Hard to say goodbye

I have been interning at PFR for the last six months and with a week left to go you can imagine the building excitement of going home and being reunited with my friends and family. But last night it finally hit me, I am leaving behind another family. Over a leaving dinner at our favourite local restaurant sharing the usual jokes, brainstorming new ideas with Guma (my boss and PFR’s Communication Director), and tucking into a delicious meal, every member of the PFR team stood up a told me what I had meant to them. It was without a doubt one of the most touching evenings of my life, and why am I telling you this? Quite simply to allow myself the opportunity to put into words what this organisation means to me and why they are so worthy of your support. So how do I summarise the past six months without sending everyone to sleep? In three words...spirit, dedication, and love.

Spirit

The PFR team have an unbreakable spirit, and when confronted with the numerous challenges they face they are not discouraged. They talk problems through in fast-paced Kinyarwandan (which then gets translated for yours truly) and everybody gets a say. They are some of the hardest workers I have ever met, finding time in their busy schedules to not only take care of families, but to attend prayer daily, to work 10 hour days, and even make time to socialise with one another...demonstrated by the fact that despite the birth of a new baby boy for our Project Manager Felix (congratulations!) he still made an appearance at my leaving dinner. You would think that with all this going on the office environment might, on occasion, be a little tense, with tired and irritable workers...I’m picturing a typical London office come Monday morning, but no, it’s smiles all round, constant upbeat chatter, and a ‘ready to face whatever is thrown at me mentality’, sometimes it’s hard to keep up! You certainly need a lot of what follows to maintain this incredible spirit...

Dedication

PFR’s dedication to the causes it supports is inspirational. I honestly think that if no money was available, some of the staff would offer their time for free. It is refreshing to work in an environment where everyone is genuinely passionate about what they do, and the people they are championing....our HIV + women, the street children of the AAC, communities going through the long process of reconciliation, or prisoners who are repenting for their crimes. Every group and every person counts. Sometimes I wonder if PFR tries to do too much, to support too many people (this is normally when I am overwhelmed with tasks myself) but then I remember that everything they have accomplished so far...the six successful reconciliation villages, the 33 child sponsorships, the marketing of women’s goods, and the evangelising of once hopeless prisoners, proves that they can succeed at whatever they set their mind to.  And moreover, they cannot say no, or turn away someone in need. And this leads me to my last point...

Love

When you walk into the PFR office, whether as an old friend, business partner, or new acquaintance, you are greeted with a warm embrace from Jacqueline, and you instantly ‘feel the love’. Suddenly your language, your skin colour, your different culture, disappears into thin air and you are just another person, which is rather refreshing when you are having to adjust to getting stared at on a daily basis and chased by small children. In my time with PFR I have been described as many things but what I will remember most is being described as a daughter by our Executive Director Pastor Deo, who not only ensures I get the best treatment when sick (which inevitably happens rather a lot over here) but also offered me a room in his family home when he found out I was paying an extortionate rent. The staff show their love to me and to one another in so many different ways...from an invite to a family wedding, to visiting a new born baby in hospital. From teasing one another about boyfriends or girlfriends (sorry ‘secret friends’), to all chipping in to help someone pay rent on a new house. It is a pleasure to work with such wonderful, warm, and loving people. I will treasure every moment.

So there you have it. Three words that should assure you that supporting PFR is a wise decision. The team will work tirelessly to ensure your money is spent in all the right ways, no project or new idea is too much for them, and not only do they truly appreciate the kindness you show them but they will welcome you to Rwanda and into the office with open arms and hearts.  To support us or share ideas with us please email info@pfrwanda.org. 

One Man's Story

Those of you who have had the pleasure to spend time with PFR’s Founder and Executive Director Pastor Deo Gashagaza may have already been rendered speechless by his amazing and inspirational story. For those that haven’t had this opportunity Pastor Deo has been persuaded to put pen to paper and begin to write it, in the hope that this may one day lead to an entire book, his stories could certainly fill one...

‘I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1963. My parents had fled there from Rwanda during the massacres of 1959. Many members of my family did not make the same choice, they stayed in Rwanda. It was their home and they did not want to leave. I first saw Rwanda, a country that I had grown up hearing about, in 1995, in the wake of the 1994 genocide. After 32 years of living as a refugee I had come ‘home’, to a country that was devastated. Personally I was going through a lot of trauma, 45 members of my family had been murdered, including my sister who had returned to Rwanda prior to the genocide. She had been killed in the southern province of Bugesera where she was living with her family. I don’t know why but I felt that this is where I needed to go, maybe in the search for answers and for closure. Whatever it was, it led me to Bugesera prison where those who had killed her would be being held. I asked to enter the prison as a Pastor to speak to the inmates about the word of God, it was something they needed to hear. They had committed the most horrendous crimes but they were still people, and I still saw them as people. 

