Why Did GFA World’s Missionary Work in Africa Begin in Rwanda?

In 2018, GFA’s founder, K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), met with the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda at a conference. Seeing the potential of partnership, he began to pray for God’s direction about expanding into Rwanda. This collaborative approach reflects GFA’s commitment to working alongside local church leaders who understand the needs of their communities. Rwanda has experienced remarkable transformation in recent decades, making it a strategic starting point for ministry in East Africa. Through God’s grace, GFA seeks to build partnerships that honor local wisdom and serve those in need.

The slums in Kigali are home to many needy children, and GFA staff are diligently serving them through the Child Sponsorship Program. Informal settlements now accommodate 62.6% of Rwanda’s population, where families face challenges like limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient infrastructure. In these communities, unemployment is one of the most urgent issues, contributing to widespread poverty.

This proven strategy, used in numerous countries in South Asia, impacts children in a personal way. Children are given the items that are most needed, such as educational opportunities, nutritious food, tutoring, hygiene supplies, clean water and other essential resources. Across sub-Saharan Africa, one-fifth of children between ages 6 and 11 are out of school, making educational support critically important.

Sponsorship provides the funds to cover school fees, uniforms, and books, helping families keep their children in school longer. The hope of Jesus encourages children to look beyond their circumstances. They can see past the cycle of poverty that has often existed in their families for generations.