As we continue our work in Rwanda alongside our partner Bonnie Lakoney and the team at Grace on a Thousand Hills, one of the most pressing challenges we face is the pervasive poverty that grips much of Africa. Poverty in Africa isn’t just an economic issue—it affects every aspect of life, including the ability of local churches to thrive, pastors to be trained, and communities to be reached with the gospel.
Currently, over 433 million people in sub-Saharan Africa live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank. This region accounts for over 70% of the world’s extreme poor, and poverty continues to rise faster than in any other region of the world . In rural areas like those where Bonnie and Grace on a Thousand Hills operate, this is a daily reality.
In these communities, poverty limits access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and education. For example, nearly 40% of people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to safe drinking water, which leads to disease outbreaks that further destabilize communities . The financial strain on individuals and families means that many congregations cannot financially support their pastors, and local church efforts are often crippled by a lack of resources.
For church planters like Bonnie, working in these impoverished areas means constantly navigating between meeting urgent physical needs and carrying out the mission to disciple and spread the gospel. Without financial stability, many pastors are forced to rely on outside support, making it difficult to develop a sustainable local ministry.
Yet, amid this challenge, the church has a unique opportunity. The gospel speaks directly to the needs of those in poverty, offering hope and dignity in a world where many feel forgotten. The mission of Grace on a Thousand Hills is not only to plant churches but to empower communities through holistic ministry—addressing both spiritual and physical poverty. Bonnie and her team are working tirelessly to provide practical aid, such as clean water projects, educational support, and vocational training, alongside their church planting efforts.
Despite these challenges, the church is making a difference. Studies have shown that faith-based organizations are instrumental in addressing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations contribute to health, education, and economic development, helping break the cycle of poverty in tangible ways .
Poverty has taught us that the gospel must be lived out in action. When Jesus ministered, He met both the spiritual and physical needs of those around Him. That’s the model we follow in our work. Whether it’s providing resources for a church building, supplying Bibles, or helping a local pastor find a way to support his family, the work of the church is intertwined with the fight against poverty.
We recognize that poverty is a massive challenge, but we also know that God’s power is greater. By partnering with local leaders like Bonnie and investing in sustainable solutions, we are helping to break the cycle of poverty, one community at a time. The church is not only a spiritual refuge—it can be a beacon of hope, offering a pathway to both spiritual transformation and material improvement.
How You Can Help:
• Pray for Africa: Pray for resilience and provision for the communities and churches in poverty-stricken areas.
• Support Holistic Ministry: Your support enables us to provide not just spiritual training but practical resources for communities in need.
• Partner with Grace on a Thousand Hills: Help us empower leaders like Bonnie Lakoney to make a lasting impact in Rwanda.
In the face of poverty, the gospel brings hope. It’s not just about planting churches, but about planting hope and opportunity in the hearts of people who need it most. Together, we can continue this vital work and see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Sources:
1. World Bank. “Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report 2020: Reversals of Fortune.” 2020.
2. UNICEF. “Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: 2017 Update and SDG Baselines.” 2017.
3. World Faiths Development Dialogue. “Faith-Based Organizations and Poverty Eradication in Africa.” 2019.