Pastor Deo telling his story for an exciting documentary

I was the first Pastor to be permitted entry. The genocide had finished not so long ago and genocide ideology was still fresh in many perpetrators minds, some justifying their actions to themselves, others to try to save themselves from punishment. When I walked in many of the prisoners took one look at me and asked ‘why is he still alive, this Tutsi?’ others said ‘we should finish him off.’ I was terrified, shaking, sure that I was going to die and asking why God had wanted me to do this, just to be killed like all the other members of my family. There were so many prisoners, and so few guards that really if they wanted to kill me they could do so easily. After much discussion the prisoners that seemed incharge decided that they would let me speak first, and kill me after. This was really my one chance, I had no other option, so I began to speak. I told them that God loved them no matter what they had done, I spoke to them about sin, confession, repentance and hope. I asked them to have faith that this was not the end of their lives, that the damage they had caused could be mended and that maybe once again they could return to their families, their villages, and live a normal life again. I did not trivialise their crimes, but I wanted them to know that with time, and with work that maybe one day they could be forgiven, if they really understood the error of their ways, and were truly and deeply sorry for what they had done. They needed to understand that we are all sinners, nobody is perfect, and whilst yes their crimes were to many, incomprehensible, if I could find it in my heart to talk to them and perhaps even one day forgive the very people that had killed my own sister, then I thought that maybe others could too. 

When the moment came for me to finish I was so scared, I wanted to go on talking forever, but I knew that if I was killed then it was doing something that I believed passionately in. So I finished, and to my great surprise many prisoners began to approach me, hug me, shake my hand, some were in tears. They asked me to come back again, to tell them more stories from the Bible, to teach them to word of God. Of course I was overwhelmed with happiness and agreed to come back the following week. I had put my life in God’s hands and he had protected me, my faith was stronger than ever.’

Today Deo takes his message around the globe

If after reading this you simply think it is unbelievable then trust me I know the feeling. When Pastor Deo first told me his story I could not even respond, I had so many questions...why would you put your life at risk when you had escaped the genocide? How could you bear to be in the same room as people that had killed members of your own family? Did he really think they could be forgiven? But I knew what the answer would be to every question...everything is in God’s hands. Pastor Deo is a deeply spiritual man and he seeps kindness. Just being in his presence makes you feel good and loved, so really it should come as no surprise that he offered this incredible level of compassion to the prisoners of Bugesera.  PFR today owes everything to Pastor Deo and to this first brave venture into Bugesera prison.

The Word on Everyone's Lips: Reconciliation

A word closely associated with Rwanda today is 'reconciliation', but what does this really mean and how does one go about achieving it? As it turns out, PFR's Project Manager Felix is the man to ask.

Felix runs restorative justice workshops in communities around Rwanda and last week he journeyed to Ntarama in the district of Bugesera to conduct a three day workshop.Ntarama is an area renowned for some of the most brutal killings of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Over 5000 Tutsis, including many women and children fled for shelter in the local church, but they did not find sanctuary. Instead they died huddling together whilst Hutu militias threw grenades into the crowd and then finished survivors off with machetes and rifles.

Despite the pouring rain over 40 participants showed up from many different districts to take part in this workshop which is vital to maintaining peaceful and healthy relationships between members of different communities.The aim of the workshop was to teach the participants how to become conflict mediators in their own communities and whilst it is impossible to describe in detail the amount of information covered in this comprehensive three day course, below I will highlight what I took to be the most important aspects and the bible teachings Felix used to make them accessible to the participants.

Felix teaching

WHAT IS RECONCILIATION?

First and foremost...reconciliation is a process not an event, there is no magic formula. We cannot expect it to happen overnight, or in one meeting. Relationships must be constantly worked on. Reconciliation is the building of a friendship and replacing hatred with love. Building a friendship in even the best of circumstances takes time, and building a friendship between two people who have previously hated each other will take much longer.

Furthermore, a reconciled relationship must be built according to the words of John Chapter 3, Verse 18 “Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.” It is through actions that we build true and lasting relationships.

Felix told the participants that their motto should be ‘Gukunda, Ubushuti, and Amahoro’ or ‘Love, Friendship and Peace’...the first to two together leading to the accomplishment of the latter.

Brainstorming the meaning of reconciliation

WHY SHOULD IT BE PURSUED?

Reconciliation is not only about achieving peace between two parties. Whilst this is of course important in itself what is even more important is maintaining peace in the general community by resolving the smaller conflicts that arise. First Corinthians Chapter 10, Verse 31 tells us “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” As Christians we have a duty to pursue reconciliation and peaceful relations not just for our own glory but for the glory of God.

The perfect student!

HOW IT SHOULD BE PURSUED...

Firstly, in order to be successful in reconciling two parties you should not enter as a judge, you must learn to be humble and listen as another human being, a human being that has sinned just like others. Matthew Chapter 7, Verse 5 tells us ‘Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.’ So before you can act as a conflict mediator, Felix tells participants that they must address their own shortcomings, that they must not be righteous, but be understanding. We are all the same.

Secondly, you must build a relationship of trust between yourself, the mediator, and the parties involved in the conflict. This will take time and nurturing, you must speak to each party separately about how they are feeling and encourage them to be open and candid with their emotions. That way, when they speak to one another they will hopefully maintain this openness and the trust you have built with both parties will allow you to be seen as a neutral mediator.

