A Journey of Faith, Courage, and Unity
The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, emphasized that Rwanda’s recovery from its tragic past was driven by faith, courage, and visionary leadership. Speaking at the Leaders Prayer Breakfast held in Kigali on Friday, November 7, Mukazayire highlighted the transformative power of prayer and fellowship in shaping individuals, communities, and nations.
The event brought together faith leaders and government officials, including American Pastor Paula White, who leads the White House Faith Office, and her delegation of faith leaders. White delivered a sermon during the service, underscoring the importance of spiritual guidance in national development.
Mukazayire reflected on Rwanda’s transformation following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which she described as a result of poor governance that led to “poverty of minds and hearts, divisionism, and hate.” She noted that colonial ideologies and divide-and-rule practices had stripped Rwandans of their culture, values, and identity, resulting in persecution, killings, and the destruction of the nation’s social fabric.
To rebuild, she said, Rwandans made “tough decisions” at all levels and chose life over despair. “We did not accept to die. We chose to live and make worth the lives of our loved ones who had left and were no longer with us, as well as making worth the sacrifices of those who fought to liberate us,” she stated. The process required justice, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, underpinned by the principles of inclusion, equality, and the rule of law.
The government of national unity became the foundation of the rebuilding process. Mukazayire shared a personal testimony, explaining that her own story reflects the country’s reconciliation journey. “Being a child of a genocide perpetrator, and at the same time being a cabinet member, minister of sports, it is a testimony of that leadership of equal rights and opportunities to all Rwandans,” she said. She described Rwanda as a nation that turned tragedy into triumph, built on the spirit of collective achievement and resilience.
“Indeed, Rwandans, we are overcomers. We are winners,” she said. Mukazayire praised President Paul Kagame’s leadership, stating that his guidance helped the country transform pain into power and fear into strength. “With God’s hand upon him, he turned bones into armies. We are the armies that are standing here,” she said. She urged leaders and citizens to remain mindful of their legacy and roles in sustaining the country’s progress.
“We should always be mindful of the legacy we want to leave, and this will enable us to stay on track towards the sustainable development we aspire to,” she added. Mukazayire concluded by calling on everyone to make choices that go beyond self-interest, guided by faith and responsibility. “It is never all about you. It is also beyond you, and we have as leaders, as Christians, as parents, to always be mindful of that,” she said.
Pastor Antoine Rutayisire, one of the founding members of Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, described the prayer breakfast as a special occasion, especially with the presence of a faith advisor from the White House. “When we learned about her visit, we took the opportunity to organize the breakfast and invite various partners from the sectors we work with,” he said. “We reflected on how far God has brought Rwanda, but we also recognized that the journey ahead is still long,” Rutayisire said. He emphasized that God has not yet finished writing the nation’s story, and with every new chapter, greater things continue to unfold.
Key Takeaways from the Leaders Prayer Breakfast
- Faith and Fellowship:The event showcased the role of faith and community in driving national healing and progress.
- Leadership and Vision:The importance of strong, inclusive leadership was a central theme, highlighting Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to triumph.
- Reconciliation and Justice:The need for justice, repentance, and reconciliation was emphasized as essential for national unity.
- Sustainable Development:The call to remain mindful of legacy and future goals underscores the commitment to long-term progress.
- Global Connections:The involvement of international figures like Pastor Paula White highlights the global support for Rwanda’s development.