We know that not everyone that serves in Rwanda with Come Away missions will go again, but we strive to demonstrate to people the importance of long-term missions.

Everything Come Away Missions does in Rwanda is based around discipleship. Our heart is for a person to come home from a missions trip having built lasting relationships, found God’s calling, and having invested in peoples’ lives. It takes time to build relationships, but once you meet the people, hear their stories, and allow God to move as he sees fit, you will be hooked. 

What a missions trip with Come Away might look like…

  • To better love and disciple the people of Rwanda, you must understand what they have lived through.

    Below is more information about the 1994 genocide:

    In April 1994, members of the Hutu ethnic majority people group murdered as many as 800,000 of their fellow Rwandans, mainly of the Tutsi minority. Started by Hutu nationalists in the capital of Kigali, the genocide spread throughout the country with shocking speed and brutality, as ordinary citizens were incited by local officials and the Hutu Power government to take up arms against their neighbors. By the time the Tutsi-led Rwandese Patriotic Front gained control of the country through a military offensive in early July, hundreds of thousands of Rwandans were dead, and 2 million refugees (mainly Hutus) fled Rwanda, exacerbating what had already become a full-blown humanitarian crisis. The rest of the world essentially looked away.  

    While genocide is a powerful testimony to the shocking influence hate can have over people's lives, we look to Rwanda equally as a testimony to the healing power of forgiveness, love, and a community mindset. While the scars of genocide are very much present, the Rwandan people have chosen to settle into peaceful lifestyles: farming, worshiping, and raising children. 

  • The heartbeat of Come Away Missions is to love God and love people. The Great Commission to go and make disciples starts by building relationships. We want you to come with a mindset of eager anticipation for the friendships you will begin in Africa and continue for a lifetime. We want to share the love of Christ with believers in Rwanda so that we all grow from the experience of deep connections built on shared faith. 

    **Warning**: Discipleship done Jesus' way creates unique bonds which, in our experience, make it impossible to go home unchanged. The draw to return to Africa will never leave you once you experience mission work from this perspective. 

  • Once in the village of Gahara, our teams can love on kids that are part of our child sponsorship program. The kids and their families are so excited to meet new people! We teach them about the love of Jesus, do crafts, sing, dance, and play games. Fair warning: you may show up confident of your athletic ability and leave destroyed by their soccer skills. Plan accordingly.

    Not only do you have the opportunity to work directly with the children in our program, but if you sponsor a child yourself, you can visit their homes, meet their families, and give them gifts. There is nothing like hanging out with a kid whose face is on your fridge and whose name is in your family's prayers.

  • If you are a pastor or ministry leader, we would love for you to come away with us and teach Rwandan leaders what you have learned during your ministry. They are hungry to learn and excited to implement new skills and knowledge into their ministries.

     

  • Discipleship and relationships deepen by sharing your story. We have found that spending time in small (or large) group settings, sharing our testimonies, and opening scripture together is the most effective way to empower and encourage each other to run our race well. Sharing your story is impactful and builds bridges. Hearing the Rwandan's stories will change you in ways you won't see coming. It will give you a passion to love Jesus in new ways.   

    We also love to come with games and activities. Laughing is relationship glue, and we want to build authentic relationships.

  • An often overlooked but valuable mission field is loving on Rwandan teenagers. You will be able to build relationships by discipling the youth, similar to how others disciple the adults. Through sharing your testimony, teaching biblical truths, and playing games, the love of Christ will be shared, and lives will forever be changed. Come prepared to dive into deep waters with these kids. They love to ponder hard things. You will be inspired and won't leave the same.

  • We believe that if we can remind husbands and wives to be excited about their marriages, to love each other how Christ loves the church, to serve one another, and keep Jesus at the center of their relationship, then generations to come can be impacted. We love for healthy married couples to come and share what they have learned that has helped their marriage thrive, honestly share their ups and downs, teach biblical foundations of marriage, and play games to get couples engaged with each other. 

    We want to inspire African marriages to work through challenging issues practically and have fun in the process. 

    This a fun time of fellowship and teaching!

  • You will be able to build relationships by discipling worship leaders and upcoming worship teams in Rwanda. The Love of Christ will be shared through your testimony, teaching the importance of worship and practical, technical skills. You will have the opportunity to empower these women and men to walk confidently in their calling.

  • Our medical training focuses on teaching health-related principles that people can put into practice with the resources available to them. Through discipleship, people learn that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. If they learn to care for their bodies, they will be better equipped to do what God calls them to do.

    • Group medical training.

    • Water, sanitation, and hygiene.

    • Prevention of infectious diseases.

    • Neonatal, infant, and pediatric care.

    • Family planning and women's health.

    • Musculoskeletal disorders with PT/OT.

    • Preventative medicine.

    • Individual medical and spiritual patient counseling.

    • Encouraging patients to go to the local health center.

    • Helping them understand their chronic diseases.

