When I set out on this journey of writing and advocating on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I fully knew what to expect. I knew this would not be an easy task. I knew it would take a toll on me personally, and I knew that it would cause others to react against me.
This is by no means the end of this journey. These are just some reflections along the way.
The main question I'm asked is, "Why do you do this?" To be honest, I can't answer that question. Or, maybe I can't give you the answer you want. There is no defining moment that brought me to say that THIS is THE issue. In fact, this is not THE issue to me. Because I write so much about this and invest so much time in this issue should not confuse you. This issue is every issue to me (and by "issue," please do not think that I am taking the humanity out of it - "Issues" are always HUMAN!). I could easily write about homelessness, education, violence in another part of the world, domestic violence, or something else. Everyone is connected, but yet everyone is unique. There lies a tension that I cannot break for you. You have to figure that out for yourself as I am trying to do for myself. I do this because I have to. Yet, I do this because I choose to.
I've come against a lot of opposition. The opposition has been both direct and indirect. I've been called a "useless preacher" by a Rwandan government official. I've been told that I spread lies by more than a few people. I've been told that I'm going to Hell. I've been told that I preach the message of the devil. I've been told I have no place to speak because I am white. I've been told to just give it up because I can't win. I've been told to stop because I'm not an "expert." I knew I'd receive this opposition. Does it hurt? Only if I let it hurt.
Let me address some of this opposition:
To those who question ANY of my preaching: I am not perfect. I do sin. But, you can continue to accuse me of anything you want, but know this - my call to the ministry was a very real call from God. I try everyday to be faithful to God in all things. I fail sometimes, but that is what grace is for. In all of my writings, I have never said that God's grace cannot even cover the most guilty mass murderer if only that person would repent and turn to God for forgiveness. I do not seek to overthrow regimes. I do not seek to harm anyone. I seek peace. Jesus was very clear on his teachings about peace. I don't need to repeat them now. That is what I preach. If you misunderstand that, that's your problem, not mine. If I have said something contrary to those teachings, I'm sorry - let me know what I said, and I will personally apologize.
To those who say I spread lies:
EVERYTHING that I have written about or stated can be documented to an official source. If the reports of the United Nations are lies, then I'm guilty of spreading those lies. But, if you really believe that over 700 pages of United Nations Reports are lies, then I suggest you go back and reevaluate your position. Let me modify something I learned as a child. It may be helpful to you. If one group has a problem with you, you might not be a problem. If the majority of the world has a problem with you, you just might be the problem.
To those who say I have no room to speak because I'm an American White person:
None of us can choose our place of birth or our race. I recognize that my nationality, gender, and race gives me a position of privilege that others do not enjoy. I won't apologize for this because this is how God chose to make me. I will promise that to the best of my ability, I will not take advantage of this to knowingly exploit others. If I find that I break that promise, I will stop what I am doing and apologize and if possible, I will try to make right what I did wrong. I do not speak for my government. I can only speak to my government. So, when you address me as "You Americans," please know that this is not helpful to any discussion. Unless you know me, you also don't know my background or what I know, or where I've been, or what I've seen, or what I've experienced. I don't owe you an explanation of any of this. I am human and you are human. You can judge me if you want, but that doesn't make it accurate.
To those who tell me I should be quiet because I'm not an "expert":
What if we waited to solve everything till the "experts" came along? What if only the "experts" were aloud to talk on anything? Again, you don't know what I know and what I don't know. You don't know how I know what I know. I don't owe you an explanation. Judge if you want, but again, that doesn't make you accurate.
To those who tell me that I can't win:
You are the one group who is probably right! But, I need to ask - What is there for me to win? There is no victory for me in this endeavor. The only victory is peace for the innocent people in the DRC. I want no credit for that. But, if anything I write can encourage someone in power to look at something in a different way, or be another voice to influence that person, then that is great. If anything I write can encourage someone else to write something or say something better, that is great. If anything I write can encourage someone to go on one more day, one more hour, one more minute, great. But, you are right - I can't win. I have no vision of winning. There is nothing for me to win.
None of this is about me. All of this is about the innocent people of the DRC. All of this is about innocent victims everywhere around the world. All of this is to encourage others - victims to go on with life despite the challenges and to take the next step into saying, "NO MORE!"; bystanders to become active; perpetrators to stop their crimes; and everyone to love their neighbor and to love God.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Open Letter to the People of the DRC
I realize that most people in the DRC cannot receive this post - If ANYONE can get this message to someone there, please do so. Please let them know that WE care! Read it to them, print it and give it to them, whatever - Just spread the message.
Dear People of the DRC:
I admit that I have no right to address your suffering. I am living a comfortable life in the USA, and you are suffering at the hands of Militias. I have never been to your nation. I have never had to experience an invading Militia. I have never had to face the horrors you face. I have never had to worry about starvation. I have never had to worry about clean drinking water. I have never had to worry about where I will sleep. Please, if you can, despite all of this, let me speak a few words to you.
It must seem as if the world has forgotten you. The world stands aside while your nation is invaded and your people suffer and die. This barely makes the news coverage in many parts of the world. We only can find out about your sufferings if we look for news reports.
I'm sad to say it, but the world governments may have forgotten you. Maybe they never noticed you. Maybe they never cared. But, the people of the world have not forgotten you. There are thousands, if not millions of us who are pressuring our governments to do something to help you! We are writing letters, making phone calls, protesting, and doing whatever we can to call our governments into action.
We can't promise you that our governments will act. Our actions are limited by what our nations allow us to do. We donate money and advocate for you. In order to actually travel to you, we are severely limited by our governments. Many of us would do so if we could!
You are our brothers and sisters. The same God who created you created me. The same God who breathed life into you breathed life into me. We are connected. I don't know your name, but I care deeply about your situation! You are part of my family!
While we work to pressure our governments to act, please do not give up! Please stand up for yourselves if our governments won't. That is tough to do. Standing up for yourself is costly - it may even cost some of you your lives. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to M23. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to Paul Kagame. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the United States, Britain, and other nations who have supported those who have raped and pillaged your land. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the violence. It's time to say "NO MORE! to the killing. It's time to say NO MORE! to the rape. It's time to say "NO MORE! to the fear.
You are a strong and beautiful group of people. You are made in the image of God Almighty! If no one else recognizes that, please recognize it yourselves! Those of us who are working to help you recognize it!
Oppression can be overcome by ordinary people like yourselves! In the 1960's, the oppression of Black People in America began to be defeated by an ordinary minister - Martin Luther King and those who followed him. Mahatma Gandhi and his followers liberated India without any violence at all. A group of women in Liberia engaged in a prayer vigil to "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." They stopped a bloody civil war. You can do this too. This does not come without cost. People will hate you. People may hurt you. People may kill you. But this is the truth, and I do not want to lie to you.
Again, please know that there are MANY of us working to help you! We are facing a lot of opposition. We will not give up! Please don't give up either!
