Himbaza Initiative: Empowering Children Through Worship & Praise

A 5-year initiative by Gate of Hope Ministries to transform worship for East African refugee churches in Louisville, KY.

What is the Himbaza Initiative?

The Himbaza Initiative, launched by Gate of Hope Ministries International, helps East African refugee churches fully include children in worship and prayer. Named after the Kinyarwanda word for “praise,” the program bridges cultural, generational, and language gaps through storytelling, arts, music, and intergenerational discipleship. Over 5 years, we aim to serve 180 children directly and inspire church-wide transformation across the community.

Challenges We Address

Cultural Disconnect

Many refugee children grow up speaking English and navigating U.S. culture, while their parents worship in their native language and traditions. This creates a spiritual disconnect that leaves children feeling out of place.

Children Not Included

Traditional worship services often overlook children, offering little opportunity for them to engage meaningfully in prayer or praise. They become passive attendees rather than growing participants.

Learning Gaps

Refugee children face academic and social hurdles, including literacy challenges and social isolation. These barriers hinder their ability to connect, learn, and flourish in both school and church.

Limited Volunteer Support

Churches often lack the volunteers, training, and tools needed to support children’s spiritual development. Without infrastructure, even the most willing communities struggle to serve their youngest members.

Transforming Lives & Churches

The Himbaza Initiative is more than a children’s program, it is a movement toward lasting, generational transformation within East African refugee churches. For children, Himbaza opens doors to deeper spiritual engagement and expression. As they hear and share Bible stories, lead in worship, and participate in music and the arts, they develop not only literacy and creativity, but also the confidence to see themselves as vital members of their church community. Children are no longer passive observers, they become worshipers, storytellers, leaders.

For parents, Himbaza strengthens their ability to nurture their children’s faith and learning. Through faith-based parenting workshops, they gain tools to support their children both spiritually and academically, deepening family bonds and building bridges across cultural and generational divides. Parents who once felt disconnected from their U.S.-born or U.S.-raised children find new ways to walk in faith together.

Pastors and church volunteers are also transformed. Many receive their first formal training on how to create worship spaces that welcome and empower children. As they learn to lead intergenerational worship and foster child participation, they gain new vision and confidence for their role in shaping inclusive, culturally rich congregations.

Ultimately, Himbaza strengthens entire churches. With each new cohort, more congregations embrace child-friendly worship, intergenerational unity, and cultural affirmation. The program helps break down barriers of age, language, and tradition, replacing them with vibrant, connected communities where every generation has a voice and a place to praise.

Program Activities

Saturday Children’s Workshops

Every other Saturday, children gather to grow in faith and creativity.
Through Bible storytelling, music, arts, and literacy, kids engage in joyful, hands-on learning that nurtures their spiritual and cognitive development.

Training for Pastors & Volunteers

Quarterly gatherings strengthen leadership across generations.
Pastors and volunteers learn to create child-inclusive worship services and lead intergenerational prayer with confidence and care.

Parent Engagement Workshops

Helping families grow in faith and learning, together.
Parents receive practical, faith-based tools to guide their children spiritually and support their educational success at home and in the church.

Social Cohesion Events

Bringing generations and cultures together in worship.
Church-wide gatherings foster unity through shared meals, storytelling, worship, and celebration bridging gaps across age and culture.

Worship Through the Arts

Music, dance, drama, and choir bring praise to life.
These creative expressions honor East African traditions and invite children and adults to participate in joyful, inclusive worship.

Join Us

Be part of something meaningful! Whether you’re passionate about working with children, supporting refugee communities, or gaining real ministry experience, there’s a place for you in the Himbaza Initiative.

Volunteer With Us

Do you love children and want to help them grow in faith? Volunteers are at the heart of Himbaza’s bi-weekly Saturday workshops. We welcome:

  • Lead Volunteers – Help facilitate sessions in Bible storytelling, music, literacy, or creative arts. Ideal for those with teaching, ministry, or youth leadership experience.
  • Support Volunteers – Assist with setup, child engagement, and activity support, no teaching required. Just bring your heart and hands!

Interested in volunteering? Complete this form

Internship Opportunities: Fall 2025 Cohort

Are you a student passionate about ministry, education, or intercultural engagement? Our new internship program offers a hands-on opportunity to grow while serving East African refugee communities in Louisville.

What You’ll Do:

  • Support children’s Bible storytelling, music, arts, and literacy activities
  • Engage with kids (ages 5–12) in vibrant, cross-cultural church settings
  • Contribute to intergenerational worship and spiritual development

Internship Details:

  • Fall 2025 Cohort: August–November
  • Commitment: Bi-weekly Saturday Workshops (flexible hours)
  • Who Should Apply: College students or young adults exploring careers in ministry, teaching, missions, or community development
  • Note: This is an unpaid internship with mentorship and training opportunities

Interested in interning? Complete this form