Denis Akandwanaho: Ministry Program Director (Rwanda)

Abundant Leadership Institute / ALI Cohorts 6 & 7

Help make it possible for Denis Akandwanaho to participate in the Abundant Leadership Institute's sixth cohort.

  • $419

    Raised

  • $3,000

    Goal

  • 4

    Supporters

Recent Transactions

  • Anonymous

    $192.56 / 1231 days ago

  • Anonymous

    $102.30 / 1307 days ago

  • Jennifer Shantz

    $50.00 / 1312 days ago

    Hi Dennis, I was really inspired by the video about your story and your passion to help people struggling with addiction. I support youth and families in the inner-city in Vancouver, Canada and see first hand how addiction can destroy lives. I am thankful that God is healing and restoring you and that you are using the hard times you've been through to be a platform for helping others. You have my utmost respect.

  • Anonymous

    $75.00 / 1315 days ago

    I am praying for you in your ministry, Denis. God Bless!

About Denis Akandwanaho: Ministry Program Director (Rwanda)

In 2014, Denis thought he had it all. Born and raised in Uganda as a member of the Rwandan diaspora, Denis performed well in his studies and earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. Upon graduation, he returned to Rwanda and was hired at one of the top hospitals in the country. 

Denis was rapidly progressing in his career and was being paid well but in 2015, his multi-year struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism turned his life upside down. He lost friendships, his health was compromised, and soon he lost his job. Denis tried various forms of therapy and rehabilitation but he would eventually relapse. When he hit rock bottom, Denis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and he was miraculously set free from addiction. 

As Denis got to know Jesus, he began to see himself differently and he saw that God wanted him to use his testimony to help others struggling with addiction. Jobless but sober, Denis began volunteering at Teen Challenge: a Christian non-profit rehabilitation center. Denis accepted a part-time role with the organization in 2017 and was soon promoted to a full-time staff member. Today, Denis lives at the Teen Challenge headquarters and serves as a Program Director. Denis takes young men through an intensive 12-month faith-based rehabilitation program that is focused on discipleship, service, and empowerment. 

Denis says, "if I had not met Christ I would probably be severely handicapped, in jail, or dead. God gave me another shot at life and I intend to spend my days advancing His kingdom." His experience of redemption has informed his vision: to share the hope of Jesus with every addict. Denis wants to make faith-based rehabilitation more accessible and prioritize early intervention. Ultimately, Denis believes God has a purpose for every life and he wants to provide places of encouragement and instruction to mend broken hearts and help addicts experience freedom through Jesus.

Outside of his time-intensive role with Teen Challenge, Denis also is committed to serving in his church as a Sunday school teacher, translator, and cell group leader.

Denis is excited to participate in the Abundant Leadership Institute because he wants his leadership skills to match his zeal so he can better share his vision and lead his team in a way that maximizes their abilities. He is also looking forward to connecting with and learning from like-minded leaders in the program.

Thank you for generously investing in Denis' leadership journey!
Located in the USA?

If you are located in the USA, access our US giving form here, https://www.kurumbuka.org/us-donate, and write 'Denis' in the 'Leave a comment' field.