Meet the founder
Martine is a 27-year-old from Norway.
She visited Rwanda for the first time in 2023, and after meeting the deaf community, she immediately decided to move there to serve them. She works for the Norwegian mission organization Himmelpartner under the leadership of Inge & Eva Røysland.
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“My dream for The 41 Avenue was to build a place that belongs to the deaf community — a place where their talents are seen and where they are given opportunities.
Thanks to generous sponsors in Norway, we were able to purchase a building in Ntarama in July 2025, which has since gone through a full renovation.
Now, I am focused on building a strong team so that, in the future, they will be able to manage the place themselves and make it fully self-sustainable. We are registered as a Community Benefit Company, and 100% of the profits go back into the deaf community to create more opportunities. Today, we have 21 full-time paid staff members, 18 of whom are deaf.
As a Christian, it has also been important for me to build a platform where deaf people can learn the Word of God in their own language. Through the same faith, we also want to care for the whole person — spirit, soul, and body.”
Bible Teaching
In collaboration with Rwanda Deaf Fellowship Ministries, we hold weekly Bible teaching every Wednesday for all our staff and other deaf people from the surrounding community. Through local sign language, we teach the Word of God, discipleship, and leadership skills, creating a place where deaf individuals can grow both spiritually and personally.
Emergency Housing
At our center, we also have four small apartments that are used both for emergency housing and accommodation during training periods. Our vision is to care for the deaf community in every area of life and create a safe place where people can receive both support and opportunities for the future.
Slide to see our center come to life
Why 41?
In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.
Day 41 came - and the rain stopped.
Moses hid in the desert for 40 years after committing murder.
Year 41 came - and God called him to lead a nation.
Moses was on the mountain for 40 days.
Day 41 came - and he received the Ten Commandments.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
Year 41 came - and they stepped into the Promised Land.
Goliath mocked Israel for 40 days.
Day 41 came - and David defeated him.
Jonah warned Nineveh for 40 days.
Day 41 came - and God showed them mercy.
Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days.
Day 41 came - and the devil fled.
After the resurrection, Jesus walked with His disciples for 40 days.
Day 41 came - and He ascended to Heaven.
The rain will stop.
The wilderness will end.
The enemy will fall.
Breakthrough will come.
Don't give up at 40.
Your 41 is coming.