Our story began in June of 2016, when God crossed the paths of Antoine—a Rwandan pastor—and Anna, an American woman searching for her purpose in the world.

At the time, Antoine had been pastoring The Vineyard Church of Rwanda for nearly a decade. His heart was deeply burdened for the poor in his community, and he longed to create opportunities that could lift families over the daily barriers poverty placed in their way. Just six months earlier, in January 2016, The Vineyard Church had launched The Vineyard Nursery School with one room and eleven children. Antoine’s vision was simple but profound: to give children whose families could not afford school the chance not only to learn, but to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment where adults invested in their whole well‑being.

Anna, meanwhile, was traveling to Rwanda purely out of obedience. Two years earlier, a trip to Uganda had stirred an unexpected call toward Rwanda—one she didn’t fully understand. After wrestling with fear, she chose to go, trusting that God had something to show her. She arrived with a heart ready to learn the culture, meet new people, and discover why God had placed Rwanda so firmly on her heart.

Before her trip, a mutual connection in the United States had introduced Anna and Antoine over email. Antoine invited her to partner with The Vineyard Church of Rwanda, though Anna had no idea what that invitation would eventually mean.

During her first week in Rwanda, Anna spent time with Antoine, his family, the church community, and the school—seeking to discern whether God was doing something through this connection. As Antoine showed her around the community, he pointed out the many children wandering the streets during school hours. They weren’t in class simply because their families couldn’t afford it. In a country without free education, countless children never attended school at all, and many who did experienced constant interruptions due to inconsistent funds.

Then came the moment Anna would never forget. Over a shared meal, Antoine looked at her and said, “This is why you are here.” He laid out his vision for a ministry that would partner with families who lacked the means to send their children to school—a ministry that would provide education, safety, and a place for children to discover who God created them to be.

What Antoine didn’t know was that God had placed a nearly identical vision on Anna’s heart a year earlier—a dream she had dismissed as impossible. Yet here she was, sitting in Rwanda, hearing her own calling spoken back to her.

After prayer and discernment, Anna agreed. God had brought them together to pursue this ministry side by side.

This partnership became what is now known as Rooted Oaks International.

What began in 2016 with ten children supported through monthly advocacy has grown into a ministry impacting 136 children today. The Vineyard Nursery School that opened with eleven children now educates more than 400 students across its Nursery and Primary wings.

In ten years, God has done remarkable things—far beyond anything we could have imagined. We have weathered challenges, stood firm, and grown stronger through every season. We have watched children grow into the beautiful humans God created them to be. In 2025, we celebrated our first class of students graduating from The Vineyard Primary School and moving on to secondary school.

In 2022, we expanded our reach to adults through literacy and sewing programs. Three classes of sewing students have now graduated, many of whom have launched their own businesses and are providing steady income for their families.

We have seen and experienced so much in these ten years—and we cannot wait to see what God will do in the next ten.

Celebrating 10 Years

By Anna LaCore

Celebrating 10 Years

Donate $10 for 10 years

Team Members