Group discussion

WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE...

Reconciliation is by no means easy. Frustration, fear, and hatred stand in the way of open discussion and co-operation.  People will avoid facing the truth as often it is simply too painful. Felix asked one of the participants to give an example. A smartly dressed woman stood up to address us and told us how she had been sexually violated and injured by a man in her village during the genocide. He had left her for dead, presuming she would not survive the terrible injuries he had inflicted on her private parts using numerous weapons. However, not only did she survive, but somehow she found it in her heart to forgive this man. She told us that she needed to forgive to move on with her own life, she understood that fostering resentment and hate was only going to hold her back. She thought that making this brave decision would mark a new beginning for her. The problem arose however when the man in question would not accept her forgiveness, he could not believe that anyone could truly forgive such atrocities. So now she stands in no-mans land, wanting desperately to forgive and move on with her life, yet unable to because of the very man who inflicted so much physical and emotional pain on her to begin with. 

A very brave lady willing to forgive the man that tortured her

Felix encouraged the woman to try, as hard and as unfair as it might seem, to view the situation from the man’s perspective. He asked an ex-prisoner to stand up and explain the kind of feelings that genocide perpetrators experience when confronted by their victims. The ex-prisoner described a sense of overwhelming shame, of their own trauma remembering the pain they had inflicted, and the killing that went on all around them. He said that often perpetrators believe the sins they have committed to be beyond comprehension, and therefore beyond forgiveness. He went on to say that the only way that he overcame this was to help the victims in day to day life, helping to build their house, farm their land, carry their water and so on. Felix asked her and members of her community to try this approach with the man who violated her. Time is a great healer, and practical reconciliation we are told time and time again by perpetrators and survivors is the only way to repair shattered relationships.

It was a great experience to be able to watch restorative justice in action, and whilst some of the testimonies were truly harrowing it was incredibly moving to hear that these people wanted to move on with their lives and were prepared to offer true forgiveness. The participants of these workshops are vital to the future of Rwanda and their commitment to becoming conflict mediators in their own communities is inspirational. I hope to have shared a little of what I learned about reconciliation one rainy day in Ntarama.

Dancing in a Thousand Hills

This week was a particularly busy one for the PFR staff as we welcomed two very important visitors: Gerrit Wolfaardt and his son Thabo, both born and raised in South Africa and now living in the United States.

Gerrit has an incredible story that led him to Rwanda. Having grown up as a white Afrikaaner during Apartheid he was taught by everyone around him, his school, his church, and his parents, to hate ‘the Blacks’.  He was told they were nothing but snakes and baboons and that the South Africa needed to get rid of them. He slept with Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ on his bedside table and had plans similar of his own to rid his country of the black population who were plaguing it. As he grew up and began training to be a lawyer God opened his eyes to the fact that South Africa had far more black people than white, and he says he began to see these people as PEOPLE, just like him. This revelation led him to the townships to see first-hand the crimes being committed against black South Africans, crimes that he had previously denied vehemently, even when his own black housekeeper Grace told him friends and family were being murdered.  At this point the transformation that had already begun in his mind was reinforced by his actions as he started to defend black prisoners accused of committing crimes against the government. Having experienced deep hatred and in equal measure an incredible transformation in his own life,  Gerrit can not only relate to people who committed genocide crimes but understands the incredible importance of reconciliation. He deems the message of reconciliation that PFR promotes so vital that it needs be spread, both across the border to the DRC where thousands of Rwandan refugees hide, refusing to return home due to fear of revenge attacks, and to the rest of the world.

Gerrit sharing his story with Kimonyi villagers

To this end Gerrit brought his son Thabo to Rwanda. Thabo is a well-known film-maker in the US and currently teaches film-making at UCLA to help fund his passion of making short films and documentaries. His most recent film ‘Joburg’ not only won numerous awards at film festivals all over the US, but was also shown at Sundance 2010. Inspired by real life events Thabo clearly has an incredible talent.

Thabo capturing testimonies

On their arrival in Rwanda two weeks ago, Gerrit and Thabo began training two local filmmakers to help with the documentary, not only lowering the production costs by saving money on flights but also encouraging the Rwandan film-industry. Filming then began at PFR’s Kimonyi Reconciliation Village nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes two hours north of Kigali. The story behind the documentary is that of a troupe of dancers from the village composed of genocide survivors, perpetrators, ex-combatants and returnees.

Ex-combatant having returned from the DRC

Meeting them, and watching not only the way they dance together but the jokes and laughter that they share, you would not have any idea of their diverse and seemingly opposing circumstances. They are a credit to work of PFR and have used their own initiative to show and teach others their incredible story by singing songs of reconciliation, dancing together and sharing their testimonies. All of this was captured on film over four incredible days and taken to the borders of the DRC where the troupe addressed local authorities and took their dancing to the street, attracting crowds both old and young. 

