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
by raising up Christian dentists who will serve their communities through Gospel-centered health care
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New water project
And yes, we’re growing! Last week, we went to see where people in one of the villages in Bugesera District get water for drinking and cooking. We were shocked by the muddiness of the Nyabarongo River. Similar to the lack of access to dental care, access to safe, clean water isa daily struggle here in Rwanda.
Drinking clean water keeps mouths clean! Plaque can't build up in a clean, hydrated mouth.
Acids from plaque, food, and beverages can harm tooth enamel, but drinking water dilutes acids to help protect teeth.
I voiced my disbelief that people actually drink this water. Immediately one of them got up and drank huge gulps of water to prove to me that -yes, this is the water we have to drink to survive.
One of our donors, who also wishes to remain anonymous, expressed a desire to bless the community we serve through a water project. After researching and meeting with local leadership, our first water project at Nyarunazi village is nearly completed. Many Genocide survivors, orphans, widows, and elders live alone in this village, and carrying heavy water containers long distances daily is challenging, if not impossible, for them.
This will allow this water station to be sustainable for many years, bringing clean water to thousands of people.
The project will bring clean water to the newly built water station near where these people live.
They will pay 3-5 cents to fill the water container. The money collected will pay for a person to manage the water station, pay for the water bill, and the maintenance of the facility. This will allow this water station to be sustainable for many years, bringing clean water to thousands of people.
We pray that as the people in the village come for water to quench their thirst, they will also encounter Jesus, the living water... “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
The sector office’s director thanked HHOA for this project that will help the vulnerable people of the community. We thank our donor for the blessing!
Drinking clean water keeps mouths clean! Plaque can't build up in a clean, hydrated mouth.
Acids from plaque, food, and beverages can harm tooth enamel, but drinking water dilutes acids to help protect teeth.
I voiced my disbelief that people actually drink this water. Immediately one of them got up and drank huge gulps of water to prove to me that -yes, this is the water we have to drink to survive.
One of our donors, who also wishes to remain anonymous, expressed a desire to bless the community we serve through a water project. After researching and meeting with local leadership, our first water project at Nyarunazi village is nearly completed. Many Genocide survivors, orphans, widows, and elders live alone in this village, and carrying heavy water containers long distances daily is challenging, if not impossible, for them.
This will allow this water station to be sustainable for many years, bringing clean water to thousands of people.
The project will bring clean water to the newly built water station near where these people live.
They will pay 3-5 cents to fill the water container. The money collected will pay for a person to manage the water station, pay for the water bill, and the maintenance of the facility. This will allow this water station to be sustainable for many years, bringing clean water to thousands of people.
We pray that as the people in the village come for water to quench their thirst, they will also encounter Jesus, the living water... “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
The sector office’s director thanked HHOA for this project that will help the vulnerable people of the community. We thank our donor for the blessing!
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.
On December 5th, we held our 2nd Annual Virtual Gala. The 2021 Virtual Gala replay video is below.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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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!
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First gathering with our team
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Team visit to encourage Dr. Evod
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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?
“...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
LEARNLearn more about how we are bringing hope and healing of Jesus to the people of Rwanda through dental care.
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joinJoin and become an extension of His Hands to bless others by volunteering or praying for our ministry.
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SUPPORTSupport us financially to train future dentists of Rwanda and operate mobile clinics in remote villages.
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