Forgiving Does Not Mean Forgetting

“Darkness TO LIGHT”

FORGIVING does not mean FORGETTING

First, a little background history on Rwanda. Rwanda was comprised of three tribes when the Belgian colonists arrived in 1916. The Hutu, Tutsi and the Twa. The Belgians manipulated and physically and emotionally divided the tribes by deeming one more superior than the other. They then issued them identity cards stating their appointed tribe. The Tutsis were discriminately favored and given better jobs as well as superior educational opportunities.

This distressing overwhelming division caused further animosity and bitterness. Eventually in 1962 after Rwanda was granted independence, the majority of Hutus took power. After the death of the president of Rwanda in 1994 the horrific genocide began. His plane was shot down and shortly after recruits were disbursed and the atrocious, vigorous brutal slaughtering of Rwandans went on for approximately 100 days.

Rwandan Genocide Statistics

The is a partial description of what took place over the course of 100 (one hundred) days. There were an estimated 800,000 to 1 million Tutsis and Hutus were brutally and maliciously slaughtered in a Rwandan Genocide. It was reported that more than 6 men, women and children were murdered on a continuum every minute of every hour of every day for 3 months.

During the 100 day genocide, there were also between 250,000 and 500,00 women raped. These rapes resulted in approximately 20,000 children that were born. The lingering horrific rapes resulted in more than 67% of these women infected with HIV and AIDS. This was an evil systematic plan carried out by HIV+ men as a weapon of genocide.

There were 10 times as many widows than widowers, a reported 50,000 widows of Genocide. There were a report 300,000 to 400,000 survivors of genocide. Nearly 100,000 of the survivors were between the ages of 14 and 21. This left as many as 75,000 remaining orphans in poverty and well as without schooling. At least 40,000 were left without home and shelter.

It was shown that 7 out of 10 of the survivors earned a monthly income of less than 5000 Rwandan Francs (equivalent to $8 eight Amercian dollars)

**This information was taken from compiled statistics from PHARP

This is the current organization that helps many

Genocide Survivors Foundation | Preventing Genocide, Supporting Survivors

One can only begin to imagine the lingering evident aftermath from the disturbing pro ponderous of evidence in these statistics. The staggering recorded numerous multiplicities of abuse, deaths, murders, horrific mistreatment, stress and lingering depression that was experienced by all is unforgettable... No doubt these People of Color were extremely wounded emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually, beyond the comprehension of most...

This tragic Rwandan Genocide resulted in an unspeakable traumatic tragedy. LORD HAVE MERCY!!!

Dealing with hurt and emotional wounds

If someone has hurt you deeply, if you have been carrying hatred in your heart. If you have been abused, molested, rejected, humiliated, deceived, maligned, called names, abandoned, beaten, undermined, overlooked, persecuted, lied on or feel shame, you can learn how to give up the bitterness! It may not happen overnight, but it is possible. If you are unable to forgive or you feel that you have been wronged or mistreated, or if life does not seem to be going your way. I want you to take some time and ponder on what happened here in Rwanda. You will find out that “With GOD ALL things ARE POSSIBLE.”

True Biblical Counseling/Therapy often requires a brutal transparency that is not always pleasant. Like a Gethsemane experience it can initially be difficult. Know that not all pastors are able or qualified, to give intense counsel/therapy. Know that secular counseling/therapy and Christian Counseling/Therapy are not the same. You really can emerge with newfound freedom as you realize that what GOD knows about you is what matters most. He knows everything. With the HELP of the LORD you can overcome anything. You will no longer have to shift or conform to the wishes of others for acceptance. You will or can become comfortable in your own skin wherever you are... You can become content and disciplined. Begin to go forward in your life KNOWING GOD LOVES YOU! He will never leave nor forsake you! He has a plan for your life! YES INDEED!!! START TODAY MOVING CLOSER TOWARDS GOD AND GOING FORWARD!!!

Now I want to take some time and share with you the actual TRUTH of what some of those who experienced this tragic Rwandan Genocide shared with Me/Us. I PRAY that you are enlightened, encouraged and inspired.

We had such a memorable, extraordinary, marvelous evening with our Rwandan friends from PHARP –Rwanda. Pastor Anastase, Marie Louise, Julienne and Pastor Protais worked effortlessly as a team. PHARP stands for Peace building, Healing, and Reconciliation Program in Rwanda. They openly and sincerely shared in descriptive graphic detail their heart wrenching experiences during the Rwandan Genocide. It is now reported that there were actually closer to 2,000,000 lives brutally taken during the 100 days of the Rwandan Genocide! We will be forever grateful for this unforgettable experience. Our son Evangelist Jamal Ogans along with the Horizon Community Church were able to actually go to Rwanda and minister to them up-close and personally. They forged ahead diligently amidst the transitioning community of Rwanda to help facilitate their mission to bring about healing, restoration and reconciliation.

