St. John’s is a sister congregation to the Rukira Parish in Rwanda. In 2006, Pastor Martin Habiyakare, Francis Bushayija, and Tina Tikisande came to Sacramento for a month-long visit. They brought us news and blessings from our brothers and sisters in Rwanda. A delegation from St. John’s visited Rwanda in 2004. Christina Espegren, accompanied by Pastor Frank, was there in March 2008, for the International Youth Gathering. Another delegation of five members, led by Pastor Sorensen, will visit Rukira in the Summer of 2008.

St. John’s offers the Rukira Parish financial support. Through our Christmas Gift for the Christ Child program, we have funded the construction of a 100-student dormitory, which will provide revenue for the parish, as well as a place for rural children to live while attending the high school.