We met Jackson Ndayambaje in the summer of 2010 soon after arriving in Rwanda. Although orphaned at a young age, he maintained a bright outlook towards life. Jackson would later become the country's first Latter-day Saint missionary.
A young American who was doing humanitarian service in Rwanda rented a room in the home where Jackson lived. He recognized in Jackson a special young man with a good heart and great faith. The American invited Jackson to attend a Sunday service meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Soon after attending, Jackson began learning about the gospel. He was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 2010. Jackson was bright and insightful, and he faithfully attended Sunday meetings, the institute program, and other Church activities.
Not long after his baptism, Jackson joined nine other young members in the branch’s first missionary preparation course and submitted his missionary application. He used his own savings to help cover his mission expenses. In September 2011, Jackson received his call to serve in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. He departed for the South Africa Missionary Training Centre (SAMTC) in January 2012. Jackson represented the Church as the first missionary from Rwanda. While at the SAMTC, he attended the temple for the first time and received his endowment. He also experienced the joy of being sealed to his deceased parents and performing temple ordinances on behalf of members of his family.
Elder Jackson Ndayambaje served as a zone leader and enjoyed tremendous success as a missionary. He had a burning desire to share the joy he had experienced as a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faithful example inspired members in his branch back home, and soon three more elders from Rwanda were serving missions.