The dance troupe take to the street

It was a brilliant experience to be a part of and Thabo will return to Rwanda next July to continue filming, undoubtedly he has a lot of editing to keep him busy until then! PFR would like to thank Gerrit and Thabo for supporting us and promoting a cause so dear to our hearts, reconciliation is the only way forward in Rwanda and we are truly grateful that you will help us spread this message. To learn more about the upcoming documentary or to contribute to filming costs please visit Gerrit’s website:
http://www.thewordfan.org/?page_id=239. 

A special birthday with Prison Fellowship Rwanda

Last Tuesday, Katy and I, PFR’s current volunteers from the UK, visited Rilima prison with some members of the PFR team. It was the first time either of us have visited a prison, either in Rwanda or in the UK, so we didn’t really know what to expect apart from what had been relayed to us from other PFR visitors. To be honest, although I was really keen to go, and I knew that it would be a fundamental and profound part of my experience here in Rwanda working for PFR, I was very apprehensive and somewhat nervous. I understood that it was expected of us to talk to the prisoners; and no, that did not mean having a chat with one or two inmates to find out more about conditions and experiences – oh no – Katy and I were asked to formally address a crowd of 300 or 400 prisoners! How scary is that?!

We arrived at Rilima somewhat bewildered and what we experienced took us by surprise. The prison is set in beautiful surroundings, deep in the countryside; and there is a pervasive atmosphere of peace. The prisoners have created their own community within the confines of the prison boundaries – they keep livestock and engage in productive activities. PFR has been able to contribute to these activities by donating sports equipment, stationary and various other practical tools and materials. Such activities boost morale, promote health and prepare the prisoners for a return to a functional life when they have served their sentences.

Players rest after a football match at Rilima prison

 To meet the staff and prisoners, we were led into the prison’s main courtyard, where we encountered a large crowd of male prisoners who had assembled to listen to the preaching and speaking. It was unnerving at first, but so many faces bore expressions of welcome that it was difficult to remain uncomfortable for long. We were invited to take our places on the stage and shook hands with staff and preachers – some of whom were inmates. Katy and I wondered where the female prisoners were, as we were keen to meet them and their children, so we were pleased when they eventually took their places in a central seating area in front of the stage. Once the crowd was fully assembled, one of the two prison choirs sang a song to welcome us, accompanied by the prison band, complete with home-made electric guitars! Everybody was soon up on their feet, dancing and clapping to the music. It was rather overwhelming for me – I was really touched and very much humbled by such a display of positivity in a place of confinement: the human spirit is alive and kicking at Rilima prison.

After the initial introductions (including much mirth and applause at our feeble, yet earnest, attempts at Kinyarwandan) Katy and I were invited to speak, with Guma, PFR’s Communications Director undertaking translation. Nervous but courageous (warning all that her cheeks may turn bright red), Katy took the microphone and addressed the crowd with a beautiful, personal and heartfelt speech about her Rwandan experience; an extract of which is below:

Rwanda has taught me how to be patient. To know that when a waiter says your food will be ready in two minutes, he really means twenty. To smile and relax when a friend is an hour late, because you know she had the best of intentions for being there on time. To take the time to struggle through a conversation where a language barrier is preventing either of you from fully understanding one another, because by the end of it, you both will have learnt something. This new found patience has calmed me, has given me the time to realise that there are more important things in life. That meal that took that extra twenty minutes, was delicious. That friend, who is always late, has been a true blessing my life. Those numerous difficult conversations have made me realise that I must learn another language! Rwanda has given me patience, and taught me that it is often the things you wait longest for in life, the things you prayer hardest for, that are the things really worth waiting for.

I have also learnt what true kindness is. From a stranger saying ‘sorry sorry’ when you trip up on the street, like it was actually their fault, to a child who has absolutely nothing offering you a sip of their drink or a bite of their food.  From the smile on a lady’s face when she hears you speaking even the smallest bit of Kinyarwandan, to a driver offering you a ride home from work. From a friend bargaining you Rwandan prices for a taxi, to a family welcoming you into their home and sharing with you their most precious moments.  To treat others with this level of kindness is the ultimate way of showing your love for God: if everybody treats others how they expect to be treated themselves, than I believe this can only result in great unity.

And finally I have learnt the innate importance of dignity and respect, for yourself and for others. What has become apparent to me in the time I’ve spent here is that Rwandans are proud of themselves and of their country. It is not arrogance but a deep respect for what they have accomplished. It is in the way you carry yourselves, how smartly you dress, the way you greet one another, how respectful you are towards women, and the ease with which you welcome visitors into your country...undoubtedly with a smile and an offer to show them around. Yet it seems the people I meet here are always eager to hear about my life, to learn more and to find ways to better themselves: understanding that there is always room for improvement. This attitude has inspired me to accept that whilst I am by no means perfect, I should have pride in my own accomplishments, and should continuously look to those around me to work on the ways in which I can personally improve. 

Pinned on my refrigerator door in the house I am sharing with 3 other women is a verse from Corinthians Chapter 13. It says, ‘Love is always patient, love is always kind, love is never envious or arrogant with pride.’ So really, being in Rwanda, and spending time with Rwandan people has taught me how to love. Not how to love my family, or friends, because I have always been blessed with that, but how to open my heart and to love humanity, to see the best in every single person I meet: to understand that whilst we are all profoundly different, we are also all the same. We all have the power to love and we are all loved, by God, and by our fellow men.

