Pastor initiates healing, reconciliation

August 11, 2017

The Rev. Jerome Bizimana knows the work of forgiveness is “never easy.” This is especially true in Rwanda, where 23 years ago, in April 1994, hatred between Hutu and Tutsi tribal groups led to the death of more than 800,000 Rwandans. Although it has been more than two decades, the wounds are still very much alive.

Bizimana is helping begin the work of reconciliation in the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda by bringing together perpetrators and survivors in a group known as the “Light Group.”

Light Group members travel from parish to parish in Rwanda giving testimony during worship. Some talk about how they’ve asked for forgiveness; others discuss how they’ve learned to forgive those who killed family members.

“It is still very much a process, but I’m happy to see them working together, worshiping together,” Bizimana said. “They’re educating the new generation. When they give this kind of testimony there is hope for the future of the church.”

Video URL:  https://vimeo.com/220502069

Kathy Melvin, Director of Mission Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus:  Rwandan killings

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers

Nancy Collins, East Central Africa
Jeff Boyd, Central Africa
Christi Boyd, Central Africa

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Lora Limeberry, PMA
Sara Lisherness, PMA

Let us pray:

Gracious God, remind us again and again of your abundant hospitality. Lead us to serve others who are hurting, alone and afraid. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 84; 148
First Reading 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Second Reading Acts 19:21-41
Gospel Reading Mark 9:14-29
Evening Psalms 25; 40