For some people in a Rwandan community, traveling far distances by foot through difficult terrain was the only way they could gather to worship and fellowship with other Christians. This would limit old and young people from attending, but those who were able would risk their lives in violent areas infamously known for past genocide to praise God together.

When the country gained political stability in 2000, two elders from the region went to local government authorities to request land to build a church on and other community development infrastructures. They were welcomed by community leaders who wanted a church closer by and gave them a plot of land. A pastor began to preach on this land and a church was birthed.

Believers, starting with 21 members from five families, worshiped under a tree on that plot. After two years they managed to build a small house of prayer. But challenge struck when a drought and then COVID hindered church growth. Government pandemic requirements stopped the church from meeting in their building due to capacity issues.

The church members prayed and contributed to a fund for a bigger building and in 2020, ICM partnered with the congregation to help. At this point, there were 397 church members. The local community dedicated their new building in February of 2022.

“Now people can all access a well-constructed church building!” says an ICM partner. The church continues to grow, attracting new people from the community. With their new facility, the church has also started a nursery school, where little children in the area have opportunity to gain quality education.

Believers are grateful and give glory to the Lord for their ability to gather. “We all praise God for this miracle,” says the local partner, “and we have great hope that more people will be evangelized in the future.

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