Genocide survivors: pain and forgiveness

On Sunday I attended Pasor Deo’s church, Vivante, in Kabugu.  The mood was more somber than my previous visit and clearly attributable to the 17th Commemoration of The Genocide against the Tutsis.

I had prayed deeply for the right message and believe the message given to me was helpful, comforting and at the same time challenging.  I pointed out three things, after asking the question, “You have learned how to forgive many perpetrators after the genocide, but have you taken time to make peace with God?”  Many people still harbor this question or accusation in their hearts, “Where were you God, in those 100 days of genocide?”  From the stunned silence and nodding heads, I knew God had given me the right message.

The three Truths I pointed out:  

• that God gave us a free will so that we would love him without coercion and that even his very first created people (Adam & Eve) chose to disobey him and listen to Satan’s lies;
• That God was rejected by his own creation, his own chosen people (Israelites), who also rejected his prophets and finally his Son who was also rejected by his own tribe who killed him in a horrible execution.  There is nothing that humanity can suffer that God has not suffered and so he knows when we suffer and what we are going through and He comforts and strengthens us to get through our times of suffering;
• God is always there when we suffer.  He was with Joseph, Job, the Apostle Paul and many others throughout Scripture and in the Church.  In each case, what Satan meant for evil, God turned to good. That is what gives our testimony power and then we understand the words of Rev. 12: 11 ” And they have defeated him (Satan) with the blood of the lamb and their testimonies.”

We concluded with many people coming forward to repent of their attitude to God, ask his forgiveness and to come to peace with Him. Obviously, there was much more said, but in retrospect, that is what stands out.  PTL!  The healing in Rwanda continues and the transformation of people’s lives is powerful to see and to be a part of.

During both services people manifested ‘genocide trauma’. Something that is said or sung or done, triggers vivid memories in a survivor and one told me it is like a video starting to play in their heads and they are transported to 1994.  They break out in a sweat and  start fainting of just shake uncontrollably.  I observed that some church leaders take them outside where they are cared for, prayed for and just held.  For the first time I experienced in my soul some of the pain or suffering or both, they were going through.  I think it was the panic and fear I could see in their eyes that got to me.  I became very unsettled in my spirit and from talking with a young man, realized that there is some very deep issues that still need addressing.  Reconciliation is never a handshake and a hug.  It needs the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and huge spiritual sacrifice and commitment from the parties concerned.  “Love one another, as I have loved you” – these words of Jesus have a new depth of meaning and understanding when we start walking in the shoes of these survivors.

After the service I had a nearly 3 hour meeting with a lady of 54.  He name is Cecile, a leader at the Vivante Church, who survived the genocide with her 3 daughters in a miraculous way, but lost her husband and 10 brothers.  Their remains were never found.  I am writing her story separately and will  post it sometime this week.  I need to talk with her some more as I write and need clarity on some issues.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.  We can only do this ministry with the wind in our sails generated by your prayers and carrying us along.

Jesus is indeed our peace,

Gerrit