Evangelism and philanthropy: Gospel ministry’s pre-Easter celebrations with vulnerable groups
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Team members pose for a group photo. Courtesy photos

With Easter around the corner, residents of Ntarama sector, Bugesera District, are involved in an evangelical campaign dubbed ‘Jesus is all about life’, aimed at raising awareness on the meaning of Easter.

The week-long operation that started on March 20, organised by True Promises Ministries, a renowned gospel music group, and Evangelist Enterprise, will also have charitable events for the vulnerable community.

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A number of diverse activities so far are happening, and others are yet to take place, including door-to-door evangelism, pastors’ training, sports evangelism (promoting the gospel through sports), open-air crusade, and a public screening of the 2004 film, ‘The Passion of the Christ’.

Organisers are also planning to provide health insurance to 50 vulnerable families, build 15 kitchen gardens to fight malnutrition, and construct latrines.

Also, 500 packets of sanitary pads will be donated to girls and young women, in addition to other hygiene materials, and clothes.

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Other activities include community service (Umuganda), and a friendly football game between True Promises Ministries and Ntarama Cyclists’ Cooperative as a way to reach more people, especially youngsters.

According to the organisers, the campaign will also address burning issues in the community such as drug abuse, stunting, and teen pregnancy.

"The goal is to reach about 2,000 people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Going out to proclaim the good news is our main concern as disciples of Christ. We hope that God will enable us to win over lost souls,” said True Promises Ministries’ legal representative, Mandela Ndahiriwe.

He said when people receive Christ in their lives, they become good citizens who contribute to the development of the family and country at large.

"We expect that this drive will help lessen domestic conflicts and bad behaviour, especially among young people,” said Evangelist Enterprise Mission’s manager, George Nkurunziza.

Nkurunziza noted that in partnership with different churches and Christian organisations, their target is to reach 800,000 people between March and August.

The campaign’s organisers also stressed that though the campaign is in the context of Easter, its essence goes beyond the event.

As the climax of the Christian gospel and backbone of the Christian faith, Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are a message that shook the world since the Church of Christ began, and it is still relevant to the modern world, as the apostle, Paul, said in 1 Corinthians 15:14.

Members training young evangelists at the start of the campaign.
Pastors and young evangelists from Ntarama sector during the pastors’ training.
True Promises members during a discussion with some Ntarama residents.