Global Missions Connection

Venita Thurman - Rwanda

March 7, 2025

Growing up in Kansas, Venita was a product of the bus ministry and started serving the Lord at a young age. Later, Venita moved to Missouri. During her life of service, she was involved in multiple ministries including home bible studies, bus ministry, Sunday School, discipleship classes, evangelism, choir, recovery groups, small groups, Spanish Ministry, English classes, prayer team, Multicultural Director and missions. Additionally, Venita partnered with international UPCI works while working professionally as a principal, providing professional development at teacher colleges and schools and organized a prayer team for focus prayer, as well as served on official trips: Youth on Missions, Next Steps and AIM. Professionally, Venita served in education as a Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal and Director of Student Supports.

Recently, Venita partnered with missionary Zack and Jennifer Sportsman as an AIMer for one year in Rwanda. While in Rwanda, Venita taught adult Sunday School classes, led prayer focuses, taught at the church school chapel, coached school leaders, led teacher professional development and taught English classes for the local church and school. Additionally, Venita taught home Bible studies with new contacts and partnered with a local leadership program teaching a biblical based leadership course. Venita's goal is to continue the kingdom work in Rwanda by preaching/teaching the gospel, making disciples and developing leaders.