Hope Through the Roof: Transforming Lives in Rwanda

Hope Through the Roof: Transforming Lives in Rwanda

Group portrait of about 40 people in Rwanda, both men, women and children, outside a church building.

In August 2025, a series of powerful events unfolded, transforming lives in Rwanda as part of the Roofbreaker initiative from Through the Roof, in partnership with a local charity FoH in Rwanda. These gatherings—in Kamonyi and Kayonza Districts—brought together parents, pastors, community leaders, and disabled people to share stories, learn, and build a more inclusive future.

Breaking Barriers in Kamonyi

The Roofbreaker training in Kamonyi opened with heartfelt prayers and a clear mission: to equip local leaders with the tools and compassion needed to support people with disabilities. Pastor Davis and his wife Ruth shared the biblical inspiration behind Through the Roof, reminding participants of the story where friends lowered a paralysed man through a roof to reach Jesus—a symbol of determination and love.

Participants formed discussion groups to tackle pressing questions:

  • Cultural taboos: Families often hide children with disabilities due to shame. Churches and communities must challenge these beliefs and promote dignity and inclusion.
  • Legal protections: Rwanda’s National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) was praised for its grassroots structure and commitment to rights.
  • Church inclusion: Churches were urged to count, include, and empower people with disabilities—especially through sign language training and inclusive projects.
  • Self-reliance: Co-operatives and vocational training were highlighted as key to reducing dependence on foreign aid.

The day ended with sign language lessons and a message of compassion from Pastor Jacques, reinforcing the importance of seeing every person as valuable.

Parent Workshops: Stories of Strength and Faith

The parent workshops in Kamonyi and Kayonza were filled with emotion, testimony, and transformation. Though planned for a modest number, attendance surged—proof of the deep hunger for hope and connection.

One father, Bizimana Alex, shared how his child crawled until age four due to a disability. Despite the challenges, he spoke with pride and love, urging other parents to embrace their children fully.

Nirere Vestine, a mother born with a disability, recounted her journey through trauma, motherhood, and resilience. Her child was also born with a disability, yet she expressed profound gratitude for life and the strength she found in the workshop community.

Nyirahabimana Adeline, a visually impaired woman, received an audio Bible and shared how she had long struggled to access God’s Word. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” she said, her joy palpable.

Umuhoza Aline, a 14-year-old with low vision, had dreamed of owning an audio Bible. Her parents couldn’t afford one, but thanks to the training, she finally received it. “Now I can grow in my knowledge of God’s Word,” she said with a smile.

Other parents—like Sophia, Ruth, and Marie—who couldn’t read or write, expressed joy at being able to hear Scripture for the first time. “Now our ears will hear what God’s Word says,” they said.

Empowerment and Legacy in Kayonza

In Kayonza, the focus shifted to legacy and empowerment. Pastor Davis challenged participants to think beyond material inheritance and consider lives they impact. Groups discussed how to:

  • Economically empower people with disabilities through education and vocational training.
  • Support visible disabilities with tailored assistance and protection.
  • Build relationships by changing attitudes and avoiding harmful language.
  • Fight exclusion by making churches accessible and welcoming.
  • Create lasting impact through education, inclusion, and advocacy.

An East African man sat on a chair next to a Rwandan man seated, holding crutches, who is being presented with an audio Bible.

The stories of Christella Shenga (who has a hearing impairment) and Simon Kwizera (physically disabled) stood out. Christella was thrilled to receive a Bible and committed to encouraging others like her. Simon, denied education by his family, found hope in the audio Bible and shared his desire to grow spiritually.

The Chairperson of Rwanda Interfaith Churches was so moved that he donated two pigs to support people with disabilities and called for more regular training sessions.

A Movement of Hope

These events were more than workshops—they were a movement of hope, inclusion, and transformation. Audio and printed Bibles were distributed, sign language was taught, and meals were shared. Most importantly, hearts were changed.

As one participant said, “This training has changed our mindset. We now see our children not as burdens, but as blessings.”

If you want to inspire hope and change hearts and minds towards disability inclusion overseas, then please consider giving, volunteering or praying to support our International Roofbreaker events. 

Group photo of about 30 people in Rwanda, both men and women, including wheelchair users.
A man presenting an audio Bible to two young Rwandan children who may be blind. Their mothers stand behind them,
Two groups of about six East African people in each, sat in circles on plastic chairs in a hall.
A large group of East African people sat in rows of plastic chairs, listening to two speakers - a man and a woman.
A group of 8 East African people sat in a circle on plastic chairs, outdoors, under trees.
A skewed angle photo of 8 East African people sat in a circle on plastic chairs, outdoors, under trees.
A man standing up, presenting an audio Bible to a Rwandan man in a wheelchair.
A Rwandan man sat on a chair, presenting an audio Bible to another seated Rwandan man holding crutches.
Group portrait of about 40 people in Rwanda, both men, women and children, outside a church building.
A Rwandan man addressing a group of East African people sat in plastic chairs in rows, with an overhead projector screen behind him.