Your Brother in Christ,
TH
Dear People of the DRC:
I admit that I have no right to address your suffering. I am living a comfortable life in the USA, and you are suffering at the hands of Militias. I have never been to your nation. I have never had to experience an invading Militia. I have never had to face the horrors you face. I have never had to worry about starvation. I have never had to worry about clean drinking water. I have never had to worry about where I will sleep. Please, if you can, despite all of this, let me speak a few words to you.
It must seem as if the world has forgotten you. The world stands aside while your nation is invaded and your people suffer and die. This barely makes the news coverage in many parts of the world. We only can find out about your sufferings if we look for news reports.
I'm sad to say it, but the world governments may have forgotten you. Maybe they never noticed you. Maybe they never cared. But, the people of the world have not forgotten you. There are thousands, if not millions of us who are pressuring our governments to do something to help you! We are writing letters, making phone calls, protesting, and doing whatever we can to call our governments into action.
We can't promise you that our governments will act. Our actions are limited by what our nations allow us to do. We donate money and advocate for you. In order to actually travel to you, we are severely limited by our governments. Many of us would do so if we could!
You are our brothers and sisters. The same God who created you created me. The same God who breathed life into you breathed life into me. We are connected. I don't know your name, but I care deeply about your situation! You are part of my family!
While we work to pressure our governments to act, please do not give up! Please stand up for yourselves if our governments won't. That is tough to do. Standing up for yourself is costly - it may even cost some of you your lives. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to M23. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to Paul Kagame. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the United States, Britain, and other nations who have supported those who have raped and pillaged your land. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the violence. It's time to say "NO MORE! to the killing. It's time to say NO MORE! to the rape. It's time to say "NO MORE! to the fear.
You are a strong and beautiful group of people. You are made in the image of God Almighty! If no one else recognizes that, please recognize it yourselves! Those of us who are working to help you recognize it!
Oppression can be overcome by ordinary people like yourselves! In the 1960's, the oppression of Black People in America began to be defeated by an ordinary minister - Martin Luther King and those who followed him. Mahatma Gandhi and his followers liberated India without any violence at all. A group of women in Liberia engaged in a prayer vigil to "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." They stopped a bloody civil war. You can do this too. This does not come without cost. People will hate you. People may hurt you. People may kill you. But this is the truth, and I do not want to lie to you.
Again, please know that there are MANY of us working to help you! We are facing a lot of opposition. We will not give up! Please don't give up either!
Your Brother in Christ,
TH
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What is He Writing About? - A "Handbook"
Whether you are confused by issues in the DRC or not, this is for you - If you are not confused, go to the end of this post. If you are, continue reading.
Many of my American readers are confused. The Democratic Republic of the Congo admittedly is not part of most people's dinner conversations. Paul Kagame is not an American Celebrity or a household name. M23 is not the newest musical group.
If you are confused, this is for you.
Here is a "Glossary" of names and terms to help you understand my recent posts.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - A large nation in the center of Africa - though it is wealthy with minerals, the people are some of the poorest in the world due to corruption, constant foreign invasion and manipulation, and because 2 major wars (the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars) were fought killing at least 6 Million people. DRC has recently been invaded by the M23 Militia.
Genocide - Systematic killing of a race or ethnic group. In Rwanda in 1994 800,000-1Million were killed in 100 days.
Goma - A major city in East DRC recently conquered by M23 as UN Peacekeepers stood by and
watched.
Joseph Kabila - President of DRC - Considered to be weak by many inside and outside of the DRC.
Paul Kagame - The current President of Rwanda
M23 - A Rebel Militia - The United Nations has issued reports implicating the Rwandan Government of controlling the M23 Militia. Rwanda denies this, but evidence is not in their favor. M23 stands for "March 23 Movement"
Rwanda - A small but powerful nation in west/central Africa - In 1994, Rwanda suffered a Genocide for approximately 100 days.
UN - The United Nations - The world's body set up to mediate international disputes, prevent disease, help refugees, and other issues.
UN Peacekeepers - Armed Forces from various nations under the Leadership of the United Nations sent into conflict zones to protect civilians from harm.
Oversimplified Explanation of What Happened in Recent Weeks:
* For several months, Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 through giving weapons and direct military orders.
* The "Group of Experts" (a group within the United Nations) issued a 200+ Page report (Link Here - Please note that this link may take a long time to load) directly implicating Rwanda of supporting M23.
* After several days of Fighting the Army of the DRC and the UN Peacekeeping Force, the Army of the DRC (a very undisciplined army) left the front, and UN Peacekeepers stood aside while M23 took over the DRC city of Goma.
* DRC President Joseph Kabila met with Ugandan President Museveni and Rwandan President Kagame to come up with a solution. A statement was issued from the meeting "condemning" M23.
* The UN Security Council met and "condemned" M23. The Congolese Ambassador spoke to implicate Rwanda, but no action was taken. The Rwandan Ambassador spoke denying all charges.
* Despite all evidence and reports, US Ambassador Susan Rice removed all language referring to Rwanda from the "condemnation." The US has long been a supporter of Rwanda - the question is Why? Is it for cheaper access to the minerals in the DRC? Only recently did the US begin to withdraw aid to Rwanda after reports showed the connection between Rwanda and M23.
* At the latest negotiation, M23 says they will move out of Goma in an act of peace. They are demanding to have their grievances heard. They are also threatening to overtake the entire DRC. There are many voices speaking for M23, and it is difficult to get 1 message.
* While all this is going on, innocent people are dying, starving, being raped, murdered, looted, beaten up, and threatened. Still, the world watches. Still, the UN does NOTHING!
Pictures of M23 Invasion - Please look at this Link!
Please Look at this Link. Take time to look at each picture. These are pictures of the invasion of Goma by M23. Notice the humanity of the civilians. These people are not objects. They could be you. They could be me. Don't these people deserve the RIGHT to live their lives in peace? Don't they deserve the RIGHT to earn a living, to go to school, to enjoy life, to worship God, to celebrate holidays, to live without constant fear of being brutally murdered/raped/robbed, to live without constant fear of being attacked by a foreign entity? LOOK AT EACH PICTURE. See the HUMANITY. See the IMAGES OF GOD in each person.
Many of my American readers are confused. The Democratic Republic of the Congo admittedly is not part of most people's dinner conversations. Paul Kagame is not an American Celebrity or a household name. M23 is not the newest musical group.
If you are confused, this is for you.
Here is a "Glossary" of names and terms to help you understand my recent posts.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - A large nation in the center of Africa - though it is wealthy with minerals, the people are some of the poorest in the world due to corruption, constant foreign invasion and manipulation, and because 2 major wars (the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars) were fought killing at least 6 Million people. DRC has recently been invaded by the M23 Militia.
Genocide - Systematic killing of a race or ethnic group. In Rwanda in 1994 800,000-1Million were killed in 100 days.
Goma - A major city in East DRC recently conquered by M23 as UN Peacekeepers stood by and
watched.
Joseph Kabila - President of DRC - Considered to be weak by many inside and outside of the DRC.
