In an event that showcased love and compassion, Power of the Cross Ministries, in collaboration with their friends from the United States represented by Joe Wahle, donated four cows to four underprivileged families from Rugalika Sector, Kamonyi District, in the Southern Province of Rwanda.

The donation ceremony took place in broad daylight on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. It was attended by local residents, government officials, pastors, and members of Power of the Cross Ministries including Maurice Ndatabaye – the Executive Director – and Joe, an American and one of the sponsors of this act of kindness.

“Helping someone you don’t know is a miracle of love”

Maurice Ndatabaye, who returned to Rwanda on July 4, 2025, alongside his American friend Joe, after spending 2.5 years in the USA, came back with a mission under the umbrella of Power of the Cross Ministries involving support to the vulnerable, music production, and an upcoming evangelical crusade scheduled for July 20. He explained that the idea was born from a friend he met while on mission in America.

Speaking to the media, he said: “These friends from America agreed to support us so we could help the needy. We pooled resources and managed to buy four cows. We thank God for helping these people we live with. It’s truly touching when someone supports you without even knowing you.”

Joe Wahle, one of the sponsors of the initiative, expressed that a cow is a symbol of love and unity. After delivering greetings from his fellow Americans, he told the beneficiaries: “It’s a blessing for me to be here.

A cow is a friend to me, it brings joy. In Matthew 22:37, we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The verse that follows instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Even though we do not know each other well, it is a blessing to bring you this gift. We all share in the blessing of becoming a family. I will pray for the one who received the cow so that it may be a blessing to them and to many others.”

In his interview with the press, he shared that helping others brings him happiness: “Maurice and I had the same idea, to help people. This ministry chose to support families. These cows will help build those families. And helping others brings us joy.”

“I prayed asking God for a cow, and now I’m answered”

Matthew Nikomeze, one of the cow recipients, couldn’t hold back tears of joy when given the microphone. He said: “I used to pray, asking God for a cow. And now He has answered me. I thank the people who came from America, people I didn’t even know. I promise to take good care of the cow and I’ll go to church to give thanks to God.”

Emmanuel, another beneficiary, immediately named his cow “Kibamba” out of overwhelming joy. Another one, Clarisse Mukamana, shared: “I’m very happy. This cow is truly an answer to my prayers. I will care for it diligently so that it gives us milk and manure!”

Rev Rugazura Etienne Gadi who supported the event, emphasized the cultural value of giving and receiving a cow. He said: “In Rwandan culture, someone who gives you a cow gives you something of great value, they create a legacy that will always be remembered.

To the beneficiaries, I urge you to take great care of these cows because even though they were given to you, their offspring can bless others. If you care for your cow well, you’ll be caring for your neighbor when the time comes to pass it on.”

He called on people to accept Jesus and change their mindset to improve their lives:
“This is how miracles begin. Even if someone gives you money, livestock, or other support, but you lack salvation, you have nothing. The worst poverty is in the mind. When someone transforms their thinking, they escape poverty.”

He also prayed for the beneficiaries and donors, and mentioned a case involving one cow that turned out to be too young, a calf. It had been presented as a mature cow in a photo, but was found to be a calf upon delivery. Authorities promised to follow up and ensure the recipient gets a mature cow instead.

The Government’s Program and Power of the Cross

Mukiza Justin, Head of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Kamonyi District, thanked Power of the Cross Ministries as the first partners to support the district in the new fiscal year. He said: “As the 2025–2026 fiscal year begins, Power of the Cross has been the first to support us. We are very grateful.”

He also explained how the four beneficiaries were selected: “The ones we chose were already on the list of poor and vulnerable families in need of cows. They had also shown they have the capacity to care for the animals.”

He concluded by stating: “Since the ‘One Cow per Poor Family’ program began, we’ve distributed over 12,000 cows. This year we plan to distribute 900 cows through the budget, some from partners like Power of the Cross Ministries, others from the budget itself, and some through the pass-on system.”

The Sector Executive Secretary’s Representative, addressing residents and donors, said: “Among the 12 sectors in Kamonyi District, we thank you for choosing Rugalika Sector. We promise that you’ll come back and find these cows multiplied. Next time you may find 8 or even more than 10 cows. A cow represents love, the person giving it to you is showing they care.”

Power of the Cross Ministries: “True evangelism is shown through action”
In an interview with the media, Manowa, deputy to Maurice, and head of Power of the Cross Ministries activities in Rwanda, explained that the ministry prioritizes support both for the body and the spirit.

Recently, on July 6, 2025, this team donated school supplies to 100 children at Ecole Primaire Cyeru, located in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District.

Power of the Cross Ministries, founded in 2007 by a group of passionate evangelists using music as a tool, has grown to become one of Rwanda’s prominent evangelistic and humanitarian ministries.

With over 18 years of ministry, they have specialized in worship and praise music, but also put emphasis on supporting people in vulnerable situations, especially children.

According to Ndabaramiye Bienfait, director of activities at Power of the Cross Ministries, the ministry began as a worship team, but its goal has remained the same from the beginning, to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone, and to demonstrate love through tangible acts.

He said: “Power of the Cross started as a team of worshippers with a mission to preach the Gospel everywhere. Besides preaching, we engage in meaningful acts of support to the needy.”

Their activities include organizing evangelistic events, releasing songs (they have released 15 so far), and producing their first album titled Super Power. The music project continues to expand. As Bienfait puts it, “Our goal is to keep pushing forward so that the message reaches further.” That mission has gone far beyond music.

Hope Remains: A Major Crusade Coming Up

Power of the Cross Ministries is organizing a large-scale crusade on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The event, titled “Hope Remains”, aims to show people that despite life’s difficulties, God is still present and remains the source of comfort and salvation.

Ndabaramiye Bienfait, the ministry’s coordinator, stated: “This event is meant to tell people there is still life ahead—especially those who have lost hope, including survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We want them to know that God heals.”

The crusade will take place from 3 PM to 8 PM at KG 11 Ave 113, Kimironko. Entry will be free. The main speaker will be Bishop Prof. Fidele Masengo, and several renowned gospel groups such as Joyous Melody, Rehoboth Ministries, and Fishers of Men Ministries will minister in song.

Organized in partnership with The Citylight A Foursquare Church, the event is themed around Job 14:7, which says: “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again.”

Power of the Cross Ministries believes this event will bring transformation to many who feel hopeless. They are inviting everyone who seeks healing and a meaningful life to attend, to worship through music and hear life-changing messages.
The beneficiaries with their cows, joined by sponsors and local officials in Rugalika Sector.

Joe

Joe and Maurice

Resident with his cow

Manowa