Arise Rwanda Ministries

For the past few years I have had the honor of serving on the board of directors of Arise Rwanda Ministries. I have now traveled to Rwanda 3 times, with my good friend and board chair of Arise Rwanda, Greg Yancey. I consider Rwanda one of my favorite places to do ministry. This country has faced many difficult challenges over the years, one of which was a terrible genocide back in 1990’s. During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, almost 1 million people were killed, with many more fleeing their country for safety. It has not been an easy road to recovery, but the people of Rwanda are doing an amazing job as they deal with loss and forgiveness.

Since 2011, the founder of Arise Rwanda, John Gasangwa has focused their efforts and resources on the community of Boneza in the Western Province of Rwanda, which is the home of about 26,000 people. The mission of Arise is to positively transform the people of Boneza out of extreme poverty by focusing on sustainable vocational education, clean water systems, pastoral care, and community/economic development.

Learn more

Kivu Hills Academy

Out of the mission of Arise Rwanda Ministries comes Kivu Hills Academy School that sits right in the center of Boneza, high atop a beautiful hill looking over Lake Kivu. The school is the home to almost 300 students who live on campus and learn each day what it’s like to have a personal and living relationship with Jesus Christ. This school is a miracle of God! A majority of the students come from very poor homes and would never be able to attend a school like this without the help of others.

Pastoral Care

Out of the mission of Arise Rwanda Ministries comes our Pastoral Care and Education Ministry. Before Arise took residence in Boneza, there was nothing there to help bring the pastors together to help build relationships and equip them with leadership training and a more extensive biblical education. Through the efforts of Arise we now hold leadership conferences, crusades and have started a bible school for the pastors and leaders of Boneza.

Iwawa Island, Rwanda

Out of the mission of Arise Rwanda Ministries comes an all-out effort to impact the community of 26,000 people. So much has been done to help share the truth of God and His word and to see the lives of so many people change for the good. Boneza sits on the shore of Lake Kivu, it is one beautiful place! About an hour boat ride away is Iwawa Island. The only thing on this island is a government run drug and alcohol rehab center with 4,600. We have had the honor to go and minister to those men and watch the power of the Holy Spirit touch their lives.