Paul Kagame - The current President of Rwanda
M23 - A Rebel Militia - The United Nations has issued reports implicating the Rwandan Government of controlling the M23 Militia. Rwanda denies this, but evidence is not in their favor. M23 stands for "March 23 Movement"
Rwanda - A small but powerful nation in west/central Africa - In 1994, Rwanda suffered a Genocide for approximately 100 days.
UN - The United Nations - The world's body set up to mediate international disputes, prevent disease, help refugees, and other issues.
UN Peacekeepers - Armed Forces from various nations under the Leadership of the United Nations sent into conflict zones to protect civilians from harm.
Oversimplified Explanation of What Happened in Recent Weeks:
* For several months, Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 through giving weapons and direct military orders.
* The "Group of Experts" (a group within the United Nations) issued a 200+ Page report (Link Here - Please note that this link may take a long time to load) directly implicating Rwanda of supporting M23.
* After several days of Fighting the Army of the DRC and the UN Peacekeeping Force, the Army of the DRC (a very undisciplined army) left the front, and UN Peacekeepers stood aside while M23 took over the DRC city of Goma.
* DRC President Joseph Kabila met with Ugandan President Museveni and Rwandan President Kagame to come up with a solution. A statement was issued from the meeting "condemning" M23.
* The UN Security Council met and "condemned" M23. The Congolese Ambassador spoke to implicate Rwanda, but no action was taken. The Rwandan Ambassador spoke denying all charges.
* Despite all evidence and reports, US Ambassador Susan Rice removed all language referring to Rwanda from the "condemnation." The US has long been a supporter of Rwanda - the question is Why? Is it for cheaper access to the minerals in the DRC? Only recently did the US begin to withdraw aid to Rwanda after reports showed the connection between Rwanda and M23.
* At the latest negotiation, M23 says they will move out of Goma in an act of peace. They are demanding to have their grievances heard. They are also threatening to overtake the entire DRC. There are many voices speaking for M23, and it is difficult to get 1 message.
* While all this is going on, innocent people are dying, starving, being raped, murdered, looted, beaten up, and threatened. Still, the world watches. Still, the UN does NOTHING!
Pictures of M23 Invasion - Please look at this Link!
Please Look at this Link. Take time to look at each picture. These are pictures of the invasion of Goma by M23. Notice the humanity of the civilians. These people are not objects. They could be you. They could be me. Don't these people deserve the RIGHT to live their lives in peace? Don't they deserve the RIGHT to earn a living, to go to school, to enjoy life, to worship God, to celebrate holidays, to live without constant fear of being brutally murdered/raped/robbed, to live without constant fear of being attacked by a foreign entity? LOOK AT EACH PICTURE. See the HUMANITY. See the IMAGES OF GOD in each person.
Life is Sacred
I've been following the events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as closely as possible. Sadly, in America that is hard to do unless you speak French, or one of the local African languages whereby you can look up news on the internet. Finding accurate reports is difficult.
The M23 Rebels, run by the Rwandan Government as outlined in the United Nations Group of Experts Report linked here has overrun the DRC city of Goma and continues to loot and pillage the land and people of the DRC. The reports vary as to what is actually happening on the ground. No matter what news is coming out, I'm sure of the fact that it is not good. (NOTE: I have had trouble getting the link to the Group of Experts Report to load on my computer. Sometimes I have had to wait up to 2 minutes for the report to load).
Though Rwanda, and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame strongly deny ties to M23 or ANY wrongdoing, evidence is not in their favor. Published in 2010, the Mapping Report of Human Rights Violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1993-2003 also implicate Rwanda and Kagame of horrible offenses - again, offenses Kagame denies.
President Kagame has a history of "being the victim." He (or rather, his people) were the victim of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Yes, it is true that more Tutsis (his tribe) were killed, but there is compelling evidence that it was Kagame that sparked the Genocide by shooting down the president's plane so he could come in as "Rebel Hero" and "save Rwanda."
President Kagame has made it a crime to discuss one's tribal heritage. All are Rwandan - there are no longer Hutus or Tutsis. At the outset, that may sound good, but history cannot be erased. Heritage cannot be erased. We must always live with our past - both the good and bad parts. I am an American, but I will always have Swedish, Italian, and Irish heritage. I recognize the good things my ancestors have brought to this nation, and I also recognize the bad. Kagame does not allow for that. He allowed for no true healing after the genocide. His "healing" was one by force. His is a pot of boiling water ready to explode.
Paul Kagame has made it a crime to state that Hutus were victims of the Genocide. No one denies that Tutsis were the main victims. No one wants to take away their right to mourn and grieve. But, shouldn't the survivors of killed Hutus be allowed that same right?
Today, however, I read a Twitter "tweet" about the DRC and M23. The person asked, why M23 cannot see that they are dealing with fellow humans? I was disturbed by this question. Not because it was asked, but because this person asked the correct question!
Why can't M23 see that they are dealing with fellow humans? Why can't Paul Kagame see that he is dealing with fellow humans?
All life is sacred. God breathed life into every living being. Yet, people like Kagame and his M23 thugs treat people as objects. And what do they get out of it? They get temporary wealth, temporary power, temporary fame. But sooner or later a more powerful force will rise up, and they will be the objects. If that doesn't happen, I would hate to be them on Judgment Day!
Paul Kagame doesn't see the people of DRC or even in his own Rwanda as sacred lives. He sees them as stepping stones. He has essentially placed himself as God. That is not a wise decision. God will not be mocked.
M23 does not see life as sacred. They act as Gods. Whatever their goal is, they do it to their own peril.
What Kagame and M23 don't realize is that THEIR lives are also sacred, and by violating this God ordained fact - by taking the lives of others, they are "cheapening" their own lives. They are essentially saying the value of their own life is of nothing without the power, the money, the riches, the fame.
Through their Rape and Pillage, they are living at the level of animals. They are not living the life that God intends for all humans - to live humbly before God.
As we pray for the DRC, we should also pray for M23 and Kagame. Yes, that's hard - praying for one's enemy is always hard. But, we must realize that Christ himself commanded us to do so. Pray that Kagame's heart and the hearts of the M23 Militia Members be softened that they recognize their own humanity and live as God intended for them to live.
The M23 Rebels, run by the Rwandan Government as outlined in the United Nations Group of Experts Report linked here has overrun the DRC city of Goma and continues to loot and pillage the land and people of the DRC. The reports vary as to what is actually happening on the ground. No matter what news is coming out, I'm sure of the fact that it is not good. (NOTE: I have had trouble getting the link to the Group of Experts Report to load on my computer. Sometimes I have had to wait up to 2 minutes for the report to load).
Though Rwanda, and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame strongly deny ties to M23 or ANY wrongdoing, evidence is not in their favor. Published in 2010, the Mapping Report of Human Rights Violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1993-2003 also implicate Rwanda and Kagame of horrible offenses - again, offenses Kagame denies.
President Kagame has a history of "being the victim." He (or rather, his people) were the victim of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. Yes, it is true that more Tutsis (his tribe) were killed, but there is compelling evidence that it was Kagame that sparked the Genocide by shooting down the president's plane so he could come in as "Rebel Hero" and "save Rwanda."