Being rather more disorganised than Katy, and my speaking style being somewhat “off the cuff”, I shall refrain from attempting to match Katy’s eloquence by writing a remembered extract from my speech, but its general theme was hope for the future and, through faith in God, making it a reality. I spoke about Rwanda’s miraculous emergence from great strife and devastation into a nation of rapid development, peace and stability; but most fundamentally, a nation of hope. I told the prisoners that they too could participate in this new Rwanda, because other ex-prisoners had done so before them - a number of whom I had met and whose positive stories of reconciliation had inspired me: they had turned their lives around and found faith in God, in other people and in themselves. God loves us and wants the best for us – all of us, no matter what we have done in the past. Each of us has a purpose. Each of us is meant to be here. Each of us has a right to be here on this earth because God put us here. Therefore, we must have and hold on to hope because it is our most treasured possession.

So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess, and our acknowledgement of it, for He who promised is reliable and faithful to His word.

Hebrews, Chapter 10, Verse 23

I shared some of my own personal story with the prisoners, about finding faith and regaining hope. I described feeling alone in the darkness with no desire to see a new day, but through the support of others, finding a spiritual path which took me towards the light. I shared my belief that God works through each of us, so we should seek comfort in each other as fellow human beings. Furthermore, I shared that I have found it important to have compassion and forgiveness for myself. I told the prisoners that I had faith in them because I now have faith in me.

Following Katy and I, Guma preached – showing us how it is done! He shared his personal spiritual journey and the glory now in his life brought to him by his Christian faith and love of Jesus Christ. He spoke passionately and sincerely, engaging the crowd and drawing them in. Finally, we were blessed with another musical performance by the other prison choir to end the visit in joy and celebration of God.

Finding faith is of paramount importance to the prisoners because finding faith means restoring hope for a future life in freedom. Faith makes that possible. In Rilima prison alone there are 8 places of worship for prisoners of different religious beliefs.

Upon leaving the stage, Katy and I shook the hands of many prisoners, and I felt overjoyed to be among them and to reach out to them. We are all just imperfect people muddling along in the best way we know how, and we all make mistakes along the way – some tragic and terrible; but no matter how serious and harmful a person’s actions, he or she is still a human being deserving of forgiveness and a chance to change.

The day I visited Rilima prison in Rwanda is by far the most unique, inspiring, and indeed humbling, birthday I have ever had. I couldn’t ask for a more sacred birthday present! Thank you PFR.

PFR takes North America by storm!

At the beginning of the month, PFR was delighted to welcome back its Executive Director, Pastor Deo, from a summer trip to Canada and the USA, where he has been sharing the message of reconciliation and building support for the work of PFR.

Back in June, Pastor Deo set out to Canada, for the Prison Fellowship International Convocation. The convocation is a large international conference occurring every four years, bringing together representatives of Prison Fellowship ministries from around the world.  This year, the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto hosted this special Jubilee convocation from 28th June to 2nd July, the themes of which were hope, forgiveness, restoration and freedom. The participants had the opportunity to hear from speakers including judges, former prisoners, politicians and prison officials; to share stories of God’s transforming power and reconciling love; and also to learn best practice and leadership skills in workshops and classes. More than 1000 people were in attendance, representing 119 countries from around the world.

Bishop John Rucyahana, Chairman of the Board of Prison Fellowship Rwanda, was one of the guest speakers, focusing on hope and forgiveness. He spoke about good practice in Rwanda in the fields of restorative justice and reconciliation, and also talked about the positive development of Rwanda post-genocide, including government action and initiatives. He described how the country was destroyed by the genocide, with no hope left; but by the grace of God Rwanda is being rebuilt, including the building of reconciliation between killers and their surviving victims, and looks to a future of peace in which the people can thrive.

Bishop John’s speech was well received across the board, with a huge round of applause and a standing ovation. After the speech, Pastor Deo was approached by the Prison Fellowship representatives from Italy who wanted to learn from Rwanda’s best practice restorative justice approach and apply it at home. Other countries expressed an interest in learning more about Rwanda’s reconciliation villages. Exciting stuff! What a blessing and a joy to be able to spread the word about the amazing story of reconciliation in Rwanda and to enable others to discover how PFR’s approach could be applied throughout the world.

After the conference, Pastor Deo spent ten more days in Canada during which time he visited three churches and spoke to their staff and congregations about the work of PFR including reconciliation, and the women’s co-operative and the AAC children’s project. The response was great: he raised $400 from the sale of goods made by the women’s co-operative, and his Canadian host Margaret Fisher and her friends raised approximately $1,300 to contribute towards food for the children and to the reconciliation villages.

Upon conclusion of his time in Canada, Pastor Deo ventured across the border to Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the USA. During that time he visited All Saints Church in Baltimore and met a gentleman associated with Mustard Seed International who wants to buy a cow for children living in prison.

