Rwanda
June 23rd

“Rwanda is being built together in Christ!”

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 13.4 million
Area | 26,338㎢, Located in central-eastern Africa.
Capital City | Kigali (1.24 million)
People Groups | Total 12 groups, Hutu 86.8%, Tutsi 9.6%, Pygmy 1.8%
People Groups Unreached | 3 groups (0.1% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Kinyarwanda, French, English
Total Languages | 10
Bible Translations | Completed 7, Partial 2
Religion | Christianity 89% (Protestant 29%, Catholic 46.8%), Islam 4.8%, Ethnic religions 4.5% Evangelical 26.3% (3.33 million people)

》 About Rwanda

Rwanda was merged with Burundi under German rule in 1899, forming Rwanda-Burundi. In 1919, it came under Belgian colonial rule, where policies of discrimination between the minority Tutsi and the majority Hutu deepened ethnic tensions. Rwanda separated from Burundi in 1959, three years before gaining independence. After achieving independence in 1962, the Tutsi monarchy was abolished, and widespread persecution by the Hutu led to the displacement of approximately 480,000 Tutsis, who fled to neighboring countries by the late 1980s. In 1994, a genocide occurred, lasting about three months, during which extremist Hutu forces massacred Tutsis and moderate Hutus, resulting in the deaths of around one million people. The conflict ended later that year when Paul Kagame led the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to victory against the Hutu-led government. Since becoming president in 2000, Kagame has taken strong measures to suppress ethnic, racial, and religious discrimination, while significantly improving national security. Rwanda operates under a presidential system, and Kagame is currently serving his third term as president.

Rwanda’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with agriculture accounting for approximately 63% of exports, alongside a limited mining and agribusiness sector. Although densely populated, Rwanda’s population is relatively evenly distributed across the country, with the exception of Kigali, the capital. Key sources of revenue include tourism, mining, coffee, and tea exports. Despite Rwanda’s fertile ecosystem, domestic food production falls short of demand, necessitating food imports. The country’s economic growth is constrained by energy shortages, regional instability, and inadequate transport infrastructure. Rwanda relies primarily on hydropower for electricity, with about half of its energy supply imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,100.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Rwanda is 89% Christian, with nearly half of the population identifying as Catholic. However, many people became disillusioned with Catholicism and left the church because it failed to condemn or actively resist the ethnic hatred that led to the genocide. In contrast, Evangelical Christians grew in influence by providing relief efforts, comforting those suffering from trauma and loss, and spreading a message of hope across all ethnic groups. Many church pastors and leaders were killed or forced to flee to neighboring countries, leaving a leadership gap in Rwanda. To raise new leaders, Rwanda Evangelical Theological Seminary and several denominational seminaries have been established, along with Theological Education by Extension (TEE) and various training programs. The East African Revival began in Rwanda in the 1930s, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation.
Let us pray that there may once again be a revival of genuine repentance and healing, and that ethnic divisions and bitterness be surrendered at the foot of the cross. Let us also pray that the Church in Rwanda will demonstrate Christ’s love by uniting in faith, breaking down barriers of hatred and pain, leading the nation into true peace.

2. The number of mission organizations and NGOs operating in Rwanda is steadily growing, with churches and missionaries working together in areas such as discipleship training, church planting, counseling and reconciliation, education, and healthcare. Some of the active organizations include Baptist Mission, Evangelical Friends, Compassion International, Rwanda Partners, Assemblies of God (AoG), World Vision International (WVI), World Venture (WV), Africa Inland Mission (AIM), Church of Christ, and Saddleback Church’s PEACE Plan. Let us pray that foreign missionaries, church leaders, and local believers be united in Christ, working together to bring salvation to many souls through the gospel of the cross. One of Rwanda’s most pressing issues is the AIDS epidemic. According to UNAIDS, as of 2018, between 200,000 and 250,000 people were infected with HIV/AIDS, and the number continues to rise. Among those affected, 10% of people aged 14-49 are HIV-positive, and 33% of pregnant women are infected. Organizations such as Mother’s Union, Christian Aid (UK), and Comfort Mission are working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and care for those affected.
Let us pray that through these efforts, those suffering from HIV/AIDS will receive treatment and healing, and that public education on prevention will lead to holy and healthy lifestyles.

3. The genocide and AIDS crisis left a devastating impact on Rwanda’s children. At the time, 900,000 children—30% of all Rwandan children—became orphans. Many of them witnessed the brutal killings of their parents and families, while others survived but continue to live with deep trauma. The children of genocide perpetrators also struggle with guilt and the risk of inherited cycles of violence. Additionally, many women were widowed, and hundreds of thousands suffered sexual violence, leaving them deeply traumatized and, in many cases, HIV-positive. Today, Rwanda’s next generation, under 24 years old, makes up about 60% of the population. Several Christian organizations are working to support youth, orphans, and vulnerable families through Bible reading and prayer gatherings, alternative education and vocational training, HIV/AIDS prevention programs, and orphan care and family support. Organizations engaged in these ministries include Scripture Union (SU), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Youth for Christ (YFC), Comfort Mission, Christ for the Nations, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), and Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI).
Let us pray that orphans, widows, refugees, and those in desperate need will experience God’s provision and love, finding healing and restoration in Him. Since the future and hope of Rwanda rest in the next generation, let us pray that young people transformed by the gospel will rise up to heal the nation.

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