Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
The mission of our church is to Bring people to Jesus Christ, Build them up in that relationship, and Send them out to change lives. Jesus sends us into the world to make a difference in our families, workplaces, local communities and the world. Ever since Jesus gave the apostles “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20) followers of Jesus have been seeking to share the good news about Jesus wherever he sends us.
Make disciples of all nations…
In the Free Methodist Church that often means participating in VISA. VISA stands for “Volunteers in Service Abroad.”
This can mean anything from a short-term mission trip of a week or two, or commitment to a longer period of service should God call you to that.
This website is designed to help you learn about what Northgate has already done in this area of missions, as well as what we are currently involved in and what we are planning in the future. As you browse through these pages, you will want to be in prayer for the individuals and projects that you read about, but you will also want to be in prayer, asking God how he’d like you to be involved. Going on a short-term, VISA mission trip can be a life-changing experience, opening our eyes to what God is doing around the world, challenging and strengthening our faith, and blessing us as we engage with Jesus’ call to “make disciples of all nations.”
This can mean anything from a short-term mission trip of a week or two, or commitment to a longer period of service should God call you to that.
This website is designed to help you learn about what Northgate has already done in this area of missions, as well as what we are currently involved in and what we are planning in the future. As you browse through these pages, you will want to be in prayer for the individuals and projects that you read about, but you will also want to be in prayer, asking God how he’d like you to be involved. Going on a short-term, VISA mission trip can be a life-changing experience, opening our eyes to what God is doing around the world, challenging and strengthening our faith, and blessing us as we engage with Jesus’ call to “make disciples of all nations.”
Our Connected Community
Gahanda, Rwanda
The relationship with Gahanda was pioneered by Pastor Vern Saile, as a potential for a way that Northgate could make a difference. The initial idea was to be able to allow congregants to sponsor 50 children. It has blossomed because of the hard work and dedication of Mark Logan, Pastor John Keller, Allison Lang and others stateside as well as the oversight of Ephaste Niygena, the ICCM regional coordinator for Rwanda. He provides amazing feedback as to the specific needs within the Connected Communities in his country. With him, we have been able to hone in our efforts to make the most impact possible. Since our partnership with Gahanda began in 2017, Northgate has helped bring significant transformation to the community. Together, we've supported education, improved infrastructure, and enhanced resources for local families and students.
Celebrating Our Partnership with Gahanda
Education Enhancements
● 1,260 school uniforms provided for students
● 85 student desks supplied
● School library established
● New playground featuring swings, slide, and spinner
● Six classroom renovations completed, including improvements to roofs, windows, doors, and interior/exterior finishes
● IT classroom equipped with computers and printers
● 25 suitcases filled with school supplies delivered by Northgate teams
● Public water extended to the school with three access points serving students and staff
Church Enhancements
● Construction of a new sanctuary with seating for 1,200 worshippers
● Transportation provided for pastoral ministry, allowing outreach to families throughout the surrounding hills
● Five Northgate teams have visited Gahanda, supporting teacher training, pastoral development, and relationship building
Community Enhancements
● Six miles of new water lines installed with four community distribution points
● Trade school expanded to provide vocational training in both sewing and carpentry
● Basketball and volleyball courts completed, creating new opportunities for recreation, community engagement, and youth development
● Women's farm successfully relocated to a larger property with room for future expansion
● Chickens added to the farm, creating additional opportunities for food production and income generation
● Seven dairy cows purchased to help provide milk for school children
● Nine pigs supplied to the women's farm, all of which have successfully farrowed
● Forty homes have now been built or renovated for families in need, providing safe and stable housing throughout the community
● Youth and adults are actively participating in the carpentry trade school, gaining valuable skills that can lead to sustainable employment and economic growth
Health Enhancements
● Northgate now sponsors more than 240 children and continues to grow
● 2,880 hand-crocheted washcloths created and donated by Northgate congregants
● 250 Days for Girls hygiene kits distributed to date
● Ongoing planning and development for Jonah's Clinic
● 1,260 school uniforms provided for students
● 85 student desks supplied
● School library established
● New playground featuring swings, slide, and spinner
● Six classroom renovations completed, including improvements to roofs, windows, doors, and interior/exterior finishes
● IT classroom equipped with computers and printers
● 25 suitcases filled with school supplies delivered by Northgate teams
● Public water extended to the school with three access points serving students and staff
Church Enhancements
● Construction of a new sanctuary with seating for 1,200 worshippers
● Transportation provided for pastoral ministry, allowing outreach to families throughout the surrounding hills
● Five Northgate teams have visited Gahanda, supporting teacher training, pastoral development, and relationship building
Community Enhancements
● Six miles of new water lines installed with four community distribution points
● Trade school expanded to provide vocational training in both sewing and carpentry
● Basketball and volleyball courts completed, creating new opportunities for recreation, community engagement, and youth development
● Women's farm successfully relocated to a larger property with room for future expansion
● Chickens added to the farm, creating additional opportunities for food production and income generation
● Seven dairy cows purchased to help provide milk for school children
● Nine pigs supplied to the women's farm, all of which have successfully farrowed
● Forty homes have now been built or renovated for families in need, providing safe and stable housing throughout the community
● Youth and adults are actively participating in the carpentry trade school, gaining valuable skills that can lead to sustainable employment and economic growth
Health Enhancements
● Northgate now sponsors more than 240 children and continues to grow
● 2,880 hand-crocheted washcloths created and donated by Northgate congregants
● 250 Days for Girls hygiene kits distributed to date
● Ongoing planning and development for Jonah's Clinic
Looking Ahead: Jonah's Clinic
Our vision for Jonah's Clinic is to partner with local leaders, including the ICCM Country Director and the Free Methodist Bishop of Rwanda, to identify the community with the greatest healthcare needs. The clinic will provide accessible medical care for both children and adults, helping improve health outcomes and quality of life for generations to come.
Celebrating What God Has Done
What began as a sponsorship partnership has grown into a thriving ministry impacting every area of community life—education, housing, clean water, healthcare, agriculture, vocational training, and spiritual growth. We rejoice in the completion of 40 homes, the new sports courts, the expansion of the women's farm, and the many students, families, and leaders whose lives have been changed through this partnership. Together, we continue to invest in hope, opportunity, and the Kingdom of God in Gahanda.
Our vision for Jonah's Clinic is to partner with local leaders, including the ICCM Country Director and the Free Methodist Bishop of Rwanda, to identify the community with the greatest healthcare needs. The clinic will provide accessible medical care for both children and adults, helping improve health outcomes and quality of life for generations to come.
Celebrating What God Has Done
What began as a sponsorship partnership has grown into a thriving ministry impacting every area of community life—education, housing, clean water, healthcare, agriculture, vocational training, and spiritual growth. We rejoice in the completion of 40 homes, the new sports courts, the expansion of the women's farm, and the many students, families, and leaders whose lives have been changed through this partnership. Together, we continue to invest in hope, opportunity, and the Kingdom of God in Gahanda.