Bird of Paradise Ministries in Rwanda: The Vision
Jerome and Mary Munyangaju lived in Northern Ireland for more than 20 years. Jerome was Rector of Killyleagh Parish and Mary worked in a local nursing home. During visits to Rwanda, they became increasingly concerned about the plight of many elderly people. These senior citizens would usually have to be cared for within the extended family but as a result of the horrific genocide in 1994 many of the survivors, mostly children and the elderly were left vulnerable and homeless. The elderly became the main carers for the children of deceased family members and neighbours with practically no support.
Jerome and Mary's vision to provide care and support became a reality in 2010 when they offered to share their home in Kigali with four destitute elderly people. On April 14th 2011 Bird of Paradise Ministries was officially launched in Kigali in the presence of Government officials and church leaders.
In September 2015 Jerome and Mary responded to God's call and re-located to Rwanda to be the first leaders of the charity based in Kigali.
The Objectives
To care, comfort and relieve elderly people in Rwanda who are in need, in particular by the operation of residential care homes, the provision of food, clothing and medical and personal care and the promotion of the social and spiritual welfare of elderly people within a Christian environment where Christian values are promoted and upheld.
The Finances
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The Charity is funded by individuals, churches and other groups and organisations. A major source of income is the proceeds from its charity shop based in Market Street, Downpatrick and run by a group of dedicated volunteers. The Archbishop of Canterbury Rt Rev Justin Welby prayed for and blessed the ministry shop on St Patrick's Day 2015.
If you would like to help support BPMR financially or otherwise please click the link provided below.