President Kagame has made it a crime to discuss one's tribal heritage. All are Rwandan - there are no longer Hutus or Tutsis. At the outset, that may sound good, but history cannot be erased. Heritage cannot be erased. We must always live with our past - both the good and bad parts. I am an American, but I will always have Swedish, Italian, and Irish heritage. I recognize the good things my ancestors have brought to this nation, and I also recognize the bad. Kagame does not allow for that. He allowed for no true healing after the genocide. His "healing" was one by force. His is a pot of boiling water ready to explode.
Paul Kagame has made it a crime to state that Hutus were victims of the Genocide. No one denies that Tutsis were the main victims. No one wants to take away their right to mourn and grieve. But, shouldn't the survivors of killed Hutus be allowed that same right?
Today, however, I read a Twitter "tweet" about the DRC and M23. The person asked, why M23 cannot see that they are dealing with fellow humans? I was disturbed by this question. Not because it was asked, but because this person asked the correct question!
Why can't M23 see that they are dealing with fellow humans? Why can't Paul Kagame see that he is dealing with fellow humans?
All life is sacred. God breathed life into every living being. Yet, people like Kagame and his M23 thugs treat people as objects. And what do they get out of it? They get temporary wealth, temporary power, temporary fame. But sooner or later a more powerful force will rise up, and they will be the objects. If that doesn't happen, I would hate to be them on Judgment Day!
Paul Kagame doesn't see the people of DRC or even in his own Rwanda as sacred lives. He sees them as stepping stones. He has essentially placed himself as God. That is not a wise decision. God will not be mocked.
M23 does not see life as sacred. They act as Gods. Whatever their goal is, they do it to their own peril.
What Kagame and M23 don't realize is that THEIR lives are also sacred, and by violating this God ordained fact - by taking the lives of others, they are "cheapening" their own lives. They are essentially saying the value of their own life is of nothing without the power, the money, the riches, the fame.
Through their Rape and Pillage, they are living at the level of animals. They are not living the life that God intends for all humans - to live humbly before God.
As we pray for the DRC, we should also pray for M23 and Kagame. Yes, that's hard - praying for one's enemy is always hard. But, we must realize that Christ himself commanded us to do so. Pray that Kagame's heart and the hearts of the M23 Militia Members be softened that they recognize their own humanity and live as God intended for them to live.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2012
Today in the United States, November 22, 2012, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. For my non-American readers, this is a day that we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and most people eat a traditional meal of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing (or as it's called in the southern US - Dressing), and Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie. There are often other foods that go along with this meal, but these are the basics.
As Americans, we have a lot to give thanks for: Family, Friends, God, Jobs, Homes, Security, our Veterans (both those who have served and those who are serving) and the list goes on.
We have many intangibles to give thanks for: Love, Peace of Mind, Answered Prayers, Kindness, The Ability to Be Kind, Happiness, and so forth.
But, on this day, while we give thanks, let us not forget those who may give thanks but lack basic necessity. Yes, it may be due to their own doing that they are lacking, or it may be out of their control, but at any rate, we should feel compassion for those who suffer. It's easy to judge who is "legitimately" suffering, and who is suffering "because they deserve it." We cannot deny this truth, but the Bible is clear that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)." Who's to say that even we are not one sin away from being one who suffers? While we should not condone sin in any form, we should have compassion for all sinners because we are among them.
In America, today and everyday, let us remember the Homeless, the Uninsured, the Addicts, the Single Parents, the Soldiers Who Cannot be Home with Their Families and Friends, the Mentally Ill, the People who Cannot Find Jobs, the Working Poor, those who are Caught Up in Gang Violence, those who are Bitter and Angry, those who Have no Peace of Mind and Heart, the Abused (Physically, Sexually, and Emotionally), the Forgotten and Unloved, and the list goes on.
Let us also remember those across the world who are Victims of War, Victims of Militias who Kidnap Children and Force them to Kill, Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence, those who are Forced to Leave Their Homes due to War, Refugees, Starving People, People who Live in Fear, People who Hate and Insist in Rule by the "Sword," those who must Beg for Food, those who Live in the Streets and in Slums, those who are Victims of Natural Disasters, and so on.
As we give thanks today and everyday, not only should we remember these people, we should advocate for them. Write to your representatives and leaders. We should do something for them - donate money, donate food, donate time. Most importantly we should listen to how God wants us to act. God will speak. Will we listen?
As Americans, we have a lot to give thanks for: Family, Friends, God, Jobs, Homes, Security, our Veterans (both those who have served and those who are serving) and the list goes on.
We have many intangibles to give thanks for: Love, Peace of Mind, Answered Prayers, Kindness, The Ability to Be Kind, Happiness, and so forth.
But, on this day, while we give thanks, let us not forget those who may give thanks but lack basic necessity. Yes, it may be due to their own doing that they are lacking, or it may be out of their control, but at any rate, we should feel compassion for those who suffer. It's easy to judge who is "legitimately" suffering, and who is suffering "because they deserve it." We cannot deny this truth, but the Bible is clear that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)." Who's to say that even we are not one sin away from being one who suffers? While we should not condone sin in any form, we should have compassion for all sinners because we are among them.
In America, today and everyday, let us remember the Homeless, the Uninsured, the Addicts, the Single Parents, the Soldiers Who Cannot be Home with Their Families and Friends, the Mentally Ill, the People who Cannot Find Jobs, the Working Poor, those who are Caught Up in Gang Violence, those who are Bitter and Angry, those who Have no Peace of Mind and Heart, the Abused (Physically, Sexually, and Emotionally), the Forgotten and Unloved, and the list goes on.
Let us also remember those across the world who are Victims of War, Victims of Militias who Kidnap Children and Force them to Kill, Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence, those who are Forced to Leave Their Homes due to War, Refugees, Starving People, People who Live in Fear, People who Hate and Insist in Rule by the "Sword," those who must Beg for Food, those who Live in the Streets and in Slums, those who are Victims of Natural Disasters, and so on.
As we give thanks today and everyday, not only should we remember these people, we should advocate for them. Write to your representatives and leaders. We should do something for them - donate money, donate food, donate time. Most importantly we should listen to how God wants us to act. God will speak. Will we listen?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Epic Fail
DRC forces put up little fight, and according to a BBC report seemed to disappear or "dissolve" into the chaos. Talk about loyalty.
Who is there to protect the thousands of innocent civilians? Who is there to allow civilians to stay in their homes without fear? Who is there to make sure that food remains in this area? Who is there to keep the innocent people safe and secure? I'll answer that - No One!
Many people blame Rwanda for arming and commanding M23. The United Nations did so in the Group of Experts report. Here is a link to that report. Obviously, the United Nations does nothing more than words when it comes to African issues.
If this report is correct, where did Rwanda get the arms and money to give to M23? This is quick and easy to answer. The West supported Paul Kagame after the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. He has been courted and treated as a hero. Western nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and others have showered him with money and support. Kagame attended Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth Military Base in the United States. According to an anonymous source, this Military Base teaches ways to used the military for political purposes.
