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| Map of Rwanda |
As I (Craig) stood outside the
Kigali National Genocide museum in Rwanda in early September, I was reflecting
on the tragedy that happened there just a little over 20 years ago (from April to July of 1994). That was a terrible
three months where nearly one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu were slaughtered at the direction and
planning of their own government. Near me were the remains of 250,000 people killed
during that horrible time-- buried in a mass grave at the museum. However, juxtaposed with this horror of years ago is the radical transformation of a country that is spiritually and economically growing into a successful country in Africa.
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| National Genocide Museum |
I traveled to Rwanda for meetings with
potential partners, including the Rwanda Bible Society and other national church denominations, to discuss issues of literacy and scripture
use. We were very encouraged by what God is doing in that country. One of the most interesting meetings we had in Kigali, Rwanda was with the
Pentecostal Church of Rwanda. There are 2 million Pentecostals in Rwanda alone
and the national church has been recognized twice in last two years with the UNESCO literacy award for
excellence.
Kigali is one of the cleanest cities I
have ever visited in Africa. It has also dramatically reduced corruption
and has created a culture of accountability from the top down. Each year
Rwanda has National Accountability Day. The leaders go before the people to
report on how they have down on their accountability agreements with the people.
This has live twitter and Facebook feeds where citizens can ask tough
questions regarding the leaders' accountability. Also, the Church is continuing to grow
and Rwanda has become a leading country in Africa for foreign investment.
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| View of Kigali, Rwanda |
One of my real enjoyments of the trip was visiting with one of the young faith leaders in Rwanda. Daniel was a fellow student and graduated with his Masters in International
Development from Eastern. Daniel just recently accepted a new position at
Opportunity International where he will be helping them to measure the spiritual transformation from micro finance projects that are faith based in Africa.
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| Craig and Daniel |
Please be in prayer for
possible partnerships in Rwanda and for the country’s continuing transformation
from the ashes of tragedy.
