You Can Help Reopen Churches in Rwanda
Beginning in February 2018, over 7,000 churches were closed (1,400 in Kigali) in Rwanda due primarily to safety and sanitation issues.
On July 30, 2024, Rwanda Challenge (RC) received word that a new round of inspections by the government was resulting in churches being closed across the country. Churches in every province and the capital city, Kigali, are affected. Our friend and ministry partner, Theophile Rugubira, first reported that 10 of the more than 75 congregations in the Harvest Christian Churches network were closed. By Monday, August 5, the number of closures had increased to 33. Each congregation faces different requirements, ranging from fire extinguishers and lightning protection to soundproofing and painting. One rural church, according to Theophile’s report, was required to add parking spaces, though members and guests typically do not own vehicles. Some locations were allowed to remain open but must make changes before an upcoming reinspection.
These enforcements originate in the same law passed in 2018 requiring theological education for preachers and church leaders. Theophile noted that some churches have been closed in this new enforcement push because they lack a legal preacher. In the five years since the law’s passage, RC has been focused on developing an affordable, accredited degree program to meet the new provisions. Through the MACU-Rwanda partnership, classes launched in 2021. This partnership, consisting of Africa Hope Initiatives, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and Rwanda Challenge, saw the purchase of campus property in August 2023 and its first two graduates in January of this year. Though we remain committed to meeting these educational requirements, RC also contributed $1,000 USD on August 7 for immediate assistance. Meanwhile, Theophile is preparing a more complete assessment of the impacts. “We will do our best to (meet) the requirements, but (for) the churches in rural areas, it will not be easy,” he shared. “I am overwhelmed by this situation, but it is not Theophile’s Church. The Owner will provide and take care.” Please join us in praying for wisdom, discernment, and relief as Jesus’ Church in Rwanda faces this next challenge. If you desire to help, follow the directions below and write “Reopen churches” on the memo line.
On July 30, 2024, Rwanda Challenge (RC) received word that a new round of inspections by the government was resulting in churches being closed across the country. Churches in every province and the capital city, Kigali, are affected. Our friend and ministry partner, Theophile Rugubira, first reported that 10 of the more than 75 congregations in the Harvest Christian Churches network were closed. By Monday, August 5, the number of closures had increased to 33. Each congregation faces different requirements, ranging from fire extinguishers and lightning protection to soundproofing and painting. One rural church, according to Theophile’s report, was required to add parking spaces, though members and guests typically do not own vehicles. Some locations were allowed to remain open but must make changes before an upcoming reinspection.
These enforcements originate in the same law passed in 2018 requiring theological education for preachers and church leaders. Theophile noted that some churches have been closed in this new enforcement push because they lack a legal preacher. In the five years since the law’s passage, RC has been focused on developing an affordable, accredited degree program to meet the new provisions. Through the MACU-Rwanda partnership, classes launched in 2021. This partnership, consisting of Africa Hope Initiatives, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and Rwanda Challenge, saw the purchase of campus property in August 2023 and its first two graduates in January of this year. Though we remain committed to meeting these educational requirements, RC also contributed $1,000 USD on August 7 for immediate assistance. Meanwhile, Theophile is preparing a more complete assessment of the impacts. “We will do our best to (meet) the requirements, but (for) the churches in rural areas, it will not be easy,” he shared. “I am overwhelmed by this situation, but it is not Theophile’s Church. The Owner will provide and take care.” Please join us in praying for wisdom, discernment, and relief as Jesus’ Church in Rwanda faces this next challenge. If you desire to help, follow the directions below and write “Reopen churches” on the memo line.
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The Zarephath Church building in Kimironko is not the nicest church building in Rwanda, but it is nicer than most. Even this church building was temporarily closed in February. Once they made a few improvements, like pavement for parking, they have been allowed to reopen while they finish their punch list. |