His Hands On Africa is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring the hope and healing of Jesus to the people of Africa, by raising up Christian dentists who will serve the people of Rwanda and the surrounding African nations through Gospel-

Our Mission

To bring the hope and healing of Jesus to the people of Africa,
by raising up Christian dentists who will serve their communities through Gospel-centered health care

2021 Virtual fundraising gala: first fruits

When Tom and Lita first visited Rwanda in 2013, God planted the seed in their hearts to help those in need. Over the years, that seed has grown roots as it’s been watered by your encouragement, prayers, and financial support. Now, as Tom and Lita have completed their first year living in Rwanda, His Hands On Africa has finally begun to harvest the “first fruits” of those years of labor.

On December 5th, we held our 2nd Annual Virtual Gala. The 2021 Virtual Gala replay video is below.

Special Speaker: Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities.

Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends, a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special-needs families around the world. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California.

RUN FOR THE 1

Early in 2021, our team received a patient from a village far from the Nyamata District Hospital. The patient was in severe pain after having a tooth removed by a nurse (who was not trained in dentistry) in her village. Because she did not have the means to travel to the hospital, the patient relied on the nurse’s help. The treatment led to complications and a severe post-operative infection.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the woman began having seizures and then went into shock and died in the dental chair, right in front of us. Her death was totally preventable. This woman died unnecessarily from an infection due to the inadequate “care” she received. Even more heartbreaking was the fact that the woman was eight months pregnant… she should be alive, well and joyously caring for her infant.

On May 22, 2021, we joyously completed our first Rwanda-based fundraiser - The Run for the One - by running from the Nyamata District Hospital to the Ngeruka Health Center located near the woman’s village 14 miles (22.5 km) away to bring attention to the arduous journey that most Rwandans must make for even the simplest dental treatment.

In a district of nearly 500,000 people, there is only one dental clinic in Nyamata District Hospital. The 14 mile run represented the distance that many people in Ngeruka must travel for dental care. That distance means, that for many, they must leave home at 3:00-5:00 am and travel by foot and bus to receive basic dental care at the Nyamata Hospital where our first clinic is located. By building a clinic deep in the villages, treatment will become more accessible and prevent unnecessary suffering by providing dental care nearer to where people live. When we reached out to you for support of this important goal, you responded generously with your hearts.

Race participants included the HHOA staff and dental team, friends, leaders and people from Ngeruka and the nearby communities. Representatives from five surrounding cells (neighborhoods) also ran with us. As we ran, we experienced how difficult this journey is and came to a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by this community. It was inspiring to see everyone working together to provide services that are essential for these people.

After the Run, Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera District, Dr. William Rutagengwa, the Director of Nyamata Hospital, Ibrahim Nshiziyungu, and the Director of Ngeruka Health Center spoke. Each congratulated HHOA and the community of Ngeruka.

God is good. He is faithful. As we prayed and prepared for the Run, blessings overflowed. Two weeks before the run, we met our goal! This inspired us to take another leap of faith and push for another clinic. With a matching donation of $12,500 from The Garden Church, our home church in Los Angeles, and the support of many generous Kingdom partners, we are excited to share that we have enough funds to build not only one, but TWO clinics in outlying areas.

When completed, the three fully functioning dental clinics will make a profound difference in the lives of Rwandans. We look forward to sharing their stories and the impact you are making in the lives and the soul of the people here in Rwanda.

As we provide dental care and share the tangible love of God with our patients, we send our deepest gratitude for your generous support. We pray that God will fill you with every heavenly blessing as you have blessed others.

going in faith

In July, we were told that Rwanda would allow foreigners into the country beginning in August. Despite the risks of traveling at the time, we knew that it was God’s plan for us to finally make the move. It was not easy clearing out our house that we had lived in for 20 years and fitting everything we would need in Rwanda in a container that would take months to arrive at our new home. But with the help of our children and many friends, we were able to get it all done and leave for Rwanda with four suitcases. Despite all the craziness, we were in complete peace as we embarked on our new journey.

Moving out of our home in the US in August, 2020

Container arrived two days before returning
to the US for the holidays

building community

Upon arrival last year, we met with our His Hands On Africa Rwanda team and shared our hopes and dreams with them. March of this year, we all gathered to visited our newly constructed Compassion Community Dental Clinic at Nyamata Hospital and had a time of fellowship at our new home. God has blessed our team and we are growing! We now have 14 dental therapists and dental surgeons who can delivery dental care and share the love of God with the people of Rwanda!

First gathering with our team

Team visit to encourage Dr. Evod

building our clinic

We began the construction of the Compassion Community Dental Clinic (CCDC) in Nyamata. Managing the construction in Africa has been extremely challenging. It was impossible to find people with any experience building dental clinics, and as a result, the entire process ended up taking three times longer than anticipated. But by God’s grace, it is nearing completion and has been a good learning experience for the building of our HOPE Dental Center in the future.

Beginning of construction of the Compassion
Community Dental Clinic in Nyamata

Completed Sterilization room at the
Community Dental Clinic in Nyamata

Rwanda is affectionately called "the land of a thousand hills" for its rolling hills and majestic landscape. 1000 Hills Circle was inspired by our love for this beautiful country and its 12 million beautiful, resilient people.

Will you partner with us in our mission to establish a sustainable dental care system and share hope and healing of Jesus with the people of Rwanda by becoming a 1000 Hills Circle member?

Learn more about 1000 hills circle

“...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you can say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20