Miss Shanitah Mourns the Sudden Loss of Her Sister, Healing Worship Ministry Singer

The Healing Worship Ministry president, Muhoza Budete Kibonke, confirmed Cherissa’s passing, saying they received the news around 11 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024. “She sang in the Healing Ministry. We learned around 11 p.m. that she had left us,” Kibonke shared. 

Cherissa had dedicated five years to the ministry, balancing her time between music and studies. Kibonke fondly described her as a committed singer with a genuine desire to deepen her relationship with God, despite her demanding school schedule. 

“She was a passionate singer eager to know God but often held back by her studies,” he recalled. “Just recently, she completed her education, and her sudden passing has left us deeply saddened.”

Cherissa joined Healing Worship Ministry because her family worshiped at Power of Prayer, a church closely associated with the ministry. “She came as a child of the congregation, just like other parents brought their children to serve. That’s how she joined us,” Kibonke explained, emphasizing the strong sense of community that welcomed her.

In a tragic twist, Cherissa celebrated her birthday just two days before her passing, on Friday, November 1. She spent the weekend with friends, sharing joyful moments until Sunday, when she planned to reunite with her choir. Before leaving, she excused herself to use the restroom, where she unexpectedly passed away. Her friends, concerned by her delay, found her there.

Cherissa recently graduated from the African Leadership University with two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree, an achievement she proudly shared on Instagram in July. Her unexpected passing has sent shockwaves through her family, church, and Rwanda’s gospel music community, who remember her as a talented young woman with a bright future.

Cherissa Tona, a dedicated singer with Healing Worship Ministry for five years, was praised for her role in gospel outreach.