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.