In November, Geoff Holder (centre) from the UK team travelled to Rwanda to evaluate the impact of Wisdom Bible School – an innovative approach to training rural pastors supported by APF. Rev. Oswald (right) and Rev. Silvestre (left), clergy from the Free Methodist Church, shared a powerful overview of why rural training is so vital, especially at a time when many rural churches in Rwanda remain shut due to government regulation. Here, Rev. Oswald tells the story:
I am grateful to share what God has been doing through Wisdom Bible School over the last few years, made possible through the faithful support of our partners at APF. Looking back fills me with joy, gratitude and renewed hope for the future.
We began the programme in 2019 with fifty students. One sadly passed away, but forty-nine recently completed the course with strong results and their dedication is already bearing fruit.
Eight now serve as full-time pastors, twenty-five as catechists and sixteen as evangelists. Our catechists alone lead 196 prayer groups, care for twelve local churches and have helped establish new parishes in Gakenke, Nyacyina and Kabare.
Students came from a wide mix of Christian traditions – Methodist, Anglican, Baptist and Pentecostal. Sixteen women and thirty-four men studied side by side, turning our classroom into a living example of Christian unity.
From the start, we reassured local churches that we were not “taking” their leaders but equipping them to return home better prepared for ministry. Week by week, denominational barriers softened as students learned to value one another’s perspectives.
Teaching took place one full day each week. Many travelled long distances from rural villages, and the bicycles provided by APF made their attendance possible. The curriculum included Bible history, New Testament studies, preaching, pastoral care, English language and more.
A rural road in northern Rwanda
Village community gathering
The greatest impact, however, has been seen in local communities. Bible studies have multiplied, baptisms increased and many new believers have joined church ministries. The local-language Bibles supplied by APF have been essential for preaching, discipleship and church planting.
To support whole-life ministry, we added practical livelihood skills to the curriculum. Savings groups were formed. Families began raising hens, pigs, sheep, goats and rabbits, and planted fruit and vegetable gardens.
Most students come from very humble backgrounds, often struggling with school fees or health insurance. These initiatives have reduced malnutrition and strengthened household income, giving visible expression to God’s love.
Two pastoral issues emerged strongly. First, many preached Old Testament texts without connecting them to the gospel or daily life. Second, prosperity teaching had encouraged some to expect gifts in exchange for blessings or prophesies. Through study and discussion, students rediscovered the call to integrity and servant leadership.
While many churches in Rwanda remain closed under government regulations, our trained leaders have continued ministry by visiting homes, sharing communion and reading Scripture with families, keeping the flame of faith alive.
As we look ahead, our prayer is to reopen Wisdom Bible School with a new cohort soon. The need is great and the calling clear. With God’s help, we are ready for the next step. May He provide the strength and resources to continue this essential ministry.