During the 100 days of genocide between 250,000 and 500,000 women were raped. I again remind you, that more than 67% of those women were purposely and systematically infected by HIV+ men as a weapon of genocide. One Pastor shared how his wife, children, and mother along with a total of 46 relatives were massacred. He had to hide out in the swamp for 41 days without food. He only had contaminated swamp water to sip.

Despite the often-assumed stereotype keep in mind, generally most "people of color" do not seek revenge! It is far better and superior to SEEK GOD! Don't ever let anyone put you into their little box. Live each day to include the LORD in every aspect of your life. It is important to be aware of those who cause division and are very divisive and will do whatever is necessary to place others under their control. It is due to their own narrow mindedness. Pray for godly spiritual discernment! Know there is absolutely nowhere you can go, nothing you can say do or think that Abba Almighty Father God is not aware of. God is omniscient! Yes do, strive and thrive each day to live a life pleasing in the sight of the Lord and not man. You can reach God Almighty wherever you are 24/7.

What happened during the genocide in Rwanda is an excellent example of what happens when those who lust and seek after power will do it at all cost. They will often seek others who are dependent upon them or will do whatever they ask without question. This is why it is so important to know God and His Word for yourself!

Please stay with me for a few minutes and ponder the facts of the Rwanda Genocide in your heart!

*These statistics are also complied at www.surviors-fund.org.uk

Yes, unfortunately The Rwanda Genocide was real! Thousands of homeless and orphaned children. Yet these children of God stand tall, firmly and purposely in their concerted efforts to help bring about the ongoing process of “Forgiveness and Reconciliation.” They have come here to America to share a powerful message. The Country of Rwanda is in the continual much needed ongoing process of healing and restoration. Many of those who participated in the genocide have been released from prison and are now back in the community. Many have accepted Jesus Christ. Today there are no longer identity cards they are all called Rwandans! They are committed to moving forward in overcoming the barriers of the past.

This dedicated team, along with many others are dedicated to assisting and empowering the remaining Rwandans. This is not without its challenges. Keep in mind that within the Church there, many pastors face the dilemma of having survivors and those perpetrators of genocide within the same congregation. They are diligently working to make a difference. They are reaching out and helping to rebuild a country that has been devastated. Trauma Counseling and healing, peace building, reconciliation, self-help groups, youth programs and vocational training and income generating projects are inclusive along with much prayer, worship and praise! We support, pray for and solicit your prayers for all Rwandans as well.

It is not necessary to go through the same things that others go through to have genuine compassion and empathy. Truly God is able through the tremendous power of His precious Holy Spirit is to empower us and open our understanding. We serve an Omniscient God who is able to Help us in a remarkable way in all areas of life to minister to all ages. With the HELP of the Lord, we can do this regardless of, the people, who are also of all colors, rich or poor any place in this world whenever the environment is right. When the presence of the Holy Spirit is truly welcomed. The Lord can use whomever He so desires. One must be seriously committed and submit to the Lord for direction... It is always an amazing Blessing to see His Grace in motion.

It is important to know that the family of God consists of a plethora of people throughout the world. We all come in different sizes, shapes, colors, races and cultures. There is not going to be a segregated corner in heaven that’s designated for Blacks, one for Whites, one for Reds, Browns, Yellow, Biracial or multicolored people. This is also again why I see myself as Colored! I know who I am in the Lord! It goes so much deeper than the color of one’s skin, how they look, who they are, where they have lived, what one has or does not have nor their varied diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions. God knows who His children are. He knows our hearts, motives and minds and absolutely everything at all times. He is omniscient! THANK YOU LORD for setting Me/Us FREE!

Life is serious. So live it striving to daily please the Lord! I assure you, you will be or become a lot happier. Life is precious. Truly having the Lord in your life will make all the difference in the world. I personally DO NOT spend a lot of time in foolishness, gossiping, nor trying to explain myself to people who are bent on misconstruing everything you do and say... "Whatever You DO, DO it as unto the Lord!"

It is important to know that God alone is Sovereign! He does not need us! We all need Him! He places and arranges the members in the Body of His Universal Church as it pleases Him. We are grateful for all that He has done for us and allowed us to witness and experience as we have been able to travel many places through the world... Abba Almighty Everlasting Father GOD, knows where each and every one of us are in our spiritual growth and development. He has given us the necessary talents and gifts to accomplish whatever He has created us to do.

In many situations within the Church here in America, on various levels worldly methods have been adopted. The ways and methods of the world’s reasoning and social divisiveness has resulted in much division. Many seek to unconsciously and consciously control and dominate others with a slave mentality. There is an underground thought process for many, to put others under them rather than preach, teach and proclaim that ALMIGHTY GOD is; over us all. Tradition, Denomination & Non Denominational practices all too often takes the forefront. Manipulation has been erroneously embraced by many of God’s people. True deliverance really is possible. Truly God is more than able.

It is very important to know the Word of God firsthand. We as His “children” are to consistently spend time with the Lord developing a vivacious strong ongoing, endearing ever growing transparent relationship with Him and come to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! This way you will not be “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” You do not have to strive to control or dominate anyone. DO NOT follow anyone blindly. Know you are not a slave. Nor do you have to argue what you know to be true. This only displays and reflects one’s own insecurity. Quite the contrary. God is ultimately in control!