Kagame is not guilty in and by himself. His guilt is due to the complicity of the West. It is by the cooperation and blind eye of the United Nations.
What we are seeing is "Neo-Colonialism." We are seeing the West say that Africa doesn't matter because they are "uncivilized black natives." We are seeing the West say that Africa only matters because of it's exploitable resources. We are seeing the West say that the people of Africa do not matter.
As theologian James Cone says, "God is black." God is on the side of the oppressed. What is failure now, and yes, United Nations and the West, you are failures in this case, will be vindicated. God will not be mocked! Your idolatry of money, minerals, and power will only get you so far.
To the people of the Congo - I can say with CERTAINTY - God is with you, though it doesn't feel like it! I don't know why this is happening. I can't provide a good explanation. Millions of the world are with you. If anyone is reading this and has direct contact with anyone in the Congo area, please let them know that there are people who care, and that God does care even more than we possibly can.
To the West, the United Nations, and other Oppressors - You are a mockery of justice, peace, and unity. You are disgusting examples for the rest of the world. You have let your power go to your head. May God have mercy on your souls for taking advantage of the weak!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Open Letter to World Leaders, Faith Leaders, and News Media
This letter is to the leaders of the nations who are in a position to do something about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As I write this, the M23 Rebel Group (please read this as "terrorist group of thugs") is attacking both the Congolese Army and innocent Congolese civilians.
Today, November 17, 2012, the UN Security Council met and "strongly condemned" M23. The UN forces in the DRC are actively fighting the M23 things along with the Congolese army.
In the midst of all of this war and political wrangling, innocent people are fleeing their homes by the thousands. Innocent people are dying. Innocent people are being murdered. Innocent people are being raped. Innocent people are suffering unspeakable acts of violence. All of this is happening while the world basically looks on.
"It's not our business." "Let them fight their own battle." "Why should we suffer for them?" Those are the most often heard excuses for NOT getting involved - They are not without merit. At this point, I am not asking anyone to become involved for politicians or political means - I am asking out of deep humanitarian concern.
Fine - Let the political battles be fought by the politicians, but stop the innocents from being killed and terrorized! Put weight behind the words of the United Nations.
Many blame the arming of M23 on Rwanda under President Paul Kagame's regime. Rwanda denies this. To Rwanda: If you so deeply deny this, then do the right thing! Help the civilians! Support life! Remember your own genocide and the horrors you faced - do not let that happen again somewhere else! If your words are true, the put action behind your words. You are in a powerful position to stop this, or to at least make a huge difference!
To the UN: Condemning is fine, but these people need ACTION. Stop the political games and for now, put the blaming aside - save that for when the crisis is over. Right now, save these people. Imagine if they were your family.
To the United States: As a citizen of this nation, I am both proud and ashamed - for too many years, we have ignored Africa. It is not "strategically significant" to us. Can we for a moment remember that people are dying gruesome deaths? Can we remember that as founding members of the United Nations, we should set the example by uniting with other nations to stop this crisis.
To the Faith Leaders: As a fellow pastor - We cannot remain silent. We must speak truth. We must condemn random acts of violence. We must say that what is happening is wrong. We must say that what is happening is evil. I'm not speaking of politics - I'm speaking of people. All life is sacred to God, and it should be to us as well.
To the News Media: The power is really in your hands. You can cover a story or you can ignore a story. I get it that you need ratings. Ratings keep you in business. But, news cannot be invented. This issue is serious and MUST be covered. Do not have the blood on your hands. Report the horrors. Show the grotesque. Maybe it will cause people to start pressuring their own Governments!
To all people everywhere: Do not sit idly by. Write to those in power. Call those in power. Don't stop when you are ignored - Trust me, you will be ignored. Pray for peace - God still answers prayer! God is still faithful. But listen to God's call. Hold your leaders accountable! The DRC may not have any direct connection to you or to me, but if this can happen there, what is to say it can't happen where we live?
May God's Peace Reign,
T.H.
Today, November 17, 2012, the UN Security Council met and "strongly condemned" M23. The UN forces in the DRC are actively fighting the M23 things along with the Congolese army.
In the midst of all of this war and political wrangling, innocent people are fleeing their homes by the thousands. Innocent people are dying. Innocent people are being murdered. Innocent people are being raped. Innocent people are suffering unspeakable acts of violence. All of this is happening while the world basically looks on.
"It's not our business." "Let them fight their own battle." "Why should we suffer for them?" Those are the most often heard excuses for NOT getting involved - They are not without merit. At this point, I am not asking anyone to become involved for politicians or political means - I am asking out of deep humanitarian concern.
Fine - Let the political battles be fought by the politicians, but stop the innocents from being killed and terrorized! Put weight behind the words of the United Nations.
Many blame the arming of M23 on Rwanda under President Paul Kagame's regime. Rwanda denies this. To Rwanda: If you so deeply deny this, then do the right thing! Help the civilians! Support life! Remember your own genocide and the horrors you faced - do not let that happen again somewhere else! If your words are true, the put action behind your words. You are in a powerful position to stop this, or to at least make a huge difference!
To the UN: Condemning is fine, but these people need ACTION. Stop the political games and for now, put the blaming aside - save that for when the crisis is over. Right now, save these people. Imagine if they were your family.
To the United States: As a citizen of this nation, I am both proud and ashamed - for too many years, we have ignored Africa. It is not "strategically significant" to us. Can we for a moment remember that people are dying gruesome deaths? Can we remember that as founding members of the United Nations, we should set the example by uniting with other nations to stop this crisis.
To the Faith Leaders: As a fellow pastor - We cannot remain silent. We must speak truth. We must condemn random acts of violence. We must say that what is happening is wrong. We must say that what is happening is evil. I'm not speaking of politics - I'm speaking of people. All life is sacred to God, and it should be to us as well.
To the News Media: The power is really in your hands. You can cover a story or you can ignore a story. I get it that you need ratings. Ratings keep you in business. But, news cannot be invented. This issue is serious and MUST be covered. Do not have the blood on your hands. Report the horrors. Show the grotesque. Maybe it will cause people to start pressuring their own Governments!
To all people everywhere: Do not sit idly by. Write to those in power. Call those in power. Don't stop when you are ignored - Trust me, you will be ignored. Pray for peace - God still answers prayer! God is still faithful. But listen to God's call. Hold your leaders accountable! The DRC may not have any direct connection to you or to me, but if this can happen there, what is to say it can't happen where we live?
May God's Peace Reign,
T.H.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A Blog Experiment - Stories
I want to try something new on my blog. I want to know who reads my blog. I don't care if you put your name or not. I just want to know about you. Where are you from? Do you have a story to share? What is your life like? What are your hopes and dreams? What do you do? What do you like? What don't you like? What was a memorable moment in your life - good or bad? What are your goals in life? What are you proud of? What do you regret?
