The restorative power of God

Written by One Year Expedition on April 20, 2022. Posted in One Year Expedition 2022.

A journal entry from Kigali by Gabriela Kellerman

Walking through the city streets of Kigali tonight was an experience I don’t ever want to forget…
Walking through Rwanda, is like physically walking on the restorative power of God.

While walking I was engaged in deep conversation with Emmy, he told me Rwanda’s story and the state of the country before and during the genocide, he told me how it has come to be what it is now. I asked him many questions without holding back and he so willingly answered them with so much passion, and in just a matter of moments the most devastating story I’ve ever heard, left me in absolute disbelief of what God has done to restore this country. I felt as though I was standing on the grounds of redemption itself.

But how? I kept asking Emmy…how? How is this even remotely possible if we look at the tragedy that happened a short 28 years ago?
God.
There is no other logical explanation.

The city itself is breathtaking…everything in sight! Newly built and established, all built up from the ashes that once defined this country. How did they start a country from scratch and get it to where it is now in a matter of 28 years?

Forget the infrastructure for a moment…
The people. They have hope, they take pride in their country, they’re good stewards and friends to strangers…how? How have they recovered from the hate that prowled through the streets and consumed them? Most of them are left with almost no family, some are physically scarred and impaired…all these are reminders of the heinous acts from 1994, yet, they seem to only be looking forward. They’re striving to live a life of forgiveness.

Lord I’m taken aback.
You restore nations. I’ve been a witness to the fact that it’s possible. You rebuild wonders from soil that has drank more blood than its nation could bare. You make teachers out of the ones who have suffered.

What are you teaching me Jesus? Who am I not to forgive when a Rwandan can live in the same community as the one they know killed their relatives all those years ago. Who am I to hold a grudge over nothingness when these people have the right to carry hurt and pass it onto others…YET they choose not to.I see your hand Lord. I acknowledge it. I’m yet to try and fully grasp what you’ve done here.

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Comments

Willem

April 20, 2022 at 9:07 am

Inspiring!

Abi Hattingh

April 20, 2022 at 9:47 am

We have an awesome God!

Raymond

April 20, 2022 at 10:25 am

Wow what a story of hope Gabi, thanks for sharing!!!

Cornelius Ngosa

April 20, 2022 at 11:10 am

I had a very similar experience as yours Gabriella. God is truly redeemer.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn form their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Well written!