This last June I had an opportunity to travel to Rwanda in Africa to help an amazing organization, ERM Rwanda. ERM Rwanda is working directly with the people of Rwanda, specifically widows and orphans of the genocide in 1994. In 1994 one million Rwandans lost their lives in 100 days as the Hutu tribe brutally tortured and murdered members of the Tutsi tribe. The founder of ERM Rwanda, Emmanuel Sitaki Kayinamura, lost 35 members of his family in the genocide and by the grace of God he and his mother escaped. Read his amazing story here.
Nineteen years later ERM is doing some amazing things including running a vocational school where students can learn trade skills such as masonry, carpentry, hair dressing, sewing and welding. ERM is also working directly with widows of the genocide who make crafts that are sold at the local market.
The genocide physically eradicated hundreds of thousands Rwandans, but it did not destroy their living spirit of hope, faith and determination.