Charles and Florence Mugisha began Africa New Life in 2001 with photos of 29 children. Today, sponsors have helped more than 19,000 students receive an education.

Dr. Charles Buregeya Mugisha

Rev. Dr. Charles Buregeya Mugisha is a pastor, global missionary, educator, and the founder and president of Africa New Life Ministries. For more than 25 years, he has served the people of Rwanda, sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and helping children, families, and communities build brighter futures.

Charles’s call to ministry began when he gave his life to Christ as a young man and began preaching the Gospel. His ministry journey brought together theological studies at Reformed Theological College in Kampala, Uganda, and missionary service in England and Northern Ireland. These experiences deepened his passion for sharing the Gospel across cultures and serving others with compassion.

In 1995, Charles went to Rwanda in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Seeing the needs of children and families inspired him to help rebuild lives and communities through Christian ministry. In 2001, while pursuing graduate studies at Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, he developed the vision for Africa New Life Ministries. He and his wife, Florence, returned to Rwanda with photographs of 29 children in need of sponsors, a home, and an education.

From that beginning, Africa New Life has grown to serve thousands of children and young people through education, vocational training, healthcare, pastoral care, and community development. Charles holds a doctoral degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and continues to lead the ministry through global partnerships, bringing together pastoral care, missionary vision, and a commitment to helping people flourish in faith and daily life.

His wife, Florence, is a co-founder of Africa New Life and leads its women’s ministry.

Africa New Life staff from Rwanda, including Charles and Florence, and staff from the United States have been featured in several thought-provoking podcasts about ministry. We invite you to listen to what our leaders have to contribute to current conversations about faith, education, and intercultural teamwork!