Palau to bring message of hope to Rwanda 15 years after genocide

Evangelist Andrew Palau is getting ready to bring his message of hope and Good News to the people of Rwanda 15 years after the 1994 genocide killed an estimated one million people in 100 days.

A Season of Service (SOS) has been launched in the run-up to the Kigali Festival in July to coincide with the country’s 100-day commemoration of the brutal slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by members of the majority Hutu population.

As part of SOS, churches are mobilising their congregations to improve public areas and take part in social action projects around Kigali, the Rwandan capital. SOS is fitting for the city, whose residents have long taken part in government ‘umuganda’ or ‘work for free’ projects.

"I'm inviting and challenging the pastors in Kigali to join Andrew Palau and to engage a transformational, sustainable ministry within their city," said Bishop John Rucyahana.

SOS kicked off on April 17 with the launch of a new water catchment system at a school in the city that will provide clean water to its 2,200 students and also benefit those in the Genocide Survivors Village next door.

"SOS is an effort to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ and open relationships for the sake of the Good News," said Palau.

Kigali Festival is being put together at the invitation of more than 350 churches in the Rwandan capital. It has received the full support of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kigali’s mayor, vice mayor and city council.

Palau is the son of well-known world evangelist Luis Palau, founder of the Next Generation Alliance, a ministry committed to mentoring young evangelists around the world. The scheme has proved successful in the five years it has been running in Rwanda.

Festival Director Dr Tim Robnett said: "The Alliance's success prompted this invitation for Andrew and other African nations are following suit," he said.

Taking place from July 17-18 at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, the free event will draw together international Christian musicians, local Rwandan artists, and sports athletes, while a Family Fun Zone will entertain young ones.

Palau will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite those in attendance to make a faith commitment.

"Rwanda is set for great days of transformation and redemption," he said.