An estimated 75,000 children were left behind after the Rwandan genocide in 1994—thousands of them maimed, violated, and left with emotional scars that still remain today.
Justin is one of them. His parents were killed during the 100-day assault that left more than 800,000 Rwandans dead. He was four years old when they disappeared from his life forever.
For most of his childhood, Justin wandered, like so many of his peers. They were Rwanda’s lost generation, drifting to the doorsteps of strangers, to any kind face they could find during those dark days. But for Justin, there was no comfort waiting. While moving from foster home to foster home, he was neglected and abused, even by children his own age . . . because he was Tutsi.
This innocent child was a living testament to the evil capable by humanity. But one day he would come to embody the hope possible through love.
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After the genocide, World Help supporters responded out of an overflowing compassion for the people of Rwanda. Together, we partnered to build Homes of Hope to help alleviate the growing orphan crisis.
It was at one of these facilities that Justin finally came home. The care he received launched him on a healing process only possible through the love and sovereignty of God.
Watch World Help Bloggers in Africa | Dan King — Rwanda from World Help on Vimeo.
His gentle, but firm smile is telling. It speaks of pain and loss, but also of purpose and hope. Those who know Justin will tell you—his capacity for love is astounding. He has inspired hundreds of individuals, including World Help staff and supporters, by exemplifying the power of redemptive love.
Today Justin is studying at a local university, working toward a degree that will sustain him for years to come. He is also musically gifted, and writes worship songs that he prays will shine the light of Christ in the lives of hurting people. His life is a stunning tapestry rich in value and hope.
Justin’s story echoes those of dozens of others like him who now live at World Help Homes of Hope. Stories of coming home . . . learning to be loved again . . . and reclaiming their futures.
Miracles unfold when we act as the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. Our love can build homes, feed the hungry, empower the broken, restore hope to the hopeless . . . these are the stories that echo into eternity.
What could your act of obedient love accomplish? Our world is full of individuals like Justin who are clinging on, waiting for the life-changing reminder that someone sees them, that they are not forgotten, and that they are loved.
Interested in getting involved in Rwanda? Visit worldhelp.net/Rwanda to learn how World Help is partnering with visionary men and women to cultivate a national infrastructure that grows healthier by the day.