My name is Alphonsine Imaniraguha Anderson. “Alphonsine,” a name of German origin often found in French-speaking countries, means “a noble warrior.” My maiden name, Imaniraguha, translates to “God gives you.” Anderson is my married name. I was born and raised in Rwanda, Central-East Africa, and moved to the United States over a decade ago.
From a young age, my heart has been anchored in faith. As a follower of Christ by both faith and choice, I love God, the Creator of the universe and the Author of all eternity, with all my heart. Jesus is my Savior and of the world.
Traveling, engaging in meaningful conversations with friends, and watching movies—particularly comedies—bring me joy. I am an avid reader, with a penchant for true stories, biographies, and memoirs. Two books that have deeply inspired me are “Kisses From Katie” by Katie Davis and “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom. These remarkable women of God embody the strength and resilience that I admire.
Family is the cornerstone of my life. I have three younger siblings whom I cherish deeply, and I affectionately call them my children. After losing our parents & two siblings to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, I took on a parental role, nurturing and guiding them through life’s challenges. My brother Eric is the most handsome, talented, and brilliant person I know. Despite being younger, his wisdom and trustworthiness are a beacon of strength for many including me. My sisters, Alice and Noella, are a blend of beauty and grace. Alice’s maturity and wisdom are beyond her years, and she has a gift for connecting with people.
Noella, the youngest in our family, receives my unwavering love and attention. I strive to be the mother she never had, even though I cannot replace our parents. It moves me deeply when she calls me “Mom,” especially knowing she has few memories of our lost loved ones and cannot recall their faces. To me, she will always be my little girl. Her presence brings laughter and joy to our family; she often cracks jokes, despite seeming shy to others. My children (and their children) are my source of strength and purpose, and I adore them more than life itself.
I am married to my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and soulmate. Together, we share a deep spiritual connection, studying the Bible and growing in our faith. His leadership and love guide me closer to Christ every day, and I am eternally grateful for his partnership in my life.
I started Rising Above the Storms (RAS), a non profit organization with a vision to empower underprivileged children through the gift of education. In 2017, we launched our first project, a Learning Center in Rwanda, to offer street children a place to bathe, receive clean clothes, meals, and counseling. We help them return to traditional public schools and reunite with their families. Currently, over 50 children are part of this program. In 2022, we expanded our efforts by launching a scholarship program for talented students from low-income families. Today we have around 40 students from elementary through secondary students on scholarship.
I am blessed to know my calling in this life: to spend it opening doors for those in need. Matthew 25:34-40 NKJV anchors my life’s second chance.
“35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
Thanks for visiting. You can learn more about my work with Rising Above the Storms here. Be blessed!
Beauty for Ashes 
Woow Sis.. I really like this. I always love you.
Thanks sweetheart. Love you too
You are one amazing woman of God. There is nothing boring about you! There is an amazing man out there who needs to find you! Your names truly fit you.
Aww! I can’t get enough of your beautiful words. You are so sweet Grace. I once heard that “A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” With God, I haven’t needed anything, and it will never happen. Thank you again and again. Please share with your friends about my blog if you feel like it can inspire someone. I am trusting God for His wonders.
A very good bio, Alphonsine!
Thanks Olivier. Hope you are doing well.
I just read your story, Christ in Me, in My Daily Bread . My heart is so saddened and at the same time inspired …..amazed at your courage and faith. I thank the Lord that He sustained you and your precious siblings physically and spiritually. I will continue to read and support you and your ministry Rising above the Storm. I pray that God will forgive me for not realizing what was happening in Rwanda to you and your family and millions of Rwandans in the early nineties.
Hi Natalie, thank you so much for the beautiful comment and for reading my article, visiting my blog and following my non profit organization. I appreciate it and your encouragement. God Has surely been great to me and my siblings. I am eternally grateful! Please stay in touch!
Wow! I bought the Daily Bread for 2017 but decided to read some devotions before then anyway. I just read your story and then googled you. I google everything :-). You are so strong. God bless you and your siblings immeasurably. I’m so touched and inspired. Please take care of yourself. You are a star.
Aw! Thank you so much Rosemary! That’s very sweet of you to say! I’m really touched by your words! I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner! Good bless you!
I read your story in the daily bread today and decided to Google you to see who the strong woman is. Thank God for you life. You have just inspired me with your story. Stay bless and continue to do great work of God. God bless you andyour three siblings.
Dear Afia! Thank you so much for this beautiful message and reading my blog. God bless you!
Dear Alphonsin,
I have read your testimony “Christ In Me” from Our Daily Bread” 2017 Edition. Wow! I am so encouraged and enlightened by your powerful testimony. It caught me to read your bio again from the google. You really are a strong woman of faith and truely a hero for your sibblings and for others. I am so sorry for the tough time and difficult life you have gone through with your other sibblings. But, i can sense and feel that our Heavenly Father is truely faithful and He is with you always as He promised. Glory to God in the highest! I wish and pray in my heart that you will see greater things are yet to be done in and through your life.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Buata Vandir
Dear Buata! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this encouraging message. God Has been great to us and He’s a Fatherly to the fatherless as He’s promised. God bless you!
Paying forward with a genuine and generous heart! Great work for God remembering your people selflessly👍🏻
Thank you! God bless!