Christian Ruberwa
Guest Writer
Last Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Wheaton College psychology department and the human needs and global resources program co-hosted a screening of a documentary titled “As We Forgive.” This film highlights some of the key complexities surrounding post-genocidal Rwanda.
Ryan Juskus, assistant director of HNGR, was present at the screening, and he elaborated on some of the themes displayed in the documentary. Juskus said that he believes the process of reconciliation is tougher than anyone could ever imagine:
“While the temptation is to sing the praises of forgiveness and reconciliation, this film lets you sit, sometimes awkwardly, in the tension, in the mire, like when a woman sits face to face with her father’s murderer for the first time,” he said.
Juskus was referring to a scene in the film in which a woman named Chantale sat down with her neighbor John, who had confessed to killing Chantale’s father.
Juskus said, “The film spotlights a part of the Lord’s Prayer that we too often take for granted, reminding us that the mercy shown us by our Lord is somehow directly linked to our ability to forgive those who have sinned against us. And the link between the two happens in concrete situations of human relationship — in Rwanda, and in Wheaton.”
In 1994, up to one million Rwandans were killed during various instances of ethnic cleansing. After failed attempts to get support and aid from outside international and non-profit organizations, the majority of Rwandans subsequently decided to start rebuilding their nation under the leadership of current President Paul Kagame.
One of the leaders of Rwanda’s new generation is Christophe Mbonyingabo, who started Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA). Mbonyingabo was present at the screening. The documentary mentions his organization and the effect it has had in Rwanda.
Mbonyingabo’s mission with this national NGO is to promote reconciliation and development by empowering local citizens through a biblical approach. Additionally, CARSA has been committed to using this method in order to implement reforms in the Rwandan education system to decrease the poverty rate and help accelerate the economic progress.
People like Mbonyingabo and organizations like CARSA are to bring peace and healing to the people of Rwanda. In an epilogue segment of the film, viewers glimpsed indications of how the country has changed and how the burden to regroup is falling on the shoulders of everyone.
Despite Mbonyingabo’s optimism, Rwanda still has a way to go to complete restoration. The country’s government is still met with rumors surrounding its involvement in Eastern Congo’s mineral-rich provinces and has been accused of sponsoring rebel groups that continue to sporadically attack civilians.
The solution to the complex situation in Central Africa is not just a political one and involves stronger partnership and more communication between African nations and their American counterparts, said Mbonyingabo.
A response to future relations will also have to come from the Western Church and how it plans to coexist as one body of Christ with the Rwandans, he said.
Photo Credit: Chloe Cucinotta
Printed in the October 26, 2012, issue of The Wheaton Record. Send comments to the.record@my.wheaton.edu.