Introducing the Himbaza Initiative: A Joyful New Chapter at Gate of Hope
There’s a saying: "It takes a village to raise a child".
But what happens when the village is scattered across cultures, languages, and trauma?
For months now, we’ve been prayerfully, and quietly preparing for something big. And now, it’s official: Gate of Hope Ministries International is launching a new initiative called Himbaza, and it’s one of the most hopeful, and heartfelt program, I’ve ever been part of.
The name Himbaza comes from Kinyarwanda language and means “Praise.” It’s such a beautiful word, and it captures the heart of what we’re setting out to do: to help East African refugee children find their voice in worship and feel at home in the church service.
Himbaza initiative will empower 12 East African refugee congregations to design worship and prayer practices that are joyful, inclusive, and deeply meaningful for all generations including children. By the end of the program, we expect to reach over 900 children with spiritually enriching experiences that encourage growth, connection, and praise.
Over the next five years, the initiative will offer:
- Bi-weekly Saturday workshops for children
- Quarterly training for pastors, church volunteers, and parents
- Creative programs that integrate music, drama, storytelling, and Bible-based literacy
We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment through its Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, for partnering with us on this vital work. Their support makes it possible to address the generational and cultural gaps that often leave children feeling disconnected from traditional church settings.
We’re just getting started, and we’d love for you to walk with us.
If you're someone who cares about children, faith, or refugee communities, there's a place for you here. We are actively looking for partners, volunteers, and supporters who want to help make this vision a reality.
If that’s you, please reach out to office@gateofhope.org. We'd love to hear from you. Yes indeed: " It takes a village to raise a child"
Let us praise the Lord together (Psalms 34:3)!
