Remember Rwanda

Last Saturday, April 6^th marked the 19^th anniversary of the beginning of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide when the president’s plane was shot down over the capital Kigali. The week that follows is dedicated as the week of mourning. Shops are closed as villages mourn with candle-lit vigils and commemorative ceremonies. Continuing for 100 days there will be no celebrations or parties of any kind until their Liberation Day, July 4^th, which marks the end of the genocide.

This time of the year has proven to be a very difficult time for our ladies. The time of mourning can also evoke trauma and pain in their lives. They, along with other Rwandans, are reminded of the horrible things that occurred and relive the tragedies of pain and loss that occurred 19 years ago. For many, it affects their work and is immobilizing.

What made the genocide so devastating was the lack of outside help for the ongoing massacre that plagued the Rwandan countryside. I was reminded of the devastation as I watched the Frontline documentary, Ghosts of Rwanda. The wake of the genocide waded to the ends of the earth. Everyone felt its impact. Those that were closest to the crisis felt the pain and those who turned their heads against it felt the guilt. No one was untouched by its chaos.

Now 19 years later, the genocide remains to be an ever-present reality for many Rwandans while for us on the other side of the world this genocide is nothing but history. It is easy to close your eyes to something you can’t see, but that does not mean that it is not there. I challenge you to make yourself aware to the suffering of our brother and sisters in Rwanda. Let’s not ignore their need again, but rather come to their aid.  Join us in praying for peace in their villages and in their hearts, especially for our 35 widows and their families.

Another way to offer up encouragement and support during this difficult time is to sponsor one of our 35 widows. Sponsoring is more than just assisting her with her salary, but it is affirming her work, valuing her as an individual and walking through life with her. What better way to lay a healing touch to the genocide’s aftermath—commit and invest in her future! A $35 monthly contribution allows a widow to work in a holistic environment that provides her with spiritual and emotional support, health insurance, group and one-on-one therapy, and a steady salary.

 Visit http://www.truevineyard.org/our-widows to read more about the women we serve in Rwanda. Let us not forget the tragedy that affected so many Rwandans in this season by praying and loving them fervently!