It is our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus who died upon the cross for the sins of the world. He sacrificed His Life that we might be FREE! JESUS is the only one who overcame sin, death and the grave and arose with ALL POWER!!! Jesus led by example. He spent the majority of His time beyond the walls... He nor His Apostles/ Disciples built places of worship. We HIS people who have truly accepted JESUS CHRISFT into our hearts as our LORD and SAVIOR are HIS TRUE CHURCH!!! YES LORD!

Spiritual "ONENESS" IN THE LORD is possible! It is not something that you can manipulate. When you do you only produce unspiritual robots. GOD has given us His Holy Spirit who is with us. Our body then becomes the Temple He resides in. It is truly desiring the LORD'S WILL above whatever you want or how you want it to be. Our purpose is to daily live out God’s principles and foster a desire in others to want to come and know Jesus as Lord and Savior as well. Ultimately it is your solid, committed relationship with Him, that will sustain you as you go through any of life’s many challenges.

Life consists of both Mountaintop and Valley experiences... Come what may; With the Lord you can experience numerous Mountaintop experiences.

In spite of all that has happened to them, these Rwandan’s have come to share their “Mission of FORGIVENESS & RECONCILIATION” of genocide! To impart the valuable knowledge they’ve learned. Webster defines forgiveness as: to give up resentment of, or claim requital; forgive an insult. To forgive does not mean that you have to ever allow others to insult or disrespect you. They know the value of confronting the truth of whatever has happened. Contrary to what is often said forgiveness does not mean you forget. It means to lay aside any ill will and pardon the wrong that was done. You do not seek to take revenge, You commit to standing up for yourself whenever necessary. When people have wronged you, you may often feel anger, guilt and fear retaliation. Don't let their projected fear become your truth.

The Fruit of God’s Spirit will and can flourish in your life when you elect to embrace and implement His principles in your own daily life. True forgiveness comes from God. Joy & Peace are by products of the Fruit of God's Spirit! Knowing the Lord, having a relationship with Him and applying His Word makes all or can make all the difference in the world. God's Word is the necessary Essential, Spiritual Food for mind, body as well as our souls. This is why it is important to read and relate to it God's Word properly. For it is the necessary daily living bread from heaven. It is the continued flowing endless Spiritual Manna that the Lord has supplied.

Through their heartfelt sharing our love, faith, trust in God, and our commitment has been greatly enhanced that much more. It has personally added to my spiritual wellspring. They are truly walking in the “Light of His Word.” As a child of God I know wholeheartedly that God is more than able! Being a Christian is a daily lifestyle. We are living in a time when many will say and do some of everything. One must be aware at all times. Therefore, we stay daily adorned in the Spiritual Armor of GOD!

It is amazing to know and realize that absolutely nothing goes on with anyone or anywhere in this world, that God is not aware of. The Rwandan genocide is mind boggling. In our little finite minds, we will never fully comprehend the “why” of a lot of things. But I do know that ALL GOD'S WORD is true. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers (and sisters) … Romans 8. God did not say that it all would be good. But, He did say that He would at some point work it ALL out for good. Ask yourself? Is your purpose really His purpose? What really inspires you?

We are eternally thankful for the many we have met all throughout the world. For the many places that we have traveled. The Lord has allowed us to see, witness and experience many wonderful things... We are endlessly grateful to our ABBA ALMIGHTY OMNIPRESENT EVERLASTING FATHER GOD. We thank our Holy Father for the indescribable "Security & Significance" we have in Him. We are eternally grateful for all that He has done. For all that He is doing and for all that He will continue do in the future. We have learned how to lean and depend on CHRIST JESUS our LORD and SAVIOR! "For it is in HIM we LIVE and MOVE and HAVE our BEING..." Acts 17

Truly; "The LORD is Ny/Our GREAT FOREVER GOOD SHEPHERD!!! Before HIM there is no other" We know without a doubt that JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOR is THE ONLY MEDIATOR between GOD & Man. We thank HIM for calling us to be His Children, HIS Evangelists, Pastors/Ministers/Elders and Ambassadors. For He has allowed and continue to allow us to safely travel and "GO YE THEREFORE THROUGHOUT ALL THE WORLD..."

The eyewitness account of the Rwandan genocide was enlightening and life changing. It was a remarkable experience. Their God given joy was evident and shined forth from their countenance as they each shared their amazing and difficult testimonies. They without question, are definitely walking in the “Light of His Word.” They truly have come from “Darkness TO LIGHT.” They reached out, above and beyond what they had suffered and shared a wealthy message of wisdom, inspiration, encouragement and hope to bring about healing. It is quite evident that God has equipped them to help others overcome barriers, to unite and reach out to build peaceful communities for the future. Not only in Rwanda but throughout the world! “Blessed are those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5 The POWER of GOD was evident beyond words! I can go on ….. ""But instead I will say; PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD!! YES LORD!!! FOREVER & EVER WE LIVE "TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!"