World Refugee Day at Amani 2025

On World Refugee Day, we recognize the strength, courage, and hope of those who have been forced to flee their homes. At Amani, we are privileged to walk alongside women rebuilding their lives with purpose and dignity. This year, we’re honored to share the story of some of our own! A refugee seamstress whose journey reminds us that through Christ, peace and possibility can bloom even in the hardest places.

INGRID – Rwanda

As a refugee, how has Amani helped you make a home away from home?
Amani welcomed me wholeheartedly and unconditionally. It has not been an easy journey, but the love that Amani showed me motivated me to learn how to sew—even though I never imagined it was something I could do. This skill has been instrumental in the growth of my family. I am now able to feed my children, pay their school fees, and meet our daily needs. Amani has helped me become an independent woman and given me respect in the community I live in, as people recognize my efforts to stand by and provide for my family. When I come to work, I see how other people live, and I can truly say that the Lord has favored me and my family. The daily devotions we have at Amani have strengthened my spiritual walk with God. Every time we read His Word, I learn something new. Coming to Amani has also helped me overcome loneliness. I’ve made friends, and I’m able to talk and interact with other women.

What does this verse mean to you: “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose...” (Romans 8:28)?
This verse feels like it’s talking about my life. There are many organizations that say they help refugees, but all the ones I approached turned me away. That was a very difficult time.

Little did I know that God had a special place for me at Amani ya Juu—where I was truly welcomed and loved, and where I was given a platform to grow and rebuild my life.
If it weren’t for God, I don’t know where my children and I would be. I thank Him for His grace and for bringing me to Amani each day.

JEANETTE – Rwanda

As a refugee, how has Amani helped you make a home away from home?

Amani has helped me get back the peace of mind that I had lost. This peace has come in many forms for me. I have been able to forgive others, to accept myself, and to feel the love shown to me, as well as show love to others.

Amani has helped me to have financial security. It has also played a major role in building the foundation and molding my children through Amani Watoto. This has also equipped them with leadership skills.

It has also helped me in my spiritual growth. It has deepened my relationship with God and enabled me to discover His purpose for my life.

What does this verse mean to you, “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose...” (Romans 8:28)?

God works things out for those who love Him because if you truly love God, you trust Him with all your heart. In faith you trust that one day He will answer you and meet the desires of your heart. I have seen Him do so many things in my life. He has upheld me and my children, and even my coming to Amani was His doing.

Loving and trusting God does not mean that challenges will not come, but you will still hope for better things to come because we serve an almighty Father. The Word of God tells us that we will not be tested beyond our capability.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—this is what I live by.

GODELIVE – Rwanda

As a refugee, how has Amani helped you make a home away from home?

Amani brought me together with people who were going through the same thing as me. Amani also taught me how to pray and have a relationship with God.

Amani equipped me with a skill to sew and gave me a job. The money I get from this job has enabled me to bring up my children and provide for my family. Amani has also helped me with school fees for my children through the Amani Watoto sponsorship program.

Amani has been very helpful when I have been unwell. They have supported me and come to see me because they have become my family away from home.

What does this verse mean to you, “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose...” (Romans 8:28)?

This word is very significant to me as the Lord has constantly been with me, provided for my every need, protected me, and held my hand in this journey. Bringing up children and providing for them has not been easy, but God’s grace in my life and my children’s lives has been sufficient every step of the way. 

The protection from the many dangers that the Lord has kept me from has affirmed the love that God has over my life, and this has deepened my love and faith in God.

KAVIRA – Rwanda

As a refugee, how has Amani helped you make a home away from home?

Amani is my family, and this has enabled me to build my life afresh. The Amani family has stood with me financially and has supported me and helped me educate my children, even when I was going through a very rough patch. Through this help, I am able to pay rent and provide for my family.

Amani has also enabled me to better manage my finances. I am now able to save.

What does this verse mean to you, “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose...” (Romans 8:28)?

This is very true. God knows us very well and knows all our needs, so whenever we cry out and ask Him for help, He sends help, even from very unexpected people.

The Lord is faithful and is an almighty Father. For those who truly have faith in Him, He will surely answer us in His due time. And since He already knows what we need, all we have to do is love Him with all our hearts and worship Him in spirit and in truth.