Pastor Augustine Butera

I am Pastor Augustine Butera, a Rwandan citizen born in Uganda on April 20, 1976, where my parents lived as refugees. I’m married to Joyce and we are blessed with five beautiful daughters and one son. I received the light of salvation and was redeemed from veneration that my parents and grandparents worshiped (even though we practiced Catholicism). At a young age, I acknowledged and responded to the call of God and served in various ministry capacities since 1995 after the Rwanda genocide. My parents and I had to return to the country of our origin but the situation was devastating; people were physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually damaged. Churches, schools, and homes were decimated.

Furthermore, the entire society was broken not only because of hundreds of thousands of its innocent members who have lost their lives but also, the divisive and hatred spirit founded on their ethnic differences was rampant. Therefore, I passionately responded to the need by mobilizing disciple-makers across the region which later resulted into a church planting movement. In addition, we carried out a reconciliation ministry, prayer rallies, discipleship conferences, and evangelistic outreaches. However, after twenty-three years of labor over eight thousand churches were closed due to the Government directives, ( https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/august/rwanda-churches-closed-fasting-restricted-rgb-religion-law.html) some pastors including myself were impacted in different ways such as persecution or forced exile.

Subsequently, my family and I barely escaped running in different directions and ending up in different countries and continents. It has been four years now since we saw each other in person. Nevertheless, God is faithful we are still alive, and the reunion process is going on smoothly.

It is on that account that I would like to plead with you brothers and sisters to extend a helping hand as you contribute towards basic needs namely; air ticket for seven people from Africa to Canada, House rent, furniture, family van, and other necessities.

Although our current and primary focus is on the family, our hearts cannot be contented unless:

Jesus Christ is made known and worshiped by all people of all backgrounds and to make disciples who will reach nations with true Gospel message as he commanded us. (Matthew 28:19–20).

Our passion and mission are to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples who will make disciples and bring contagious impact to nations and communities.

Out strategies includes; raising and supporting emerging leaders, equipping them with tools that would help them to grow as healthy leaders, conduct evangelistic outreaches that would result into church plants.