Bringing Dreams to Life

Chadrack was raised in a strong Christian family in Burundi, East Africa. Burundi, has gone through turmoil of every kind in the last half century - civil war, genocide, political turmoil and unrest and extreme poverty.

Chadrack struggled with significant, unexplainable health problems throughout his early life, so much so that his journey led him to seek relief in alcohol - so much so that a for a number of years, his life was defined by living in severe substance abuse, living on the streets, suicide attempts, and he was in and out of jail and hospitals. Even in this oppression and despair, through the love and caring of a young neighbor, Jesus redeemed his life. Erica, the young woman who had such compassion and care for him and who led him to Christ, is now his wife. Chadrack’s purpose was transformed from living in oppression to serving others.

After his recovery, Chadrack served various ministries before returning to school at Africa College of Theology. Chadrack received his bachelor’s degree in theology and leadership from Africa College of Theology. Upon graduation, he received a full scholarship to and graduated from Denver Seminary with a Master of Divinity, receiving numerous awards and accolades.

Together, Chadrack and Erica are returning to their home in Burundi - opening a ministry, Vessels of Hope Burundi. Vessels of Hope Burundi will seek to address the needs of Burundian communities through gospel initiatives in child sponsorship, education, community development, and Christian discipleship. He is committed to helping those communities flourish spiritually, emotionally and economically. He longs to see lives and communities transformed through the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Erica Bishaza Nininahazwe grew up in the beautiful country of Burundi. As a child, her father died when she was nine, leaving her mother to raise Erica and her siblings alone. Challenged deeply by this loss, Erica had a deep need to intercede tirelessly for her mother and to help her mother and siblings in their vulnerability after her father’s death. Erica came to faith in Christ when she was 11 years old and learned to love being involved in praise and worship ministry in both her church and school. After high school attended college to train in event planning and hospitality management.

In 2014, Erica met Chadrack and walked alongside him as the Lord led him out of a season of despair and addiction. Because of her care of him and prayer for him, Chadrack came to know Jesus and to walk closely with Him. Some time later it became clear that God was bringing them together in love for each other and they were married in 2018. Together, Erica and Chadrack have responded to God’s calling upon their lives which is to serve their people in the country of Burundi through redemptive leadership in discipleship, ministry to orphans and vulnerable children and their families, and in community development work.

In addition her background in hospitality work, she is completing a Master of Arts in Counseling at Denver Seminary. She is passionate about working with the vulnerable in trauma recovery. She desires to see families becoming healthy and whole in Christ and thriving in their daily lives and walk with Jesus Christ.