DM2 2024 NEWSLETTER REPORT

Sep 8, 2024News

The share talks and meals on a round table created a family hoodbond among the DM2 2024 Participants.

The Discipleship and Mission 2-month residential program (DM2) was launched last year, and this year it exceeded our expectations. Designed to mobilize college students and recent graduates for missions among unreached people, DM2 has shown significant impact.

We transformed a rented house into both an office and training center, with the garage serving as a classroom. Living together as a community allowed students and staff to bond deeply. Pacifique and Assumpta also moved in, fostering a family-like atmosphere where shared responsibilities and chores helped cultivate a spirit of service.

While we initially planned for 16 participants, 70 students applied. Ultimately, we selected 12 students and one volunteer, prioritizing those able to contribute financially to the mission exposure. This ensured commitment and a genuine desire to grow as disciples of Christ.

Peter Oyugi Seving the DM2 2024 participants on missions and discipleship

DM2 Program Highlights

The program was split into two parts: an intensive residential time of learning and a two-week mission exposure. The mission exposure was the highlight for many participants, as for most it was their first time crossing Rwanda’s borders. They traveled to Northern Uganda among the Karamojong people, where they observed and participated in how missionaries serve and reach this community. Students were profoundly impacted by the unity and sacrifice of missionaries from different parts of the world, their obedience to God’s call, and their efforts to share the Gospel in such remote areas.

This mission experience challenged the students, especially as they witnessed people hearing familiar Bible stories like creation for the first time. The students also saw firsthand the stark contrast between those still in spiritual bondage and those Karamojong who had embraced the Gospel, living transformed lives. This exposure ignited a vision within each student for their future roles as missionaries.

DM2 2024 Students on a mission field in Karamojong

DM2 Impact: Student Reflections

To assess the program’s impact, we asked participants to reflect on their experiences and share their vision moving forward. Here are some highlights in their own words:

DM2 2024 Participants Upon Graduation were certified

David Byiringiro: “Before DM2, I didn’t think missions was for me. Now, I see every aspect of my life—education, future marriage, and career—as part of God’s mission. I’m committed to discipling fellow students, mobilizing my church, and supporting missionaries. If God calls me to reach unreached peoples, I’m ready.”
Evariste Iradukunda: “DM2 gave me a burden for unreached people groups. I’ve started praying for them and supporting missionaries. I’m attending a mission school and sharing what I’ve learned with my church and family.”
Francois Xavier Mugabushaka: “Before DM2, I feared becoming a missionary. Now, I feel equipped to mobilize my church in prayer and financial support for missions. I’m even developing an evangelism app and leading outdoor evangelism every Friday.”
Wensislas: “As a student leader, I didn’t know much about missions before DM2. Now, I’m mobilizing my church and peers for missions and preparing to see where God will send me after graduation.”
INSHUTI Pamella Betisheba: “I thought missions were for Westerners, but DM2 opened my eyes to the global mission of God. I’ll be using the ‘Sesengura’ (Xplore in Kinyarwanda) and Kairos courses to mobilize students and plan to participate in a two-year mission after completing Tubasange’s mission school.”
Neema Beatrice: “DM2 reignited my passion for missions. I now understand that my life is part of God’s mission, and I’m ready to give all I am for His purposes. I’m committed to serving through evangelism and discipleship, and I’m considering Bible translation as a long-term goal.”
Olivier Mugamage: “DM2 gave me a vision to reach Muslims, particularly in the Middle East. I’m studying Islam and beginning to reach out to Muslim students on my campus. I plan to attend mission school in 2025 and raise funds for a short-term mission trip.”
Isaac Kiiza: “DM2 deepened my trust in God’s provision and clarified my call to ministry. I’m joining GBU/InterVarsity Rwanda as a campus staff member, discipling students and helping them catch the vision of reaching all nations.”
Michael: “DM2 reshaped my understanding of the Great Commission. I’ll be discipling my family and friends, evangelizing through my sports network, and mobilizing support for missionaries.”
Nuliathe Kakazi: “Before DM2, I had little exposure to missions. Now, I see evangelizing fellow Rwandans isn’t enough; the gospel must reach the ends of the earth. I’m committed to mobilizing students and preparing for cross-cultural missions.”
Elyse Christian: “DM2 taught me the importance of prioritizing missions over busy schedules. I’m now cutting back on some activities to spend more time with unsaved and unreached students, and I’m planning to organize a Kairos course at my campus.”

Additional Testimony:

12. One notable testimony comes from Emmanuel Tuyishime, a DM2 graduate who returned as a volunteer. He sensed God’s call to reach Muslims and is now preparing for a short-term mission in Tanzania and Kenya.

Emmanuel Tuyishime on the Left side with the Karamajongo Children

Prayer and Praise Points:

Praise God for the provision that made DM2 possible, and for the venue that proved perfect for this program.
Pray for each participant as they return to their campuses, already discipling peers and reaching out to international students.
Lift up Isaac and Nuliathe, who are serving as campus staff, and pray for their financial provision.
Pray for Emmanuel as he prepares for his mission exposure in Tanzania and Kenya, and for the necessary support to come through

Psalm 117:1 – “Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.”