20 Years Later: Reconciliation in Rwanda

Kristin Wright | Open Doors USA | Updated: Mar 12, 2014

20 Years Later: Reconciliation in Rwanda

Two decades have passed since the Rwandan genocide. Today, organizations like Samaritan’s Purse are working to help individuals and families as the country continues the recovery process in the wake of the genocide which left 800,000 people dead.

A Samaritan’s Purse program called “Raising Families” is working with 83 local churches and 1,660 families throughout Rwanda to improve access to education and healthcare as the country continues to rebuild after the tragedy.

 The Right Reverend Louis Muvunyi, Bishop of Kigali, has been a leader in the implementation of the program.

“Poverty is blocking the healing, reconciliation and restoration that we want," he says. “The Church has to do something. It is well placed to bring holistic transformation in our society and make an impact in Rwanda.  That is why the Church is there.”

With the 20th anniversary of the genocide coming up this April, Samaritan's Purse is reaching an additional 10,000 poverty-stricken families through “Raising Families.”

“We need to continue to help many more families receive these vital resources, so together we can transform our communities and end poverty among ourselves,” Bishop Louis says. “The Church needs to be vigilant, and remain prophetic.  We have lots to learn, and we must be accountable to our calling and to our nation.”

Publication Date: March 12, 2014.



20 Years Later: Reconciliation in Rwanda