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Evangelist Andrew Palau is getting ready to bring his
message of hope and Good News to the people of Rwanda 15
years after the 1994 genocide killed an estimated one
million people in 100 days.
A Season of Service (SOS) has been launched in the run
up to the Kigali Festival in July to coincide with the
country's 100-day commemoration of the brutal slaughter
of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by members of the majority
Hutu population.
As part of SOS, churches are mobilising their
congregations to improve public areas and take part in
social action projects around Kigali, the Rwandan
capital. SOS is fitting for the city, whose residents
have long taken part in government 'umuganda' or 'work
for free' projects.
"I'm inviting and challenging the pastors in Kigali to
join Andrew Palau and to engage a transformational,
sustainable ministry within their city," said Bishop
John Rucyahana.
SOS kicked off on April 17 with the launch of a new
water catchment system at a school in the city that will
provide clean water to its 2,200 students and also
benefit those in the Genocide Survivors Village next
door.
"SOS is an effort to tangibly demonstrate the love of
Christ and open relationships for the sake of the Good
News," said Palau.
Kigali Festival is being put together at the invitation
of more than 350 churches in the Rwandan capital. It has
received the full support of Rwandan President Paul
Kagame and Kigali's mayor, vice mayor and city council.
Palau is the son of well known world evangelist Luis
Palau, founder of the Next Generation Alliance, a
ministry committed to mentoring young evangelists around
the world. The scheme has proved successful in the five
years it has been running in Rwanda.
Festival Director Dr Tim Robnett said: "The Alliance's
success prompted this invitation for Andrew and other
African nations are following suit," he said.
Taking place from July 17-18 at Kigali's Amahoro
Stadium, the free event will draw together international
Christian musicians, local Rwandan artists, and sports
athletes, while a Family Fun Zone will entertain young
ones.
Palau will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite
those in attendance to make a faith commitment.
"Rwanda is set for great days of transformation and
redemption," he said.
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