    • Assisting them in finding the resources they need.

    • Providing financial assistance to those in great need.

    Sometimes education just isn't enough. At times, Come Away offers financial assistance to help with transportation costs, physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications, and other fees not paid for by the local health insurance.

     

  • There is nothing more beautiful than when two worlds collide for one purpose, to lift up the name of Jesus. There will be singing, dancing, Bible study, and preaching from the word of God. It is a day you will never forget. 

     

  • We have an amazing business ministry called Do Good Project. There are 25 women from around the country who come together to create beautiful products that we help them sell all over the United States. You can experience the creative process as our artisans are hard at work. Creating in Africa differs significantly from what you may have seen at home. Being part of handmade products produced in healthy and joyful environments is fun and inspiring. You will also have the opportunity to shop from the products they make while you are there! If you're brave, you can go fabric shopping with the team. It is complete color overload.

    Learn more and shop at: dogoodproject.net

  • This is a day full of fun and adventure. You will have the opportunity to experience nature at its finest at Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

    Click here to learn more: https://akageranationalpark.org/

What people are saying…

  • "There truly just aren’t words to describe what it’s like being in Rwanda. When you arrive in the villages of Gahara and Muyumbu, it truly feels like you have just arrived home. You can just sense the pure joy in everyone around you. This trip was unlike any other for me. When we arrived on the first day, it was like I had never left.

    One of the most special parts of this trip for me was getting to spend time with my sponsor child and her family. Over the last few years, I have been able to stay in contact with her parents, and watch her grow up. During this trip, I was invited to spend time in her home, and she even got to show me some special songs and dances that she had learned. Her family truly feels like my family even from across the world, and it is a true honor to be a small part of their story. God truly changed the posture of my heart on this trip.

    There were moments of the trip that could ONLY be explained by the Holy Spirit. Even now, weeks later, it is hard to put into words. I believe He used this trip to show me how to be sensitive to those moments where He is trying to teach me something new! For those of us that go to Rwanda, we know and believe that God has called us to 'GO,' no matter what. But, I also believe that God gets us there because He is trying to do a work in us and in our hearts through the people in Rwanda that we come in contact with and get to know and love. I am so thankful for Come Away Missions for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself."

    -Allie Baber

  • "There were so many things he taught and revealed to me on this trip to Rwanda. But one thing that stands out the most is the humility of a young man named Jean Pierre.

    This was my third trip to Rwanda. My husband and I joked about me coming home with another sponsorship kiddo since we now have 3.

    Last year while in Gahara, a small village in Rwanda, I watched an energetic 13 year old boy sing, dance, and worship God with joy. Nothing was holding him back! I remember he wore these bright yellow slides. Not knowing his name the team referred to him as yellow slides. I thought about him several times over the past year. I remembered his love for God and how he worshipped with complete abandon.

    When we returned to Gahara this year I saw yellow slides outside with the other children. He still wore those same yellow shoes. Something was different about him though. I could not quiet out my finger in it. The next day I watched him. I noticed him talking to one of the other young men and Pastor Theo. They pulled Jessica aside. This now 14 year old boy, whose name is Jean Pierre, began to explain how is his father had recently left his mother with him and 3 other siblings. They were struggling. I watched this 14 year old boy become a man. He humbled himself in front of God and his peers and ask to be part of the sponsorship program so he could continue school and help provide for his family. My heart sank. I began praying for this young man and for God’s direction.

    As the week went by I observed how Jean Pierre interacted with others and noticed that he was a leader. I watched him guide and direct the children in the choir. It was at this moment I felt God nudging me saying he is your one. Funny thing is He was telling Jessica the same thing. So God had spoken and we were to sponsor this child together and give him an opportunity to thrive. When we shared this with Jean Pierre he was overwhelmed with joy! He grabbed us up and hugged us tightly! I knew this was the reason, this was my why. Out of all the things God showed and taught me this trip this was my why!"

    -Jenn Adams

  • “When we washed each other’s feet during our wedding ceremony two years ago, I’m not sure I would have believed you, if you told me we would soon be sharing that experience with other couples in Rwanda. When serving Jesus and serving your spouse collide, it is such a surreal moment. God sometimes asks you to do things that are nerve racking and completely out of your comfort zone…like speaking on marriage when you’ve only been married for two years and feel totally unequipped. But, let me encourage you to say yes anyway! God doesn’t promise the courage will be there before the task, but sometimes the courage comes after you’ve been obedient and completed the task he asked you to do. It’s worth it, He is worth it, and seeing the smiles of each couple as Jacob and I demonstrated what Jesus demonstrated for us…well, that was totally worth it!”

    — Cara Culpepper

  • “What a humbling experience. Sitting back watching a new friend sort through images of men and women who lost their lives during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

    She was only three years old when her country was affected by such a tragic event. I can’t begin to image the thoughts and feelings felt as she walked through the memorials with us today. If you are unaware of the details of the Rwandan genocide, I challenge you to research it and educate yourself.