Pastor Deo had a wonderful trip and he would like to thank all the people who made that possible, including those he met and prayed with along the way. He prays for their continuous support in helping to rebuild Rwanda, and asks them to pray for PFR. He would specifically like to thank Margaret Fisher in Canada, and Donna and Dean Payne in Baltimore, USA, for their kind hospitality. He also thanks Mustard Seed for its continuous generous support. Furthermore, he would like to thank PFI for providing his accommodation at the convocation and air tickets.

Although his trip proved to be a blessing, Pastor Deo is delighted to return home to his beloved family, and, of course, to PFR!

A moving experience: visiting a prison in Rwanda

Kathleen Dhillon, a member of Falls Church Group, Virginia, USA, has been kind enough to share her experience of visiting a prison in Rwanda with Pastor Deo a few weeks ago.

During my first and recent visit to Rwanda, our team was given the privilege of visiting one of the prisons outside of Kigali. I volunteer, teaching basic computer skills, at a halfway house in Virginia for women re-entering society after serving time in prison, so the opportunity to visit a prison in Rwanda was very special to me. 

When we first arrived, I heard a lot of noise and realized it was singing. When I asked Pastor Deo about it, he smiled and said that the prisoners knew we were coming and were preparing for our visit by singing and worshipping God. I realized at that moment that it was going to be a special experience, as God had told me in my heart that it would be. We were warmly greeted and welcomed by the Director of the prison and several members of prison staff. I love the way that relationships rather than tasks are important to the people in Rwanda. 

As we took the few steps from the prison office to the compound doors, music continue to filter over the wall to greet us. As the door opened, I thought I might be scared, but I wasn’t. There were prisoners right there to meet us as the doors opened. They walked with us as we made our way over to an open area where everyone was gathered. I have never been to visit an American prison so I had nothing to compare this visit to nor did I know how to be prepared; but as we walked through the crowd, I felt the presence of God with these men and women. We were ushered up to a small stone stage where we were seated. Gathered in front of us were thousands of men and women from the prison. These men and women greeted us with song, traditional dance, praise and prayers which were amazing and beautiful. They were from the heart, genuine and touched every part of my heart.

I was particularly honoured that Pastor Deo asked me to speak. In my heart I wanted to reach out to each of these individuals with a message of Got but as I sat there I realized I am a woman who isn’t much of a talker and who certainly doesn't speak to crowds! I was scared - not of the people, but of my own fear - what do I say and what could I possibly offer? I tried to take in everything that I was seeing, hearing and feeling. I didn't see men and women who had committed crimes. What I saw in the eyes of these individuals was that they are just people - people not unlike myself or any of us:  some with sadness, but most with eyes of hope and love. I heard hearts that were singing out in praise of God even in these difficult circumstances. As I stood, I realized that my words were inadequate but that they came from the heart. God knows that these men and women live behind these walls and has not forgotten them. He loves them so much and I love them as well.

I have known Pastor Deo for some time but have never had the privilege of seeing him preach. What an honour to see how much he loves God; how he shows these men and women his love and how he reaches out to them with the powerful message of the Gospel. God is good! 

I will forever remember and be touched by my visit to the prison. In my future trips, I hope I will again have the honour of worshipping with these men and women.

Thanks Kathleen for your beautiful words. We certainly hope that you will return to Rwanda soon.

Friends reunited: visitors bring joy to PFR's children

The last few weeks have seen the return to PFR of the Falls Church Group from Washington, USA. The group have been key supporters of PFR for a number of years; generously giving of their time and resources to the organisation. Last Monday, some of the women from the group arrived with bags and bags of goodies for the local children who visit the centre three afternoons a week for food, fun, love and support. It was quite overwhelming! The church community had generously donated piles of t-shirts, sweat-shirts, socks, shoes, skipping ropes and other sports equipment. Such gifts are of tremendous value to these children - many of whom are homeless and without family support; therefore they rely on such kindness for basic necessities. Certainly, the children were delighted with their new clothes – many of them choosing to wear them right away – proudly running out to model outfits for staff and visitors.

Stacey and her daughter help to distribute donated clothes to the kids

However, the firm favourites of the visit were the popcorn-maker and the soap bubbles. No contest. After eating a balanced meal, which the Falls Church Group helped to serve, the children were invited to take handfuls of healthy popcorn as an after-lunch treat. What was particularly touching was when some of the children approached PFR volunteers and visitors with their handful of popcorn, asking if they would like to take some. These children have so little, but wish to share what little they have; therefore setting an example of humbling generosity and compassion to all of us. The soap bubbles brought out the child in every adult present, as everybody joined in to dip and blow – chasing the bubbles all over the yard.

In a more formal setting, the visitors introduced themselves; expressing their pleasure at being able to share their time with the children and how blessed they were to be in Rwanda. In response, some of the older children stood up in front of visitors, staff and their friends to share their stories. One of the young adults talked about his life on the streets; how he had struggled as a youngster – only able to envisage a life of drugs, crime and poverty ahead. However, Pastor Deo gave him reason to hope for something different when he was welcomed into PFR; he began to develop a faith through Pastor Deo’s teachings about Jesus Christ, and through experiencing the love and compassion given to him by the team. He was also able to discover and develop a unique musical talent, writing his own songs in a Rwandan hip-hop style, one of which he performed for a delighted crowd! Furthermore, the visitors were very impressed to hear that he regularly performs at a local hotel, participating in competitions. This gifted young man could never have imagined such possibilities several years ago, but we hope that he can now imagine scaling even greater heights.