In the comment section below, write about yourself. I don't care what you say. You can put your name or leave it anonymous. Just put something. Please be honest - that is the only "rule"
In the comment section below, write about yourself. I don't care what you say. You can put your name or leave it anonymous. Just put something. Please be honest - that is the only "rule"
Naming the Nameless
1 Kings 17:8-16
8Then the word of the Lord came to him [Elijah],
saying, 9“Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there;
for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10So he set out and went to
Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering
sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so
that I may drink.” 11As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring
me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have
nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am
now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for
myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13Elijah said to her, “Do not be
afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and
bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. 14For thus says
the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and
the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain
on the earth.” 15She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and
her household ate for many days. 16The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil
fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
Naming the Nameless
Did you notice what the writer left out of this Scripture? Did you notice what WASN'T there? Most of us probably didn't even notice. In fact, it took me a long time to notice this detail. The writer left out the names of the widow and her son.
Why would the author do that? Was the writer a Patriarchal Bigot? Well, that's putting our modern moralities on an ancient text. But, being God-Inspired Scripture, I think it's a lot deeper than that. The widow and her son were left without names because they were forgotten by their society.
Look at their situation. When Elijah showed up, she didn't want to give anything away. She was afraid. She was going to go home, make a last meal, and she and her son were going to sit around and watch each other die. Even more disturbing - She accepted this. She stated it so "matter of fact-like" to Elijah as if she were talking about the weather or last night's baseball score.
Let's bring this story into modern times now. Think of all the nameless people we see every day. We see them at work (if your work is big enough), on the street, in the store, at school, and in cars as we drive by. We don't know them; they don't know us; and we're ok with that. I suppose there's nothing right or wrong about that - in most cases, that's just the way it is.
But, what about the times when we choose not to name someone? Or, when we choose to give them a name to make their situation sound "cleaner" to our ears?
I'm going to stick to one issue here - the main issue of most of my postings lately - the humanitarian crisis in the Congo, but please, know that people do this ignoring and renaming in many contexts.
In our Scripture, this woman was called a "widow." That name gives us certain assumptions about her. In her own time, that name, or rather lack of a name, would have been even more powerful. In her time, women were known by their husband's status. Her husband was dead, so therefore, she had no status. She was a "widow." She was a person with no status. She was essentially a non-person.
Was that why she was going to cook her last meal and she and her son were going to die? Why didn't the neighbors help? Couldn't someone spare a little meal? Wouldn't human decency tell you that if your neighbor is starving to death that you would at least give them something? What about the Zarephath community at large? Someone in that community had to have extra food. Why didn't they help? Why didn't they give here even their left-overs?
Right now, in the Congo, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing their homes because armed militias are doing battle with Government Forces. These militias do not care whether they are shooting at other soldiers or whether they are shooting at civilians. These militias use rape and sexual violence as a weapon of control. They will rape an 8 year old just as quickly as they will rape an 80 year old. They will kidnap children and force them to become "Child Soldiers." - Isn't that another term that takes away a name? Doesn't "Child Soldier" have a certain sound of "nobility" to it? Why doesn't the world call them kidnapped victims of war crimes?
Even the term "militia" makes these forces seem somehow patriots fighting for a cause, when in reality, they are thugs who get a thrill out of murder, stealing, and sexual violence.
The most disturbing term we have for these victims in the Congo (and in any war in the world) is "Collateral Damage." "During the battle between Government Forces and the M23 Militia, there were X number of soldiers killed, Y number of militia forces killed, and collateral damage was high" (or so a news report may say). What is "Collateral Damage?" It is people! Why do we clean that up? Why do we not call these innocent people killed by thugs or by armies "innocent people killed by war?"
Why do we call someone fleeing for his or her life a "Refugee" or "Displaced Person?" Why don't we call them "Innocent people fleeing for their lives from murderous thugs who have no respect for human life or dignity?"
Do these real names I've proposed make us too uncomfortable? Do they hurt our ears? Do they put pictures into our heads? Do we see the pain and suffering of a mother watching her young daughter being raped? Do we see a man refusing to go with the thugs being stabbed repeatedly over and over and over - blood pouring down his whole body before they finally put a bullet in his skull?
Maybe we should see these pictures in our heads...at least for a while. But, we also need to know the story doesn't end with these pictures. The widow didn't starve. God knew her name and sent Elijah to learn her name. As we become familiar with these stories, we learn just how helpless we are. I can't stop the killing. You can't stop it either. But, God can. God knows the needs of the people who suffer. God knows them by name. God has a way of connecting us. God may give you the power to speak and name the nameless. God may give you the power to vote and vote for the nameless. God may give you the power to counsel the nameless. God may send you to the very battlefields where these horrific acts are happening. God will give you strength to do whatever it is that you are sent to do.
No matter what God calls or sends us to do for the nameless, remember this: they stop being nameless! They have names! The one whose wife was murdered has a name and a face. The girl whose parents were killed has a name and a face.
All names and all faces are sacred to God. Let them be sacred to us too!
·
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Open Letter - Why I Post About Kagame
Many people ask me why I post so much about President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. I am an American. I don't know anyone in Rwanda. I have no ties to Rwanda. So, what business do I have with him or that area?
It all goes back to the question Cain asked God - "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer is obviously, "Yes."
Over the past several years, I have studied and learned about the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and the events that followed. Through my studies and research, I have come to find out that too many have suffered and died. That number is in the MILLIONS. The suffering and dying is not confined to Rwanda - it has also spread into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
When a person has such information, he or she is morally obligated to speak for those who cannot. If I were to sit on this information, I would be morally culpable.
After the Holocaust, the world said, "Never again!" The world lied. The Rwandan Genocide and the events following proved this lie. Instead of aiding the defenseless, the world turned a blind eye. I would guess (and probably be right) that the reason is that Rwanda does not sit on an oil well. Let's face it. Wars, Aid, Sanctions, Allies, and Enemies are all based on economic interests - right now, that is decided upon oil wealth (for the most part).
When the Genocide of 1994 happened, I was 16 years old. While Rwandans my age had to be adults, I was being a teenager. I don't say that with pride. I just say that to point out the reality.
For those who have attacked me as a "liar," a "hater," a "useless preacher," an "stupid white person," "another meddling westerner," a "biased individual," and other such names, let me outline my stance and sources. Then I will pose some questions, and if I am wrong, I ask that you answer those questions and I will publicly recant.
My Stance:
1. The Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 was a severely tragic event. That in itself is an understatement. I cannot find words strong enough to express my sympathy to ALL Rwandans and ALL people who were affected by this.
2. I do not deny that Hutus killed Tutsis. (For those who do not know, Rwanda has 3 tribes - Hutus which make up about 85%, Tutsis which make up about 14%, and the Twa which make up about 1% of the population)
3. It is also a fact that Hutus were killed - Both guilty Hutus (those who participated in killing Tutsis) and innocent Hutus (those who did not participate in killing).
4. During the 100 Day Genocide, it is true that mostly Tutsis were killed.
TIME OUT - I do not mean to make this sound like a bunch of statistics! Please recognize that I am speaking of human lives! All life is sacred to God!
