The Rwanda Orphans Project is part of the Inkuru Nziza (Good News) Church in Rwanda. The church was established in 1961 when Jack Lacey, a missionary from USA, came from Burundi to establish the work. Initially the work concentrated on radio broadcasts, Emmaus Bible correspondence courses and a church which was established and built in the centre of the new capital Kigali.
The work grew slowly through the 70s and 80s and by 1990 there were 6 churches established throughout the country. It was felt that the time was right to reach out in evangelism and this was done using the “Jesus” film as a means of introducing the local people to the life of Jesus Christ. Many people would come to see the film and sometimes over 1000 would be gathered outside for the two nights to see the film following which there was an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. In spite of the hardship caused by the war, the genocide and the movement of many millions of people during the 90s, the church of Jesus Christ throughout Rwanda has grown rapidly. The association of Inkuru Nziza churches now numbers over 130 fellowship in all areas of the country.
To support this growth the literature department of the church has continued to translate and print Emmaus Courses (www.ecsministries.org) and there are currently around 35 courses in print in Ikinyarwanda. This equals the number of courses in any other language apart from English and apart from the local language the courses are also available in French, Swahili and English. The courses are used for personal study as well as in schools and prisons.