Fourth of July - Rwanda

The following is written by Steve Fredlund, who has been to Rwanda and leads Our Response, a partnership with World Vision bringing transformation to Kivaruga, Rwanda, by united East Central Minnesota to respond to global poverty, disease and suffering:

​Both The USA and Rwanda celebrate liberation today. One the founding of a new, independent nation. The other the end of 100 days of massacre of a million people. One is still figuring out a path forward amidst changing culture and demographics in a global society while the other is still figuring out a path forward still bearing scars from just 23 years ago. Today I celebrate my freedom to believe, protest, and discuss my unique ideas within the context of being part of a broader national community... and I celebrate with my Rwandan brothers and sisters how they have been able to take the concept of unity to extreme measures to survive as a nation. Grateful for both America and Rwanda -- and that I have been able to be part of both stories.

I (Mark) joined Steve in the first trip to Rwanda and am privileged to celebrate independence and liberation day today.