I have been thinking about a verse from Deuteronomy lately. Chapter 6, verse 7. It says to impress God’s commandments on your children, to talk about them at home, on the road, when you lie down, when you get up.

I love that image. Faith woven into the ordinary moments of the day. Not just Sunday morning. All of it.

But I also think about what that looks like for our families here in Louisville. A mother who worked the night shift and still got her kids to church. A pastor preaching his heart out in Kinyarwanda while the children in the back pews quietly reach for someone’s phone because they can’t follow what’s being said. These are real things. And they are the whole reason Himbaza exists.

So when February 28th came around, I was so glad to finally see this first Parents and Pastors Workshop happen.

We gathered with parents and pastors from three of our East African refugee church partners (Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA 2), Jerusalem Pentecostal Church, and Comfort Baptist Missionary Church).

Our facilitators were Rev. Dr. Abednego Tunde Samuel and his wife Dr. Peace Bunmi Samuel. They have been in ministry together for nearly twenty years and it shows, not in a showy way, but in the quiet way they hold a room. Dr. Tunde has this way of making you think harder than you expected to. Dr. Peace has a gentleness that makes people feel safe enough to be honest. I served as interpreter for the day and I genuinely loved every minute of it.

The workshop kept coming back to two questions. How do you help your children grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically? And how are you taking care of yourself so you actually have something to give them?

That second question is the one that got people. Our parents carry so much. Many of them are survivors. They are working multiple jobs. They are figuring out school systems and medical appointments and paperwork in a language that still doesn’t always come naturally. And on top of all of that, they are trying to raise children who know God and feel at home in their faith community.

What I saw in that room was not people who were overwhelmed, even though they had every right to be. I saw people who were determined. They were asking real questions and listening to each other’s answers. The pastors were not just presenting, they were learning too. That matters.

Himbaza (which means praise in Kinyarwanda) was built on the belief that our children belong fully in our worship. Not sitting on the side waiting for the service to end. In it. Praying, singing, telling the stories of their faith in their own voices. But for that to happen, the parents and pastors have to be on the same page. They have to be equipped. They have to be in the room together, like they were on February 28th.

We closed in prayer, had lunch together, and I watched people leave that afternoon with a little more in them than when they walked in. That is what I always hope for.

Thank you to Jeremie for leading Himbaza with so much care, to our facilitators, and to every parent and pastor who showed up. The village is coming together. And our children are watching.

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As we step into a new year, we are taking time at Gate of Hope to reflect, listen, and prepare for what is ahead, especially when it comes to supporting the children and youth in our community.

Recently, we gathered with church youth volunteers and young adults who serve alongside us in our Saturday children’s program. This time together was more than a training. It was a moment of shared learning, honest feedback, and renewed vision for how we walk with children as they grow in faith, confidence, and belonging.

During our conversation, we reflected on a question many churches and families wrestle with. Why do children struggle to stay engaged during worship and faith spaces? Through thoughtful discussion, volunteers named what they see every week. Children longing for connection, movement, creativity, and understanding in spaces that can sometimes feel confusing or distant to them.

From that reflection came powerful insights. Children learn best when faith is hands on, visual, and relational. Music, movement, crafts, and interactive storytelling help children not only stay engaged but feel included. When children are invited to participate rather than just observe, something shifts. They feel seen.

Volunteers also shared honest feedback about what is working well in our Saturday sessions and where we can grow. They celebrated the joy of community, friendships, music, and crafts, while also naming challenges such as early morning energy, engaging older youth, and helping children stay focused. These conversations are shaping how we plan the year ahead, with more intentional structure, age appropriate activities, and space for creativity and movement.

At the heart of this gathering was a shared commitment to serving children with care, consistency, and respect. Volunteers were reminded that their presence matters. They are leaders, role models, and trusted adults who help shape how children experience faith and community.

As we begin this new year, we are recommitting ourselves to walking alongside youth, not only as participants, but as leaders and changemakers. We are investing in clearer communication, better preparation, and deeper collaboration so that every child who enters our programs feels safe, valued, and encouraged.

The new year brings fresh opportunities to grow, to listen, and to serve better together. We are deeply grateful for the young people who give their time, energy, and hearts to this work. Your service is helping build a stronger, more hopeful future for our community.

Here is to a new year rooted in learning, service, and hope, together.

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On Saturday, November 15, the Gate of Hope community gathered at Sojourn Church Carlisle for a joyful and vibrant celebration of the Himbaza Initiative. The event brought together children, parents, volunteers, partner churches, and community supporters to recognize the growth, creativity, and confidence that have blossomed through this work.

Children Leading the Way

A highlight of the event was the central role of the children. They led songs, shared storytelling, presented posters they had created, and participated in group performances that reflected the heart of Himbaza: giving children meaningful opportunities to grow, express themselves, and feel included in worship and community life.

Throughout the year, Himbaza has focused on helping East African refugee children find their voice within their church communities by blending music, storytelling, arts, and intergenerational engagement. Seeing the children shine during the celebration was a moving reminder of how powerful consistent guidance and encouragement can be.

Community Reflections and Testimonies

Volunteers, parents, program leaders, and church partners shared brief reflections on the impact of the initiative. Their stories highlighted how the program has strengthened families, encouraged children to participate more fully in worship, and created space for creativity and connection across generations.

The event also recognized the support of three partner congregations who played a key role in launching the first year of the program: Evangelical Church Winning All II, Comfort Baptist Missionary Church, and Jerusalem Pentecostal Church. Their collaboration, hospitality, and dedication have been essential to nurturing the young voices of Himbaza. It was also an opportunity to thank our host church Sojourn Church Carlisle for providing a space for us to implement the program.

A Celebration of Hope

The morning concluded with conversation and refreshments, giving families and volunteers time to connect and enjoy the moment together. The atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and anticipation for what lies ahead.

As we wrap up this year, we are encouraged by the strong foundation that has been built. Himbaza continues to grow not only as a children’s program but as a community effort powered by partnership, shared vision, and the belief that every child deserves to belong, to participate, and to be heard.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this celebration and this initiative throughout the year. We look forward to expanding the program, deepening relationships, and welcoming even more children into the Himbaza family in the months to come.

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Over the past few weeks, Gate of Hope has had the privilege of participating in several inspiring community events that reminded us just how powerful connection and conversation can be. We were honored to take part in three tabling opportunities at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), Northeast Christian Church, and the University of Louisville’s 9th Annual Nonprofit Fair. Each event offered a unique space to share about our mission, meet new people, and invite others into the work God is doing through Gate of Hope.

As we think back on these events, we are filled with gratitude, not just for the platforms to share what we do, but for the reminder that we are not alone in this mission. There is something deeply powerful about stepping out into the community and witnessing people’s eyes light up as they learn about Gate of Hope. It reminds us that the work we do matters not just to the families we serve, but to those who want to be part of something meaningful and transformative.

These events have reminded us of the beauty of community and the many hearts that are being stirred toward compassion and service. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be out in the community sharing what we do, and we look forward to finding even more spaces to continue this work.

As we look ahead, we are excited to find even more spaces where we can share about the work God is doing through Gate of Hope. And that’s where you come in.

Do you know of a church, Bible study group, campus ministry, or community gathering that would be open to hearing about our work?

We would love the opportunity to come share the mission and story of Gate of Hope with your community… whether it’s during a Sunday service, a small group, or a special event. If something comes to mind, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Together, we can continue to build bridges of hope, healing, and dignity in Louisville and beyond.

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