From Genocide to Hope: Rebuilding Rwanda Through Healing and Reconciliation [Bonus Episode]

We’re doing something different in this special episode—bringing you a feature from our friends at the God on the Move podcast. God on the Move Podcast shares inspiring stories of faithful believers from the global church and will encourage you in your own faithful obedience to God’s global mission. We will soon be switching to a new rhythm of releasing a Lausanne Movement Podcast episode every second week, with God on the Move publishing in the weeks between. We hope that this new rhythm allows you to enjoy both Podcasts. Follow this link to God on the Move, where you can find links to your favourite podcasting platform and subscribe so you won't miss it when their episodes drop - https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/god-on-the-move   GOD ON THE MOVE Josephine Munyeli, Director of Administration and Finances at the PEACE Plan Rwanda, shares her harrowing and inspiring personal story as a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She recounts her experiences, the challenges of raising her children as a widow, and her instrumental role in Rwanda's healing and reconciliation process. The episode delves into how collective efforts involving the community, the church, and international NGOs have facilitated Rwanda's recovery from such a devastating event. Munyeli's insights into forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ongoing work of PEACE Plan Rwanda highlight a journey from unimaginable trauma to a symbol of resilience and hope.   📚 Links from the Interview Rwandan Stories: rwandanstories.org The PEACE Plan Rwanda: https://www.thepeaceplanrwanda.com World Vision Rwanda: https://www.wvi.org/rwanda 🔗 Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.   Josephine MUNYELI Rwandan, born in a strong religious family and a God-fearing environment, Josephine has been involved in the work of Healing, Peacebuilding and reconciliation since 1997 in different institutions and was leading healing and reconciliation initiatives. She was also involved in mobilizing Rwandans to embrace and participate in Gacaca processes that were to bring together genocide survivors, perpetrators and the population, in general, to tell the truth about what they saw, heard and did during that tragedy for the purpose of healing, confession, forgiveness, justice and reconciliation. From 2017 to December 2024, she worked with churches in Rwanda, coordinating capacity-building initiatives to Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. Josephine has been involved in the course known as “Perspectives on the Global Christian Movement” since 2021 and currently serves as an Instructor not only in Rwanda but also in other French-speaking countries in Africa. Josephine retired in January 2025 but continues to serve in the Perspectives course and works on a voluntary basis with TUBASANGE, an agency that mobilizes, trains and sends missionaries. Josephine is a widow with two grown-up sons and a daughter-in-law. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration/Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.   📝 We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!