Dear friends,
Greetings in Jesus name from a rainy Rwanda! I had a hiccup along the way to get here, but in the big picture, one day is very little to write home about and I am glad to be here!
Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis
My first few days here has been a non-event as far as prison work is concerned as this week is the annual “Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis” (official name) in memory of the Genocide which started on April 7th, 1994. Obviously the authorities do not want someone from outside to stir up unnecessary anxieties (see comment below about an American lawyer who did do so). Hence the postponement of prison speaking engagements. I am very grateful to be here at this time, as I pray with people, learn from their experiences, and comfort them. One has to be very sensitive and I pray daily that God will give me the right words to speak and pray. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 ESV
This is a very solemn time for most Rwandans as they remember the unthinkable atrocities that were committed 17 years ago against the Tutsis. I spoke with some Rwandans and they told me it is a very traumatic time for them every year. Some do not even want to attend the mass meetings at the Kigali Stadium because of the trauma they remember as people testify about their experiences of the 100 days of Genocide. There is still a deep need for healing all across the country. Proclaim: “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” Isa. 58:8
“Upholding the Truth: Preserving our Dignity” is this year’s commemoration theme. Apparently there are revisionist attempts, especially from outside the country by those who fled after the Genocide, to diminish the severity of what happened and at times to outright denial the Genocide! To my dismay, I learned that an American defense lawyer is at the forefront of that group.
On the other hand, I read this encouraging word in the local newspaper:
“Once truth is distorted, even by the tiniest fraction of lies, accuracy is lost. Speaking the truth about what happened 17 years ago will enhance the commitment to “Never Again.” However painful the truth may be, the truth helps ease the suffering survivors go through. And it is the truth that will help bring perpetrators of the Genocide who are still at large, to book. …Genocide is a crime against humanity and concerns us all…Seventeen years on, there is no doubt that the dignity and resilience of the Rwandan people is steadily restoring hope and the future looks brighter than ever.” The New Times, Friday April 8th, 2011
My experience of Rwanda is that the democratization that happened after the genocide, coupled with the Church’s large scale involvement in driving reconciliation, healing the wounds of trauma, and preaching peace and unity, has united the country. People are seeing Rwanda as a new world of opportunities for all Rwandans where people now enjoy free elections and equal rights. What Satan meant for evil, God in His infinite mercy and grace is turning to good for His glory. There is still a lot that needs to be done in alleviating poverty, providing education for all children and providing for basic needs like water and electricity. However, strong foundations are being laid as both governments and agencies from all over the world are pitching in. My prayer is that the Church will continue to lay the foundation for strong spiritual growth based on the only real Truth and that is Christ our Lord and Savior. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus – John 14:6