Janvier Hitayesu: future Rwandan hip-hop star

Some of the visitors helped out by taking individual photographs of the children in order to build profiles as part of an educational sponsorship strategy currently underway. PFR’s offshoot organisation, the Association for the Assistance of Children (the AAC, previously known as Pastor Deo’s Street Children’s Ministry), is keen to get as many of PFR’s children as possible into the best education possible, with the help of sponsors; especially in light of the recent success of the Amizero graduates (see PFR’s May blog entry). The AAC will have its own website up and running soon – watch this space!

The little ones wait patiently to provide information for their sponsorship profiles

Afternoons with the children at PFR are never without a fair amount of dancing and this day was no exception. In fact, this day turned out to be a veritable dance party! The older girls entertained the visitors with some traditional Rwandan dance – graceful and beautiful as ever. The visitors looked somewhat reluctant when the girls pulled them up to join in, but they soon overcame their shyness as they got into the swing of things. Everybody clapped along and soon all were up and dancing to the infectious rhythm beaten out by one of the children on a make-shift jerry-can drum. Only the introduction of food into the proceedings slowed things down, but they soon picked up again later in the afternoon when the visitors’ driver turned his minibus stereo up and opened the doors. The children were excited to hear some of their favourite tracks and the PFR yard became a jumping dance floor as everybody worked to impress each other with their skilful moves. Even members of the PFR staff joined in cutting some shapes (and that was certainly a sight to be seen – there’s some hidden talent there….)!

All in all, everybody had a marvellous time: the adults left feeling somewhat more exhausted than the children, but exhilarated nevertheless. The PFR children never cease to inspire. The Falls Church Group arrived at PFR with their generous donations, but certainly didn’t leave empty-handed. They were able to take away precious memories of a joyous afternoon spent with a truly fantastic group of youngsters who are an example to us all with their courage, determination, creativity and compassion. The established relationship between PFR and Falls was further strengthened by the experience of the 2011 visit, and it is hoped that it will long continue into the future. On with the dancing!

For further information about sponsoring one of these wonderful children to attend primary school, secondary school or vocational college, please email aackigali@gmail.com

Lessons without borders: sharing the power of reconciliation

Last Tuesday Prison Fellowship Rwanda was happy to receive two visitors from the USA who were keen to discover more about the rehabilitation, reconciliation and restoration work of Pastor Deo and the PFR team.

Robbi and Rebecca are high school English/American Literature teachers who have been sponsored by their schools to make a trip to Rwanda to learn about the 1994 genocide and how the people of Rwanda have rebuilt and are developing their communities today. They aim to gather information and experiences which they can then share with their students back home, teaching them about the tragedy of genocide, but also about hope and possibility through Rwanda’s reconciliation success stories. The teachers have recently been exploring the topics of conflict and prejudice with their classes and they believe that introducing the subject of the Rwandan genocide into the learning experience will enrich the students’ knowledge and understanding.

The teachers were invited into the PFR office to discuss the work of the organisation including the creation of PFR’s reconciliation villages, restorative justice workshops and the rehabilitation of convicted genocidaires prior to their release from prison in preparation for their return to their communities.

Rebecca learning first-hand about reconciliation in practice

The visitors learned about Pastor Deo’s discussions with prisoners and his Christian teachings which bring light into their lives and hope for a future. Through a development of faith, the prisoner is able to speak about his crimes, repent, and ask for forgiveness of survivors and relatives of victims. He re-enters his community with a new determination to rebuild his life and make a valuable contribution to that community. Pastor Deo also prepares the community in advance of the prisoner’s release, which is a vital component of the reconciliation process. He sits and talks to the survivors, helping them to accept the return of the prisoner. He explains the healing power of forgiveness and the possibility of forging a new, more positive relationship through work and co-operation. It is often a very difficult and traumatic experience for a survivor because they are encouraged to talk about what happened to them and to share their feelings. Pastor Deo supports them through this process by encouraging their Christian faith. Upon return to his community, the prisoner is invited to meet with the survivor, and, supported by Pastor Deo, express his remorse and intention to make amends.

Robbi and Rebecca met and spoke with an employee of PFR who has been through the reconciliation process. His story is nothing short of inspirational. After serving his term in prison, where he met Pastor Deo, he was welcomed back into the community by a man whose mother was killed by his militia: the former genocidaire was invited by his victim’s son to share a meal. The teachers were heartened by such a beautiful, positive tale of repentance and forgiveness. The former criminal has turned his life around – he now bringing up three children of his own plus an orphan who he has kindly welcomed into his family. He speaks openly to the children about the tragic events of the past with the hopes of preventing the next generation from repeating the same mistakes. When asked what message he would give to the children in America, he said that they should always question what is expressed in the media and have the courage to do what is right.

