John Mihigo and his wife, Gladys, founded the Christian Unity Fellowship Church in Uganda in 1993. After the genocide in Rwanda, John returned to Rwanda in 1994 and planted a church there which he still pastors. Christian Unity Fellowship has now planted 10 churches in 2 African countries. The focus of CUF and each church plant is to share the Gospel and bring believers into a community of like-minded Bible believing Christians. The next step is to disciple these converts so they understand the truth of a relationship with Jesus Christ and deepen their commitment to Christ. From these believers will arise a group of servant leaders who will share the Gospel and “reproduce” themselves. Each church also focuses on discipling children as well and has adopted numerous programs which revolve around the children.
John’s vision is broad and sees the development of “communities teaming with influential Christlike servant leaders emanating from churches planted all over Rwanda.” He also envisions expanding to provide for a versatile Christian school, Bible College, vocational centre and Hospital. The “Mihigo Hope” part of their ministry has been successfully providing education for children who would otherwise not be able to attend school.
John describes the hallmarks of the ministry they are devoted to as including:
These core values underpin all they do.
In 2010, John and Gladys joined Harvest Alliance and have partnered on several projects with John and Janie Chitester. These two ministry families have working together since 2006.
John and Gladys, in following God’s call, have ambitious goals for Africa which include the following:
Raising Funds To
Christian Unity Fellowship Church partners with international missionaries to enhance all of their ongoing interventions and services.
John Mihigo was born in Rwanda, Africa in 1958, but had lived there only 2 years when his family had to flee to Uganda to avoid genocide. His father was an Anglican catechist and was teaching Christian principles. John understood who Jesus was and what it meant to have Jesus as his saviour and in High School, at age 18, became a Christian.
He became active in leadership roles and as a student leader for Scripture Union he headed the outreach to other students. Although an excellent student, he was denied admission into Medical School because he was a refugee, and the University enrolled him in an Agricultural program. He graduated from Makerere University, Uganda with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Management. But, God’s plans for John did not involve working in Agricultural long term. God had designs on John working in the Harvest Field.
In 1990 The Rwandan Patriotic Front had mobilised to liberate Rwanda from the then genocide government. John helped organize and lead a diaspora intercessory prayer group who prayed for four years for the end of the Rwandan civil war and the genocide. They also prayed for reconciliation among Rwandans from differing tribes. During those years he planted a church in Uganda, which also prayed fervently for the liberation of Rwanda. In July of 1994, the Patriotic Front was successful and established control of the Government. John and his family were able to then return home to Rwanda after being in exile for 34 years in Uganda where his wife Gladys had been born. John and Gladys planted a second church in the Rwandan capital on Mt. Kigali.
In addition to his first Bachelor Degree, John also holds a Diploma in Bible Studies from the International School of Ministry; is a graduate of Uganda Christian University with a Masters in Organizational Leadership and Management, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree at Africa International University.
He founded Christian Unity Fellowship, an indigenous church ministry headquartered in Rwanda, serves as Senior Pastor and Legal Representative. His spiritual foundations and linguistic skills have endeared him to several ministries with whom he has partnered to reach other nations with the gospel as well as train native pastors. John has provided consulting services for African Evangelistic Enterprise of Rwanda and advised on community development efforts. He Chairs the Kigali Pastors Fellowship which provides leadership and discipleship training for pastors without formal seminary training. His vision is to disciple church leaders in the African Great Lakes Region so they experience growth in Christ and assume a leadership role to help their people live fulfilled lives in Christ, promote the development of servant leaders and overcome poverty. The goal is for both pastors and lay people to be serving and influencing their families, congregations and communities for Christ. Gladys, his wife works with him on a full time basis.
Motivated by the Great-Commission, John and Gladys have planted 10 churches in Uganda and Rwanda; developed a nursery school; established an educational program for children who would otherwise not have an opportunity to attend school and a program to help alleviate poverty in their country.
The Mihigos live in Rwanda with their 4 daughters: Linda, Brenda, Amanda and Belinda. All have followed in John’s educational footsteps.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
