The Founding Story of Africa New Life
From Prayer to Purpose
In a powerful conversation with Dr. Charles Mugisha, founder of Africa New Life, and Dr. Tim Robnett (aka my dad), former pastor, seminary professor and the founder of E-Team Global, I had the privilege of hearing the extraordinary story of how Africa New Life began. It’s a story of prayer, providence, partnership, and a vision that has transformed the lives of tens of thousands across Rwanda.
A Divine Appointment
The story begins in December 1999. Dr. Tim was preaching at a church in Uganda, and his interpreter that day was Dr. Charles—a divine pairing that neither of them expected. At the time, Dr. Charles had been praying for four months about returning to his homeland of Rwanda, which he and his family had fled during the genocide. He was packed and ready to go back to investigate next steps when he felt the Lord say, “Not yet.”
That same morning, he interpreted for Dr. Tim, and after the service, they had lunch together. Charles shared two desires: to return to Rwanda and to attend seminary. Dr. Tim encouraged him to follow up and promised to help if Charles ever made it to Portland.
A Leap of Faith
Charles took that encouragement seriously. He sent his transcripts, and four months later—March 25, 2000—he landed in Texas with just $10 in his pocket. A local pastor helped him get a suit and a plane ticket to Portland, where Dr. Tim picked him up and welcomed him into his home. Soon after, Charles was enrolled at Multnomah Seminary.
The financial challenge was steep: $20,000 for tuition and travel for his wife Florence and their newborn son, Isaac. But through what Charles calls “friend-raising,” Dr. Tim helped raise the necessary funds. Florence was hesitant about moving to the U.S., but after a miraculous moment at the U.S. embassy—where their family, last in line, was called to the front and granted visas within 10 minutes—they knew the Lord was opening the door.
Planting a Vision
The first winter in Portland was cold and dark, but the Mugisha family pressed on. Seminary was rigorous, but within the first five months, Charles began to outline a vision for what would become Africa New Life. That summer, Charles returned to Rwanda with Florence and their son. With them, they carried nine donated soccer balls and t-shirts—gifts that opened doors and hearts in a village in Kigali.
The soccer balls gave them favor with local leaders, and the mayor even granted them a permit to start a school. With no funds and no students, they opened a preschool in an apartment. Florence taught. Charles’s siblings helped. They gathered 20 children, took photos, and launched what would become a child sponsorship program.
Building More Than a School
Back in Portland, some were skeptical—especially about the child sponsorship model—but Charles and Florence were resolute. They raised enough support to cover the school’s expenses and eventually returned to Rwanda after graduating seminary in 2003 (Florence would also go on to earn her master's degree).
Since then, Africa New Life has grown beyond anything they could have imagined. Over 18,000 children have been sponsored through the program, and 95% graduate high school—with nearly 40% continuing to college. The organization now includes:
A fully accredited seminary and leadership college
A hospital staffed with doctors and nurses
A church network with over 10,000 members across Rwanda
Women’s vocational programs providing economic empowerment through skills like sewing
The Power of Saying “Yes”
Throughout the story, one theme stands out: obedience. Dr. Charles said “yes” to a call that didn’t make logical sense. Dr. Tim said “yes” to helping a young man with a vision. And together, they built something that has changed the fabric of a nation.
Dr. Charles emphasized that 50% of his role is fundraising and 50% is developing the ministry—releasing others to do the work while he casts vision and stewards growth. That transition—from doing the work to building the ministry—is often the hardest part of leadership, but it’s been critical to Africa New Life’s success.
Faith in Action
What struck me most was the collaboration between people, churches, and cities across the U.S.—from Texas to Oregon to Washington D.C.—all playing a role in what God was doing in Rwanda.
This story isn’t just about Dr. Charles or Dr. Tim. It’s about the Body of Christ listening, encouraging, giving, and saying “yes.” It's about the power of faith, relationships, and relentless hope.
From a handful of prayers to a nation-shaping ministry - Africa New Life is a testimony to what can happen when faith meets action.
Final Reflection
When people ask why I’m climbing Kilimanjaro, I think it comes down to this: the mountain represents a challenge worthy of pursuit, and I am choosing to say YES. Each step is an act of faith - believing that the Lord will meet me in the journey, not just at the roof top of Africa.
I have two simple asks:
Help me raise $19,340 to support Africa New Life’s Food and Care Program, providing essential meals and medical support to children and families in Rwanda - https://www.journeytotheroofofafrica.com/19340
Share this mission—tell a friend, post it online, or forward this message. Every connection makes a difference.