5. The Genocide was sparked when an already tense situation between Hutus and Tutsis was pushed "over the edge" when Hutu President Habyaimana was shot down as it was landing. It remains officially unproven who shot the plane down. A recent French Investigation implicated Habyaimana's own forces (http://www.voanews.com/content/french-probe-seemingly-clears-rwandas-kagame-in-genocide-events-137111838/150561.html). At the same time, now President Kagame was then General Kagame in the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) a militia force engaged in a Civil War against the Habyaimana Regime. According to Kagame's then Secretary General, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, who is now defected from Rwanda, it was Kagame who ordered that the RPF shoot down the airplane (http://rwandinfo.com/eng/i-confirm-it-is-paul-kagame-who-sparked-the-rwandan-genocide-rudasingwa/). While the question as to who sparked the genocide by shooting down the plane remains in debate, there is a question to consider:
- Do we trust an investigation held largely in a court and argued by lawyers? Or do we trust a defected member of the RPF who worked alongside of Kagame?
I will leave the answer up to the reader.
6. It is no secret that Kagame then pursued those who committed the Genocide into the DRC. Under most military sensibilities, this is justifiable. HOWEVER, According to Paragraph 513 of the UN Mapping Report of the DRC Mapping Report 1993-2003 completed by the United Nations states that Rwanda (under Kagame) is guilty of crimes of Genocide against Hutu refugees (NOT limited to Hutu militias – we are talking about INNOCENT Hutu Refugees). It goes on to state that ALL Hutus were targets. Paragraph 514 tells that refugees were tricked to coming to meetings and then systematically killed in brutal manners (meaning not shot, but bludgeoned, tortured, etc.). Paragraph 515 of the same report shows that no distinction was made regarding age or gender of the victims. (Here is the Link to the Entire Mapping Report). Some do not consider these War Crimes to be "Genocide." I refuse to get into a battle of semantics. Call it what you will - Genocide, War Crimes, Mass Murder, etc.
7. In 2010, Kagame was reelected as President of Rwanda with 95% of the vote over 3 little known candidates. According to THIS ARTICLE “Several opposition candidates were refused permission to take part, while at least three government critics have been attacked – two fatally…” This leads to some questions:
- In what free and democratic NATIONAL elections do politicians ever win 95% of the vote?
- If the vote was free and democratic, why were opposition candidates refused permission to run?
- I understand other nations do not provide the same protection to political candidates that we do in the United States. But, when 3 are attacked, and 2 are killed, there are serious questions as to how and why this happens.
8. Finally, A UN Report (See this Article) has implicated Rwanda and Uganda for empowering the M23 Militia in terrorizing the DRC to this day. The M23 Militia for readers who do not know who they are is a Militia that invades the DRC, and kills and uses rape as a weapon. They do not always attack military targets. Their targets are sometimes, and often, civilian.
Questions:
If I am wrong, rather than name calling, please answer the following questions, and I will recant:
1. Were not both Tutsis and Hutus killed in the 1994 Genocide? (Tutsis were obviously killed to a greater extent) - I also do not want to diminish the suffering of the Twa people who suffered as well.
2. If Kagame did not kill INNOCENT Hutus in the DRC, can you supply me with outside documentation rather than name calling? I've heard Kagame's denials - can you supply documentation beyond his denials?
3. My ultimate goal for posting is peace - I do not seek a violent end to Kagame - I do not wish harm on anyone. Why must you become hateful on anyone who disagrees with you? Has your mind become so brainwashed that you know nothing else?
4. What are your goals? I do not live in that area of the world. I would like to know what you want. Please give me your account and your goals.
Clarifications:
I only wish peace for the people of Rwanda and the DRC. It is true that if one enters modern Rwanda, one will have a vision of a peaceful and organized nation. Paul Kagame has modernized Rwanda and brought many technological advances. But, at what price? It is illegal to identify one's self as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. All are "Rwandan." On the surface, that may sound like a good idea. But think of the deeper ramifications. It is true that all are Rwandan, but ethnicity is also important for heritage and culture. History cannot be erased. Culture brings many things to a nation - both good and bad. Rather than capitalizing on the good and negotiating through the bad, Kagame simply wiped history away. This only leaves an underlying tension that is ready to boil over at any second.
It all goes back to the question Cain asked God - "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer is obviously, "Yes."
Over the past several years, I have studied and learned about the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and the events that followed. Through my studies and research, I have come to find out that too many have suffered and died. That number is in the MILLIONS. The suffering and dying is not confined to Rwanda - it has also spread into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
When a person has such information, he or she is morally obligated to speak for those who cannot. If I were to sit on this information, I would be morally culpable.
After the Holocaust, the world said, "Never again!" The world lied. The Rwandan Genocide and the events following proved this lie. Instead of aiding the defenseless, the world turned a blind eye. I would guess (and probably be right) that the reason is that Rwanda does not sit on an oil well. Let's face it. Wars, Aid, Sanctions, Allies, and Enemies are all based on economic interests - right now, that is decided upon oil wealth (for the most part).
When the Genocide of 1994 happened, I was 16 years old. While Rwandans my age had to be adults, I was being a teenager. I don't say that with pride. I just say that to point out the reality.
For those who have attacked me as a "liar," a "hater," a "useless preacher," an "stupid white person," "another meddling westerner," a "biased individual," and other such names, let me outline my stance and sources. Then I will pose some questions, and if I am wrong, I ask that you answer those questions and I will publicly recant.
My Stance:
1. The Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 was a severely tragic event. That in itself is an understatement. I cannot find words strong enough to express my sympathy to ALL Rwandans and ALL people who were affected by this.
2. I do not deny that Hutus killed Tutsis. (For those who do not know, Rwanda has 3 tribes - Hutus which make up about 85%, Tutsis which make up about 14%, and the Twa which make up about 1% of the population)
3. It is also a fact that Hutus were killed - Both guilty Hutus (those who participated in killing Tutsis) and innocent Hutus (those who did not participate in killing).
4. During the 100 Day Genocide, it is true that mostly Tutsis were killed.
TIME OUT - I do not mean to make this sound like a bunch of statistics! Please recognize that I am speaking of human lives! All life is sacred to God!
5. The Genocide was sparked when an already tense situation between Hutus and Tutsis was pushed "over the edge" when Hutu President Habyaimana was shot down as it was landing. It remains officially unproven who shot the plane down. A recent French Investigation implicated Habyaimana's own forces (http://www.voanews.com/content/french-probe-seemingly-clears-rwandas-kagame-in-genocide-events-137111838/150561.html). At the same time, now President Kagame was then General Kagame in the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) a militia force engaged in a Civil War against the Habyaimana Regime. According to Kagame's then Secretary General, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, who is now defected from Rwanda, it was Kagame who ordered that the RPF shoot down the airplane (http://rwandinfo.com/eng/i-confirm-it-is-paul-kagame-who-sparked-the-rwandan-genocide-rudasingwa/). While the question as to who sparked the genocide by shooting down the plane remains in debate, there is a question to consider:
- Do we trust an investigation held largely in a court and argued by lawyers? Or do we trust a defected member of the RPF who worked alongside of Kagame?
