This past Tuesday, I listened to the January Series by Immaculee Ilibagiza. She was a victim of the Rwandan Genocide, and had an amazing story to tell. For three months, she was hiding in a very small bathroom with 6 other women. If they were found, they would have been killed just because they were from a certain tribe. They could not talk, move, or flush the toilet. They were barely given food to eat, and all they could do was stand still and pray not to be found. She lost 60 pounds over the three months, and mentioned that the bathroom became roomier throughout the time because the bodies of the women were like skeletons. She shared with us her testimony about forgiveness.
This story shows the opposite of human purpose. We as humans are supposed to move around and interact with one another. We are supposed to form relationships and love one another. Immaculee was trapped for three months, in which she did not say a single word or move at all. Also, she was full of hatred for those who killed her family and were trying to kill her.
This story also shows a lot about evil and redemption. The Rwandan Genocide was full of evil. One tribe was out to kill another, with no mercy. Men, women, and children were murdered ruthlessly for no reason. However, Immaculee shared her story of redemption. After many struggles, she was able to forgive those who were against her. One verse that she remembered was “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus said this when he was on the cross, and this verse changed her life.
This artifact shows that the empire can be extremely evil. The tribe that was out to kill had control of the government and the military. They ruled Rwanda and evil spread throughout the country. However, through the faith and forgiveness of Immaculee, the Kingdom of God was shown. As she spoke, she mentioned how much she was in prayer and how much she reflected on scripture. It struck me that in the end she was able to forgive and move on with her life. She is so happy to be alive and to be able to talk and interact with people. Her testimony is very powerful and it was inspiring to hear her speak.
Discussion Questions:
1. How has the forgiveness of Immaculee inspired you? Are you quicker to forgive others, just as Christ would?
2. If your family was killed, would you truly be able to forgive the murderers?
