Solace Ministries, in partnership with Comfort International, works to bring holistic healing to genocide survivors and vulnerable communities, including caring for orphan-headed households, supporting the elderly, offering vocational training to young people, and holding community Christmas celebrations.
This interim report (compiled and written by Solace Ministries) shows the impactful activities undertaken over the past six months, from January to July 2025, reflecting a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals through taking care of orphan-headed households, providing care and attention to the elderly, offering skills through technical and vocational education and training and other initiatives and activities.
Sponsor an Orphan or Survivor
In January, April, and July 2025, Comfort International continued its faithful sponsorship support to orphan-headed households. This ongoing support has brought hope and stability to many lives. In each of these months, 47 beneficiaries; 30 women and 17 men received sponsorship, demonstrating the continued commitment to care for the vulnerable and uphold the tradition of showing Christ’s love through practical help.
In March and April 2025, all project members supported by Comfort International shared updates and pictures to show their sponsors how their support is making a difference. These updates included general life updates, challenges they faced and how they overcame them, their achievements, and their future goals. This helped sponsors clearly see the impact of their sponsorship. In addition, as Easter was approaching, many beneficiaries also took the opportunity to send a warm Easter wishes to their sponsors.
Rukumberi Genocide Survivors’ Community
On 13th, May 2025, Solace staff visited the Rukumberi community for a Christmas celebration, a time of fellowship, and the distribution of sponsorship support to elderly beneficiaries.
A total of 44 elderly individuals (37 women and 7 men) received sponsorship support, and each beneficiary was given 89,205 Rwandan Francs (around £45), which brought great joy to the elderly in the community. It was a delayed Christmas celebration because the funds are received quarterly, and we (Solace Ministries) chose to wait a bit longer so that we could use a larger amount. This allowed us to make the support more impactful during the celebration.
The gathering was filled with joy and thanksgiving to God, as 158 members of the community came together in fellowship to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. It was a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness to see such a strong presence, especially among the elderly, despite the absence of many children who were still in school. The spirit of unity and gratitude reminded us once again that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is surely in our midst.
The following activities were carried out during the celebration.
- Praise and worship
- Preaching the word of God
- Food sharing with the community
- Distribution of the sponsorship support to the Elderly people.
- Distribution of Christmas gifts to the less privileged members of the community.
Testimonies
One of the most touching moments during the Christmas gift distribution was when community members shared their testimonies. It was truly inspiring to hear how much the support meant to them. In total, eight individuals shared their testimonies: four elderly beneficiaries currently under sponsorship and four others who received Christmas gifts. Their words brought joy to the entire gathering and strengthened our collective resolve to continue serving in love.
“My name is Faina and I am 84 years old. I live alone, and sometimes I stay with my neighbours. Today is truly a day that the Lord has made, and I am glad and thankful. I am very happy for the sponsorship I have received. It will help me get basic needs and allow me to grow beans, sorghum, and cassava. Since I am old and cannot do heavy work, I will use part of the support to pay laborers to help me with farming.
This support came at the right time. I was feeling unwell and I fell down and sustained an injury on my forehead. I am grateful because this help will also assist me in getting medical treatment. Before this support, I often felt lonely. But now, I feel loved and cared for. Thank you for walking this journey with me. May God bless you abundantly.”
“My name is Gisheke. Today, I am full of joy, and my smile shows how happy I feel. I am truly blessed to have a family my community members. I thank God for being one of the people who received a Christmas gift. It has really touched my heart. With the envelope I received, I will buy a pair of trouser and a shirt.
My message is: May God bless everyone who has blessed us on this special day. May the peace of God be with you all. Â
Vocational Training
In November 2024, Solace Ministries, in partnership with Comfort International, made new profiles for 8 students enrolled in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training in tailoring). Out of the 8 students, only 5 continued with their vocational training in tailoring. Unfortunately, 3 students dropped out during the first month because their schedules did not allow enough time for the training. They had to find casual jobs to support their families, which made it difficult for them to continue their studies.
Solace Ministries in partnership with Comfort made payment of school fees for 5 TVET students. This has helped them acquire knowledge and skills necessary for their brighter future as well as in seeking job opportunities, practical skills development, faster entry into the work force, economic stability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
On June 30th, 2025, Solace Ministries held a graduation ceremony for five students who successfully completed their vocational training. The event took place at the Solace Ministries and was attended by the Executive Director of Solace Ministries, staff members, trainer, trainees, and some of the trainees’ relatives.
During the ceremony, the graduates expressed gratitude to Comfort International, Solace Ministries, and their trainer for the hard work and support they received throughout their training. It was a joyful celebration of their hard work and achievement. The students were filled with joy and shared inspiring success stories, thanking God for the transformation in their lives. The students shared how their lives have been changed, giving thanks to God for the new hope and skills they have gained.
A special highlight of the day was that the students came dressed in clothes they had made themselves, showing off the skills they had learned. During the event, certificates were awarded, lunch was shared with family members, and transport support was provided to help the students return home.
Group Visit to Jari Genocide Survivors’ Community
On 9th July, 2025, a group of 14 people from Comfort International Rwanda visited Solace Ministries. For some group members, it was their first time in Rwanda. The purpose of the visit was a learning exchange, especially since there were new members in the group. It was a time for both sides to exchange testimonies and learn from each other. Additionally, it was a visit to the people of Jari, who have become like family to Comfort International through the strong bond built over time.
Afterward, the group travelled to the Jari community, a place where Comfort International is actively involved. The community welcomed them with great joy. There was a beautiful atmosphere as they shared meals, worshipped, and danced together. Community members gave their testimonies, expressing their gratitude to Solace Ministries and Comfort International for the love and comfort they received, especially after facing many hardships. They thanked God for using these organizations to bring hope and healing.
Two visitors from the group also shared their testimonies. Edith shared and encouraged everyone to remember that even in difficult times, God’s love never fails. She reminded the group and the community members that they should spread love to others. The visitors performed a short drama for the community members based on the story in the Bible of the Good Samaritan. It was a wonderful performance that captured everyone’s attention and brought smiles to everyone. The message was powerful and clear to always show kindness and help those in need.
The visit was filled with joy, faith, and connection and also a powerful reminder that love, healing, and community can bring hope and transformation, even after great hardship.
Conclusion
Over the past six months, Comfort International and Solace Ministries have faithfully partnered to bring God’s love and compassion to those in need, through sponsorship support, community outreach, education support and other impactful programs. We thank God for this partnership and pray for His continued guidance and blessing as we serve together for His glory.
Solace Ministries is grateful for the partnership with Comfort International Rwanda, recognizing the helpful opportunity it provides to extend support to those in need and experiencing hardship. It touches both God’s heart and builds our hope for strong and healthy communities.
