The Story:

Good Shepherd Church was started in Kigali, Rwanda in 1995, just one year after the end of the genocide which killed 13% of the country’s population.  Initially the church met in a small home, but the congregation grew fast.  In 1997 the church bought three acres of property for a mere 20 million francs (less than $40,000).  The growing church started worshipping on the property in 1998 with little more than a few small tents to cover them from the sun and rain.

In 2000 a large circus tent was purchased and erected on the property to accommodate the growing number of members and the growing number of needs.  About 1000 could squeeze into the giant tent.  It proved to be a huge blessing for nearly 7 years of ministry.

During the growth of the church the community around the church grew as well.  Large houses and government buildings were put up near the church.  Soon the church was sitting on prime real-estate.  The property that had once cost about $40,000 was now worth close to $2 million.  Many investors were anxious to purchase the property.  And neighbors, who were bothered by the sound of Sunday morning worship, encouraged government official to force the church to sell the property.

The government responded by saying Good Shepherd Church had to start building a permanent structure or else the land would be taken from them for other uses.  The church had to act quickly, but had no resources to build such a building.  At this point, Camelback Bible Church helped provide initial funds to support the beginning stages of the new worship building.

The foundation has been laid and concrete pillars put in to support the balcony and two story building adjacent to the sanctuary.  Work is currently being done on the roof.  Scaffolding is in place to put up the steel beams that will eventually hold up the ceiling.  It is an impressive building with the roof towering about 50 feet above ground level.

Once the roof is complete the walls will be put in and finishing touches will be made to the interior, such as adding seats and the stage.  The church hopes to complete the project by early 2009.  They are trusting that the Lord will allow construction to continue without any major delays, and that He will provide the remaining funds needed to complete the work.