2026 Summer Residency – Rwanda
A Season of Formation in Prayer, Soil, and Community
With the VonHerbulis Family and Sowers of Hope
Careers and Internships
The Rwanda Farm Residency is a two-month immersive experience scheduled for the summer of 2026 (June 22 – August 14) for people seeking a season of formation, and exploration into global missions and agricultural community development. Residents live on our family farm, “AHERA Forest Farm”, in Rwanda and enter a shared rhythm of praying, farming, eating, learning, and serving together. It is a space for your own discernment and transformation.
Rooted in the conviction that God is restoring all things— including people, and all of creation —we invite residents to explore what it means to live a life of love, simplicity, service, and spiritual formation in a communal setting.
About Sowers of Hope
Sowers of Hope is an agricultural discipleship ministry serving farmers across Rwanda and beyond. We walk with churches to train farmers in conservation agriculture, build healthy communities, increase yields, and cultivate hope. Our work blends practical farming with deep spiritual formation—helping farmers discover that God cares for their land, their families, and their future. As of 2025, Sowers of Hope has grown to include the membership of over 900 churches and ~27,000 farmers.
The Residency flows out of this same vision: to form people who love God, love their neighbor, and love God’s creation. https://www.sowersofhope.org
Meet the VonHerbulis Family
Karli and Matthew VonHerbulis, along with their children, Hallelujah and Shepherd, have been living in Rwanda since 2016. They are originally from the United States (Maryland and Florida).
Matthew is the Founder and Director of Sowers of Hope. Karli is the Director of Wellness for New International, as well as an Africa Regional Director, podcast host (“The Well” and “Third Culture Thriving”), and also offers spiritual direction. Their kids attend an international school near the farm, name all the farm animals, and every now and then fetch some eggs from the chicken coop.
A Rhythm of Life
Residents participate in a daily and weekly rhythm shaped around:
Prayer: Daily prayers anchor our days in Scripture, silence, and attentiveness to God’s presence.
Work on the Farm: We farm together as laborers and as learners. Farming becomes a spiritual practice—teaching stewardship, patience, humility, and the joy of caring for God’s creation.
Meals & Community Life: We cook, eat, rest, and celebrate together. Community life forms us as we practice hospitality, honesty, and mutual care.
Service in the Community: Residents engage in village life in a posture of learning and service to bless our neighbors.
Hospitality: For anyone with interests in hospitality ministry, the farm includes a guest cabin for Airbnb visitors. Residents are welcome to assist with guest services. https://www.thecabinatahera.com/
Learning & Reflection: Each week includes guided teaching and discussion in areas central to the mission of Sowers of Hope:
- Agriculture & Creation Care
- Community Development & the Role of the Church
- Mission & Vocation
- Theology & Biblical Studies
- Spiritual Formation
Who Should Apply and Associated Cost
This residency is designed for recent college graduates, young adults, or otherwise prospective global missionaries/community development workers who desire:
- Time to seek God and discern calling
- A rhythm of prayer, work, service, and community
- Exposure to global missions
- Practical learning in agriculture and community development
- Growth in spiritual formation
You do not need prior farming experience or a background in missions.
COST: $3,500 covers full room and board. This does NOT include transport to Rwanda
To apply, SUBMIT AN APPLICATION by March 15th
For questions, message mvonherbulis@newinternational.org
The Heart of the Residency
This residency exists for your formation and discernment, more than your productivity.
We have staff to carry the work. (There is no labor shortage in Rwanda.) Your role is to enter the rhythm, and allow God to shape you. We also look forward to being shaped by God through you!