Kwibuka26: Love Remains

Genocide. n. The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular nationality or ethnic group.

26 years ago, on this date, the Rwandan genocide began.  The systematic killings lasted 100 days.  The United States did not help in any way.  Millions of Tutsi or mixed (Tutsi/Hutu) adults and children were killed, tortured, raped, and/or left to die slow and painful deaths by the Hutu.

I’m 29.  What if I had been born in Africa?  What if I had lived through this? What if my parents were perpetrators?  What if I was a target?  What if my family had fled before it happened and I grew up in a refugee camp?  What if we came back?  What would my life look like 26 years later.  These were questions I asked myself the last time I was here and have thought about again since going through the Memorial a second time and being here for Kwibuka.   

These are questions that I think about since making new friendships and deepening others since arriving in February.  I have begun to hear stories of how the genocide has impacted them: good and bad.  Sometimes I hear stories of redemption and God’s hand of mercy, and sometimes my heart is broken at stories of loss, abandonment, and brokenness.      

My heart is a little heavy today as Kwibuka26, the week-long commemoration of the 1994 Genocide begins… and Rwanda is under a lockdown.  That means no large gatherings and no sessions on Genocide ideology, denial, or resilience of survivors.   It also means no going to mass graves to leave wreaths, mourn, or pay tribute.  Additionally, walks and night vigils have been cancelled.  Instead, information will be played over social media, the news, and the radio.

My heart is also rejoicing at how far this country and the people have come in 26 years.  No, it’s not perfect.  Yes, there are still wounds: some internal (emotionally and psychologically) and some external (scars, loss of limbs, etc).  People are still grieving.  Sometimes it takes time to build trust.  Sometimes there is still fear.  But I have also witnessed peace and forgiveness. I have witnessed a government who now loves their people well. How far this country has come, will not be stopped by COVID-19.  Yes, ceremonies, gatherings, and vigils might be put on hold, but love remains. 

Love remains:

This is week 3 of lockdown, and before the lockdown we had a week of social distancing.  It’s not easy.  In my last 2 blogs, I have written about the mandates that are being enforced and about the low-income people not having enough resources.  We, at HOPE, were able to buy 1.5T of food to distribute (until we recently had to halt that).  I was able to be on the frontlines by packaging, bagging, and handing out some of these kits.  The joy that people show receiving them has been unmatched.  Some have danced, some pray for us, others give us air hugs, and yet others receive and blow air kisses back to us as they leave…they are so thankful for 15kg of food (rice, beans, maize flour).

The government is also aiding with assistance.  They don’t have unemployment and programs like we do in the states, but they have a National Strategic Grain Reserve (which is being depleted day by day).  They also have love.  Neighbors have been helping neighbors.  Top leaders and officials are giving up their April salaries to feed people. Wow.  What an incredible act of love! 

So, as this day comes to an end, and Resurrection Sunday comes closer, I’m reminded of the Hymn of Promise…how love is there and always remains, but sometimes unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.   

In the bulb there is a flower;

In the seed, an apple tree;

In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter

There’s a spring that waits to be,

Unrevealed until its season,

Something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence,

Seeking word and melody;

There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

Unrevealed until its season,

Something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning;*

In our time, infinity;

In our doubt there is believing;

In our life, eternity,

In our death, a resurrection;

At the last, a victory,

Unrevealed until its season,

Something God alone can see.

*Everyone thought the cross was the end…but it was just the beginning!  We can find HOPE, JOY, and PEACE in the death and resurrection of Jesus.  For those who confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that Jesus was raised from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED.  It’s not the end; it’s the beginning of a lifetime with God.  LOVE REMAINS.