I will leave the answer up to the reader.
6. It is no secret that Kagame then pursued those who committed the Genocide into the DRC. Under most military sensibilities, this is justifiable. HOWEVER, According to Paragraph 513 of the UN Mapping Report of the DRC Mapping Report 1993-2003 completed by the United Nations states that Rwanda (under Kagame) is guilty of crimes of Genocide against Hutu refugees (NOT limited to Hutu militias – we are talking about INNOCENT Hutu Refugees). It goes on to state that ALL Hutus were targets. Paragraph 514 tells that refugees were tricked to coming to meetings and then systematically killed in brutal manners (meaning not shot, but bludgeoned, tortured, etc.). Paragraph 515 of the same report shows that no distinction was made regarding age or gender of the victims. (Here is the Link to the Entire Mapping Report). Some do not consider these War Crimes to be "Genocide." I refuse to get into a battle of semantics. Call it what you will - Genocide, War Crimes, Mass Murder, etc.
7. In 2010, Kagame was reelected as President of Rwanda with 95% of the vote over 3 little known candidates. According to THIS ARTICLE “Several opposition candidates were refused permission to take part, while at least three government critics have been attacked – two fatally…” This leads to some questions:
- In what free and democratic NATIONAL elections do politicians ever win 95% of the vote?
- If the vote was free and democratic, why were opposition candidates refused permission to run?
- I understand other nations do not provide the same protection to political candidates that we do in the United States. But, when 3 are attacked, and 2 are killed, there are serious questions as to how and why this happens.
8. Finally, A UN Report (See this Article) has implicated Rwanda and Uganda for empowering the M23 Militia in terrorizing the DRC to this day. The M23 Militia for readers who do not know who they are is a Militia that invades the DRC, and kills and uses rape as a weapon. They do not always attack military targets. Their targets are sometimes, and often, civilian.
Questions:
If I am wrong, rather than name calling, please answer the following questions, and I will recant:
1. Were not both Tutsis and Hutus killed in the 1994 Genocide? (Tutsis were obviously killed to a greater extent) - I also do not want to diminish the suffering of the Twa people who suffered as well.
2. If Kagame did not kill INNOCENT Hutus in the DRC, can you supply me with outside documentation rather than name calling? I've heard Kagame's denials - can you supply documentation beyond his denials?
3. My ultimate goal for posting is peace - I do not seek a violent end to Kagame - I do not wish harm on anyone. Why must you become hateful on anyone who disagrees with you? Has your mind become so brainwashed that you know nothing else?
4. What are your goals? I do not live in that area of the world. I would like to know what you want. Please give me your account and your goals.
Clarifications:
I only wish peace for the people of Rwanda and the DRC. It is true that if one enters modern Rwanda, one will have a vision of a peaceful and organized nation. Paul Kagame has modernized Rwanda and brought many technological advances. But, at what price? It is illegal to identify one's self as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. All are "Rwandan." On the surface, that may sound like a good idea. But think of the deeper ramifications. It is true that all are Rwandan, but ethnicity is also important for heritage and culture. History cannot be erased. Culture brings many things to a nation - both good and bad. Rather than capitalizing on the good and negotiating through the bad, Kagame simply wiped history away. This only leaves an underlying tension that is ready to boil over at any second.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Cleaning My Own House First
I'm sure you've noticed that I've been posting a lot on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Regime of Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda supporting militias that invade and commit crimes against humanity in the DRC.
I stand by those words, and will continue to advocate for the voiceless and those who continue to suffer and die under these war crimes that are given little more than lip service from the international community.
However, I must also acknowledge that there are problems within my own nation, the United States. They are pale in comparison, but yet they are problems nonetheless. If I ignore these issues, I am neglecting very important issues that must be addressed.
First of all, read these words spoken by Jesus as part of his "Sermon on the Mount:"
Matthew 7
7“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
On November 6, my nation held a presidential election between incumbent President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Our country was deeply divided and I am ashamed to say that both sides had elements of bad-will toward the other. Rather than hoping and campaigning for one's candidate, many resorted to demonizing the other candidate and even bringing in reasons why God has ordained that the other candidate is "evil."
What many Christians have forgotten is that we have elected a president. We did not elect a messiah. We did not elect a representative of our faith. We elected someone to hold the executive branch of the Federal Government. We did not elect a savior or even an infallible person. We elected a human.
Whether President Obama - who won his 2nd term - was the person we voted for or not, it is only right that we unite as a nation. This is a nation (and a world) made of people. The people are more powerful than any government except a theocracy where God is the ruler. We must unite in being one nation. That does not mean we must agree. In fact, we should disagree. Disagreement in a civil discourse can lead to unthought of progress and ideas. Disagreement presents new ideas. Whether President Obama was the person we voted for or not, we must each hold him accountable to his terms of office. We cannot be blind followers of any human leader. When he is due praise, we should give him praise. When he deserves to be rebuked, we should rebuke him.
Disagreement is different from division. Division is the refusal to cooperate. It is the proverbial "taking my ball and bat and going home." Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Yes, it's addressed to the Church in Corinth, but it speaks to Christians everywhere of all time. There are Democrat Christians. There are Republican Christians. There are non-Afilliated Christians. And there are other party-aligned Christians. We can disagree, but we CAN'T be divided.
Disagreement is different from division. Division is the refusal to cooperate. It is the proverbial "taking my ball and bat and going home." Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Yes, it's addressed to the Church in Corinth, but it speaks to Christians everywhere of all time. There are Democrat Christians. There are Republican Christians. There are non-Afilliated Christians. And there are other party-aligned Christians. We can disagree, but we CAN'T be divided.
No president can make or break a nation. He or she must work within the confines of the legislative and judicial branches. Yes, the president is powerful. But, the president must also answer to all citizens.
Jesus held the establishment accountable. He refused to "play on their terms." Jesus isn't only meaningful to us because of his death and resurrection. Yes, his death and resurrection are very important, but Jesus also lived and taught for a reason! Jesus held the religious and the social establishment accountable and challenged their authority. When it was appropriate, he non-violently resisted their domination and authority. We can all learn from Jesus on this matter.
No presidential election should cause us to despair or to gloat. Yes, we can be disappointed that our candidate did not win, or we can be glad that our candidate did win, but we must not divide the body of Christ, and we must not divide the nation. We must hold the president to the task of being the representative of all people.
We won't always get what we want - even if our preferred candidate won - but we live in a nation where we can voice our opinions and be heard.
From personal experience, I can testify that there is no such thing as a voice that can't be heard in this nation. When I took an issue with a US Government issue, I sent an e mail, assuming it would go in a pile, unread. A few weeks later, my phone rang, and the caller-ID said, "US Capitol." It was a call one does not merely ignore! It was a staffer from a US Senator's office saying that he received my e mail, personally read it, and was taking it into consideration in the committee work he was doing. The staffer did not know the details, nor did I expect him to, but my voice was heard. Yours can be too. We may not get what we want, but we can always be heard!
In conclusion, remember - we elected a human. God is King. When Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18)," I believe he meant it!
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