    I pray we never get too caught up in our own lives to where we miss out on what has happened in the past and what is happening in our present.”

    — Erin Tyson

  • “Joy. Pure joy. That is the only way I can describe how I feel singing with and discipling these young men. The Lord has placed passion in their hearts for music and this shows through in their ardent worship. The relationship they have with one another is truly one of divine nature as they encourage one another in all aspects of life. They are so eager to improve their God-given talent so that they can do it to the best of their ability with a common purpose, honoring Christ with fervor in song. They have taught me a song in the Kinyarwandan language that is called “Uri Mwiza.” This phrase means “You are good” and the rest of the song proclaims that indeed, Jesus is good. I have fallen in love with the hearts of these young men and praise Jesus for giving me such a sweet glimpse of how He loves us.”

    —Jessica Pair

  • "Being in Rwanda never fails to amaze me. It is truly stunning to look out at the hills and see God working through these people. I’ve have been blessed to build relationships over the past two years and my heart already yearns to be back. From laughing with the children in Gahara to being challenged spiritually by the youth in the Muyumbu, I feel the presence of God in every experience.

    Getting to witness the opening of BibleWay Baptist Church was proof of God’s handiwork and His amazing ability to make things happen in His perfect timing. I’m excited to see what God continues to do with Come Away Missions and the impact that is made across the world."

    -Laney Whitaker

  • "My first trip to Africa, we were able to see Theo and his wife get married. My next trip, I got to meet Tabatha and we started sponsoring her. Last summer, I got to meet the new baby sister, Gianna and this week, we got to pick up right where we left off. Theo sends me updates so I get to watch Tabatha grow up from the other side of the world. Their family is a part of my family.

    And all of this started because of Come Away Missions Child Sponsorship program. By sponsoring a child, every month you help pay for their school fees, as well as insurance. What I love most about this program is that you actually get to see exactly where your money is going and you get to see exactly how you are helping raise up the next generation. It is literally changing the lives of the kiddos, as well as their family for YEARS to come.

    I’m not posting this to brag, or try and force anything on anyone. All I’m asking is that if you made it to this point in the post, and you’re feeling a little pull in your heart, just check out Come Away Missions Facebook page/ website. There are so many kids that are waiting to be sponsored and I promise they are worth every single penny of it."

    -Allie Baber

  • "This trip to Rwanda reminded me about how valuable spoken words can be.

    I came two years ago, and they remembered a lot of what I said. That humbles and excites me! They love us, and our words are life to them. It is a great truth to take back home with us."

    -Isaac Gilbert

  • "I accompanied a team of 13 to serve alongside a very dear pastor and the people of the churches he oversees. This would be the first trip I have taken that involved discipleship rather than evangelism, and quite honestly, that made me a bit uncomfortable. I was tasked with teaching on various subjects and teaching isn’t my gift. Serving in this capacity required a whole lot more surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and method of delivery than I had needed to draw from on previous international mission trips. But God did it! That is the beauty of mission trips. For a short time, a person gets to get away from everything they rely on and trust the Lord to provide what only He can. This trip was no different. He did provide and I believe He worked in the lives of the people we went to serve and also in my life.

    In fact, one of the primary reasons I keep investing in mission trips internationally is because believers around the world experience a faith in the Lord that I haven’t had to exercise here in the United States. I am continually encouraged by the people I am serving to place my trust in the Lord in all circumstances whether that is poverty, persecution, or alienation. Most believers live out their faith in a far different context than I do, and someday when the hardships of life reach me, I want to honor the faith of the believers I have served alongside and be just as committed to my Jesus as they are. I need them to grow in my faith. Rwanda was no different in this regard. At one point, I remember sitting in church and being the recipient of people’s gratitude for all that our church had done for them.

    I was hit with a wave of humility and thanksgiving. Humbled because I don’t deserve the thanks. I serve and invest in the lives of the Rwandan people out of the abundance the Lord has given me. This isn’t extraordinary. This is our responsibility toward our fellow believers- we take care of each other as the Lord leads us and provides opportunities to do so. I was thankful because it is a rare thing to be able to put feet on the ground in a country that you have been praying for and investing in. After 15 years, I finally got to see all that the Lord was doing. We have only been obedient, but the Lord took what we had offered and is changing lives. Better yet, I was able to sit and experience life with the people I had been praying for for so long. This is a privilege. This is reason to praise our gracious God! I highly encourage everyone to be a part of God’s work in Rwanda. He is doing great things there, and you won’t remain unchanged. Consider what that might look like for you. There are children, women, pastors, and churches to support. And perhaps the most unique aspect of Rwanda is that you could actually get to walk the dusty paths with the people you will surely fall in love for. This might be your year. Ask the Lord if Rwanda/ Come Away Missions is your next step of faith. You won’t regret it!"

    -Nicole

Carmen’s Rwanda Testimony

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