Today's prayer focus is a country that's been in the news a lot the last couple of decades. As with most regions of the world, what we see on the news has skewed our thinking. Please learn more about Rwanda on pages 719-723 and the notes from a Rwandan believer studying in the U.S. Then, please watch the video below, and then pray along with this Rwandan man.
Rwanda is a tiny country located in the heart of Africa. It's about the
size of Maryland State but has twice as many people. It is Africa's most
densely populated nation. 56.5% of Rwanda's population is Roman
Catholic, 26% is Protestant, 11.1% is Seventh-day Adventist, 4.6% is
Muslim, 1.7% claims no religious affiliation, and 0.1% practices
traditional indigenous beliefs.This land of a thousand hills is known
for its beautiful terrain and inhabitants, mountain gorillas and,
unfortunately, the 1994 genocide.
In April 1994, the country
experienced one of history’s most atrocious genocides. In just 100 days,
close to one million ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutu sympathizers lost
their lives to the hands of extremist Hutu militia. This civil war left
many people either dead, orphaned or widowed. A lot of wounds were
inflicted—either emotional, spiritual or physical—some of which are
almost impossible to heal. How such feelings of murder and resentment
conspired within the minds of some Rwandans remains a mystery to many.
But as a believer in the creator God, it is not difficult to understand
that this was nothing short of the devil’s work. He was a murderer from
the beginning and he influences many to do the same.
In the wake of
the genocide, the country under great leadership put forth various
efforts to rebuild the Nation into a peace loving society. The
government called upon the church to lead the country in reconciliation
as it looked to eradicate the animosity between the two ethnic groups.
God is His sovereignty and infinite wisdom appointed leaders who
promoted religious liberty and acknowledged that reconciliation was not
possible without the church’s intervention and guidance.
Even though
Rwanda is doing very well as one of the fastest growing economies in
the world, the pain of the genocide rests heavily upon many hearts.
Without an understanding and appreciation of God’s love as revealed in
His Son Jesus Christ, many find it impossible to forgive and be healed
of their emotional and spiritual wounds.
Please pray that God will:
- Continue to raise up workers in His vineyard to share the precious
message of reconciliation about Christ’s death, resurrection and soon
return.
- through His Spirit move upon His church body so that they
will earnestly seek a revival of primitive godliness; that they may be
emboldened and empowered to share His message in love
- Bless the
leaders of the nation with wisdom to continue to promote religious
liberty and guide the nation into greater economic and social
development.
http://youtu.be/Zmrl7rz3sHc
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