they do, without hesitation she said, ‘comforting the community.’ In its best sense that is exactly what we do, though I would also say, just as our mission statement states, that we receive the love of God through those we minister to and are comforted in some ways by their presence and humanity as well. 

We are now a team of eight people, most of whom are in the field, allowing us to grow in our impact with the community. This growth allows us to serve around 45 people every month. We are blessed.

In honor of Alan’s father, who passed away in 2016, and in remembrance of Alan’s wife’s late brother, the Foundation is called Ntwali Lane. May their memories and souls be at peace and watch over the work that we do.

Amahoro (Peace)