Introduction

As 2024 unfolds, Rwanda faces the alarming spread of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease that has stirred fear and uncertainty across Africa. Our partner, Bonnie Lakoney, and the team at Grace on a Thousand Hills have been deeply impacted as they continue their mission to plant churches and train pastors in this challenging environment. The Marburg virus, a relative of the Ebola virus, spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected individuals, making the work of ministry extremely difficult in these times of heightened fear and safety restrictions.

The virus is characterized by a high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and unexplained bleeding, often leading to death in up to 88% of cases. Outbreaks are rapid and severe, with hospitals and health centers overwhelmed as they struggle to contain the virus. For Bonnie and the team, the threat is not only to their health but also to the very fabric of ministry life.

Government-enforced quarantines and restricted movement are crucial in stopping the spread of the virus, but they also hinder much of the work that Grace on a Thousand Hills is doing. The Marburg virus is passed between individuals not only in medical settings but also in day-to-day interactions. This means that large gatherings—such as church services, pastor training seminars, and discipleship groups—are nearly impossible to hold safely. In a time when the Rwandan people need the hope of the gospel more than ever, it’s devastating to see the very gatherings where hope is shared being curtailed.

Medical teams are working around the clock to identify cases, trace contacts, and provide life-saving care. Unfortunately, the rural areas where Bonnie and Grace on a Thousand Hills are focused often have less access to medical facilities, making the situation even more precarious. With hospitals overwhelmed and basic medical resources stretched thin, the virus continues to spread.

Partner Challenges

For the Grace on a Thousand Hills team, the situation presents challenges on every level. Aside from the difficulty of gathering, there is the ongoing need to educate communities about both the virus and the gospel. Local pastors are having to take on roles they never anticipated—offering not just spiritual guidance but health education, often with little to no formal training.

At the same time, the strain on Rwanda’s healthcare system leaves fewer opportunities for preventive health measures in rural areas. The team has pivoted to smaller, safer gatherings, equipping pastors with essential health information to share with their congregations. Virtual training and one-on-one discipleship have become vital tools in a landscape where larger gatherings are simply too risky.

Hope

While the work has slowed, it has not stopped. Bonnie and the team are using this time to strengthen local leaders and provide them with tools to minister in new, creative ways. Our role as a mission organization is to support these efforts, providing resources, prayer, and encouragement as they continue this vital work under extraordinary circumstances.

Details

What You Need to Know About Marburg Virus:

Transmission: Spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, urine, saliva) and contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pains, and bleeding from body orifices.

Mortality Rate: High, ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on the outbreak and access to treatment.

Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment exists; supportive care such as rehydration, pain relief, and management of symptoms is crucial.

How You Can Help

Pray for Rwanda: Ask for protection over those in the most affected areas and for the rapid containment of the virus.

Support the Effort: Consider giving to help provide both medical supplies and support for pastors who are on the frontlines.

Spread Awareness: Help educate others about the Marburg virus and the impact it’s having on missions work.

Conclusion

In times like these, the church is called to be the hands and feet of Christ. Though the situation is difficult, we trust in God’s provision and protection. We know that the gospel can break through even in the darkest moments, and we stand with Bonnie and Grace on a Thousand Hills as they continue their work to bring light into this challenging time.