“When I joined [Africa] New Life Church, it became an answer to me,” says Mukarutesi Mary, a mother in Kageyo A, the village Antioch sponsors in Rwanda. “Our leaders walked with me, shared the Word of God, and helped me both spiritually and materially. Now, the days of sorrow and despair have ended. Even with our church building closed, our leaders still shepherd us.”
Mary’s story is powerful—but it also points to the reality on the ground in Rwanda today.
A Season of Shuttered Churches
Across Rwanda, thousands of churches have been forced to close under new government regulations. These rules demand that churches meet strict facility standards and that leaders hold theological degrees. While the intentions may sound good on paper, the results have been devastating, especially for rural congregations.
In Kageyo A, the church we partner with remains closed. Many sanctuaries that once rang with songs of worship now sit silent. Families who once gathered weekly for encouragement now meet in homes and small groups instead. For many, the church was not just a spiritual center but a lifeline of community, care, and stability. Its doors being shut has been a painful loss.
And yet—this is not the end of the story. Leaders continue to shepherd their people. Families are still being discipled. Children are still being fed. And in the midst of this trial, God is preparing His people for something stronger.
The Silver Lining: Stronger Leaders, Healthier Churches
The very regulations that forced churches to close have revealed a deeper need: Rwanda’s pastors must be equipped with sound theology to shepherd well. And here’s where hope shines.
Through the Africa College of Theology (ACT) Mobile Training Program, pastors who once lacked formal education are now being trained to preach with clarity, teach with depth, and serve with confidence.
Take Rubagumya Augustin, a father of seven who was already serving as a pastor. He admits, “I was preaching, but I wasn’t preaching the right way.” Through ACT, he’s now learning sound doctrine and guiding his congregation with new confidence.
Or Marcel Sindikubwabo, an evangelist and father of three. He confesses, “I did not act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the right theology.” Now, equipped with training, he preaches the Word with accuracy and power, ready to impact his community and beyond.
So yes, the closures are discouraging. But they are also creating an unprecedented opportunity for Rwanda’s church to grow deeper roots. When these doors reopen—and they will soon—the pastors inside will be stronger, healthier, and more equipped than ever before.
How Your Support Brings Hope
While leaders are being trained, families in Kageyo continue to experience the daily impact of your support. Sponsorship ensures that children have food, water, education, and spiritual care—even in the midst of church closures.
Namanya Naomi, a sponsored student, shares: “The school provides us lunch, and it helps me study well in the afternoon without feeling hungry. My mother no longer has to worry whether we’ve eaten or not.” For Naomi’s family and many others, sponsorship replaces anxiety with peace and instability with hope.
Be Part of the Story
This is a defining moment for Rwanda’s church. The challenges are real—but the silver lining is undeniable. Out of these closures, a new generation of pastors is being equipped. Out of poverty, families are being lifted up. Out of despair, hope is rising!
You can be part of this story. The simplest and most powerful way is by sponsoring a child through Africa New Life. Sponsorship provides food, education, discipleship, and stability for a child—and it strengthens the church for generations to come!
Sponsor a child today and join what God is doing in Rwanda through Antioch!