Boneza, Rwanda
June 2025
Before I take a few minutes to share with you about our latest Rwanda ministry trip, there is something very important that I need to do: I need to say thank you! Not just once but many times over. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! To all the amazing people who have been a part of this ministry over the years—thank you. You have prayed, you have given sacrificially, you have prayed more, and you have given more to help fulfill the call of Empty Tomb Ministries. I am humbled and honored to have represented you throughout this earth. Thank You!
Speaking of earth, let’s head back to Boneza, Rwanda so I can share with you some of the wonderful things that God did on this journey. Here is a big miracle: our plane got us there on time!!!! And once we got there, God was on time with everything that He did. The Holy Spirit guided our steps and touched the hearts of many with his power and grace. I always enjoy being back in Boneza with so many wonderful friends that I have made over the years. One of the big highlights of this trip was to see Kivu Hills Medical Center. Our Arise Rwanda Board has been working for several years to see this new medical center completed in Boneza. Boneza is the home of 26,000 people, many of which have never been able to see a doctor in their lifetime. Well, that has all changed now. While we were there, the medical center put on a two-day clinic and opened the doors for hundreds of people. They were literally there at four in the morning waiting in line to get in. Our team arrived at about 6 a.m. and we did a chapel service before we opened the doors. It was truly a miracle of God. All the hard work and raising over $2 million to build this new building, it was now time to see the fruit of our labor. As you are reading this newsletter, the clinic is receiving donated hospital equipment, shipped from Project Cure in Denver, Colorado.
So many other wonderful things happened while we were there. Kivu Hills Academy is the home of about 350 students. We were able to spend time with them on the campus, where we did a chapel service for all the students and staff. It’s always a blessing to hang out with the young high school students. On the campus is the Valmark Arena where we hold many of our outreach events. One afternoon, we held a public crusade—over 2,000 people were in attendance, and God showed up! It was a wonderful time of worship and being in the presence of God.
Each time I have been to Boneza we have held a two-day pastor’s conference, and this visit would be no different. We had over 60 pastors, and we feel it was probably our best ever! Having spent time with these leaders over the years, we have been able to build into their lives the importance of their relationship with God and each other. Our theme for this conference was “Full of Grace and Truth”, which is found in John 1:14. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Our heavenly Father is doing an incredible work in Boneza, Rwanda. The poverty there is a very real issue that impacts the lives of so many people. Yet in the midst of the poverty these people are becoming so rich spiritually as they grow in their faith each day. A few years ago, Arise Rwanda Ministries passed out 10,000 bibles to every home in Boneza. Lives change in miraculous ways when the Author of Life shows up and His Word fills the hearts of the people. To God be the glory forever and ever!! Amen
One thing that always happens when I return from a ministry trip is that people always ask to hear the stories and to see the pictures. Something happens in our hearts when we see and hear about the faithfulness of God. Well, this trip was no different. The faithfulness of God filled the hearts of so many. I had the privilege to speak in a few different places after my return, so I put together a presentation with some fun pictures. View the presentation here.
Arise Rwanda Ministries founder John Gasangwa and Greg Yancey the board chairman are celebrating the completion of the new Kivu Hills Medical Center in Boneza, Rwanda.
Kivu Hills Academy is one of the top schools in all of Rwanda.
I spoke at the chapel service for the 350 students at KHA. My two 14-year-old friends helped me with an illustration. Lots of love!!!!!
At 6 a.m. in the morning, in front of the medical center we are having a chapel service for the wonderful people in Boneza. For many it will be the first time to see a doctor.
On Sunday morning, we were asked to speak in Pastor Daniel’s church. The Lord touched many lives that morning.
On Saturday afternoon, we held a crusade for the people of Boneza. It was a powerful time of worship and the sharing of God’s Word.
We held a two-day pastor’s conference with over 60 pastors. This is always a special time with our friends.
Nothing like a team photo with the pastors, their new hats, shirts and certificates