On this day in 2024, IGIHE visited various places in Kigali, capturing memories of the moments and speaking with some of the celebrants.

The Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, led a mass at Saint Michel Cathedral. He read from the Gospel of Luke 17:11–19, recounting the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, of whom only one returned to thank God.

He reminded the congregation of the importance of gratitude, reflecting on how God had been with them throughout the year, despite some challenging moments.

“We thank God for being with us this year, and we entrust you and your families to Him for 2025, a year of multiple jubilees, including 125 years since the Good News reached Kigali,” he said.

Testimonies of gratitude

Bonaventure Habimana, a church member at Saint Michel Cathedral, shared how God helped him through many challenges in 2024. He had come to pray for guidance in 2025.

“There are many people I studied or worked with who have passed away, but here I am, with so much ahead of me. I came here to thank God for guiding me and also to ask for His presence in the new year so that I may prosper even further,” he said.

Aime Confiance Ishimwe shared similar sentiments in reference to many of her ambitions and goals achieved in the past year. “I came here today to thank God and seek blessings for my endeavors. My goal is to elevate myself in what I do and improve my life, and I believe God will guide me in achieving that,” she said.

Just like at St Michael, so many other churches across the country, gathered worshippers in large numbers.
At EPR Kiyovu Parish, Isaie Iradufasha, a father of one, described 2024 as a fulfilling year, marked by his wedding.

“I’m ending the year having married, and I thank God for that. I hardly used to pray, but now I do. Some of my goals for 2024 were achieved, and those that weren’t, I’ll carry them into 2025,” he proudly said.

At the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR), congregants celebrated the transition into 2025 with gatherings across the country. The main event took place at Ntora Church in Gisozi, where the lead evangelist Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye, delivered the new year’s, commending the congregation’s dedication to God’s work.

At Zion Temple Celebration Centre, worshippers were immersed in a service that extended into the wee hours of January 1, 2025. As a tradition, the church designates an annual and for this year, the theme is “Year of Breaking Limits,” symbolizing a time to move toward greater achievements.

Apostle Paul Gitwaza, disclosed a prophecy based on Isaiah 54:2–3: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”

These verses are part of a prophecy of restoration and blessing. They metaphorically describe preparation for growth and expansion, symbolizing God’s promise to bless His people abundantly and extend their influence. It reflects themes of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness.

He emphasized that this scripture will guide the church throughout 2025, encouraging believers to think big, expand their reach, and aim for lasting success.

“This is a time for expansion—moving from one to many, from nothing to something, from small to great. If you have one plot of land, acquire two; if you have little, aim for much,” he said.

He urged believers to strengthen their foundation to ensure that what they build is durable and impactful for future generations. “Ensure that everything you do is grounded and has a strong foundation. It must last and withstand time,” Gitwaza said.

Women Foundation Ministries

Members of Women Foundation Ministries gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre to give thanks for 2024, with some sharing testimonies of breakthroughs.

Jane Mutesi expressed gratitude for her spiritual growth in 2024. “I wasn’t used to fasting, but I decided to follow the pastor’s teachings. On the second day of fasting, I felt freed from spiritual bondage,” she said.

Diane Kandama shared how God worked miracles in areas she had doubted. “I grew up as a believer, but it wasn’t deeply rooted in my heart. Now, I am convinced that God heals sorrow and pain,” she said.

Apostle Mignone Kabera predicted that in 2025, Jesus would not only visit the members of Women Foundation Ministries but also dwell in their homes, bringing blessings and transformation.

Celebrations beyond churches

In Kigali’s Car Free Zone, young people gathered in large numbers to mark the end of the year with entertainment.

Janvier Harerintwali, one of the attendees shared his joy in achieving a significant milestone in the past year by renovating his mother’s house. “I was able to renovate my mom’s house and make economic progress. My goal is to expand on my land this year,” he affirmed.

Fiette Ishimwe celebrated finding a good school. “2024 was a good year. I achieved many great things, including getting into a school I never imagined,” she disclosed.

Iradukunda Jackson was proud to have earned his permanent driver’s license. “This year went well because I accomplished my goal of getting my [B&C] driver’s license. My next target for 2025 is to make good use of it,” he said.

At IGIHE, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.