In the afternoon, the teachers visited the reconciliation village of Mbyo. The village is comprised of forty-five households working together to build and sustain a content and productive community. The villagers have formed a farming co-operative, producing crops and rearing animals, in order to remain self-sustaining. They also welcome in tourist groups; the young people performing traditional dances for their visitors - Robbi and Rebecca managed to catch a performance before leaving.

A colourful display of traditional dance

The teachers sat with the some of the villagers, including community leaders, and discussed how reconciliation worked in the village. They were introduced to a man who had belonged to a militia responsible for killing husbands and other family members of some of the women in the community. These women were sitting next to him as he gave his testimonial, many cradling beautiful babies in their arms. One mother passed the man her baby to hold - he said that this wouldn’t have happened before, but now he is blessed with this privilege. These people are now able to work together, talk together and even laugh together. The villagers are very humble about what they have achieved and what they continue to achieve: they believe that it is the power of God. Such faith is a marvellous thing to witness.

Reconciliation has transformed the lives of these villagers

On the way back, the visitors stopped to visit and pay their respects at Nyamata church memorial which commemorates 10, 000 victims of the genocide, killed in and around the church in April 1994. Afterwards, everybody was quiet in the car, contemplating an extraordinary day.

PFR certainly provided Robbi and Rebecca some fascinating and profound material to take back to their classrooms in America. They can certainly share with their students a startling example of the extremes of human behaviour – from mass murderous hatred to humbling grace and compassion. Perhaps by sharing lessons learned across the globe we can all make a contribution to preventing the former and promoting the latter.

In the Nyamata visitors’ book, one of the teachers wrote “we remember”. By sharing her experience with her students in America, she will be adding to our worldwide, collective memory. Thank you Robbi and Rebecca; may others long continue to follow in your footsteps.

First Intake of 15 SCYM Youth Celebrate Graduation from Vocational School

Back in September, 15 youth participating in Pastor Deo’s Street Children and Youth Ministry piled into a van and ventured outside of Kigali to attend a 6-month Vocational Training program at Amerizo Training Centre. On April 1, 2011, all 15 of them graduated. The journey proved a marked experience of spiritual, physical, and emotional growth for each of them. It was a challenging time that taught these young men and women about discipline, about the love and provision of God, and about the value of their talents and skills.

Thanks to Doug and Sue Minson, faithful friends of PFR and SCYM, the students received full funding from supporters in the USA to complete their training. Each of them opted to participate in specific training in one of the following areas: sewing, carpentry, construction, welding, or plumbing. They now have the skills they need to support themselves and make valuable contributions to the development of their society.

The students celebrated together with the rest of the SCYM children and youth, Doug and Sue, and the PFR staff on April 2.

No one quite speaks to the impact of this training than the students themselves. What follows is a letter written to the students’ supporters. It is adapted from what the students have said during their time in training – whether PFR’s visits to the vocational school or during the holiday season when the youth returned to the office for their break for Christmas and New Year’s.

To Our Supporters:

We are forever grateful for your faithful support of our education. Just 6 months ago, we found ourselves in a bus on our way outside of Kigali. There were 15 of us, and we were, for the first time in our lives, leaving the city streets and the poverty and the lifestyle we had known for far too long. We were going somewhere fresh and new and exciting. We were going to Amerizo Training Centre. We could not quite believe it. It was a dream come to life. It is still amazing to us that this opportunity was given to us, that this door was opened.

We know the streets well. We have seen our friends and family suffer, and we have suffered ourselves. We know there is something beyond the life we lived for so long, and this drive to Amerizo was the beginning of what is beyond. We thank you for thinking of us. We thank you for praying for us. And we thank you for placing your hope in us. Young people living on the streets do not often experience the encouragement of having another human being think of them in this way.

Each of us had a vocation in mind. Some of us would learn to install showers and sinks and water systems in homes. Others of us would learn to build structures – schools, homes, buildings, shops. Others would learn to weld, or to carve, or to sew. Whatever the skills, we were thrilled to acquire them. We were thrilled to become productive members of society. A new society – a place that has changed since 1994, but still carries its own problems. We are eager to actively participate in the rebuilding and restoration of our country.

We thank you for participating in our lives. You have given us hope and you have given us a future. You have shown us love. We have learned so much in these past 6 months, and we anticipate success as we put our newly-acquired skills to use. As the older youth, we have set an example for the younger children in Pastor Deo’s Street Children and Youth Ministry. We are now a source of inspiration for them, and we know that our Lord Jesus has a plan for them, just as he does for us.

We will celebrate our graduation from Amerizo Training Centre on April 2. It will be a wonderful day, and we will think of you. Your participation in our lives will always be remembered. Thank you and God bless you.

--The 1st Graduating Class of Pastor Deo's Ministry to Street Children & Youth (SCYM)

Photo Caption: Emile, a young man who has now graduated from vocational school, demonstrates his skill in installing water systems in homes when the PFR staff visits the students at Amerizo Training Centre.