He was speaking at a gathering that was held yesterday in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Shalom Ministries Rwanda, which was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Healing and Building Resilience in the Rwandan Community’.

"If people heal outwardly but still harbour division within, we are not progressing; instead, we are moving in circles,” he said.

Pastor Rutayisire went ahead to deliver a sermon based on the story of the dry bones in the valley from the book of Ezekiel, revealing how when Shalom Ministries started, the hearts of many Rwandans were shattered because of what had happened during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

Shalom Ministries was started by a group of genocide widows shortly after the genocide happened. Despite the conditions however, the ministry commenced.

And now for thirty years, its impact is not just measured by achievements but also by the struggles endured along the journey. “A legacy is not made up of accomplishments only, but also the wounds from the journey to greatness, and that is what Shalom represents today,” Pastor Rutayisire said.

Drocella Nduwimana, the Executive Director and founder of Shalom Ministries, shared the origin of the ministry revealing how three women, Drocella Nduwimana, Agnes Nyiragabiro, and Jeanne (who worked at Electrogaz, now known as Rwanda Energy Group), initially gathered during lunch breaks to share their pain, cry together, and express their emotions.

Eventually, their meetings transitioned from grief-sharing to prayer, leading to the foundation of a support group.

As time passed, more people joined them, including men, and the group evolved into a safe space for healing and reconciliation. Initially, they had no official name, but in 1997, they received a prophetic revelation naming them Jehovah Shalom, inspired by Judges 6:24. As their mission expanded, they embraced the vision to becoming a ministry, even though they were unfamiliar with the concept at the time.

Nduwimana reflected on this transformation, stating, “Many prophecies told us we would become a ministry, but at the time, I didn’t even know what a ministry was.” Despite this uncertainty, members of Jehovah Shalom found strength in Christ and began serving God in their respective churches.

In 2008, Jehovah Shalom evolved into Shalom Ministries, broadening its reach beyond genocide widows to include orphans and even perpetrators who had sought forgiveness and served their legal sentences. The ministry’s focus shifted from grieving and prayer alone to fostering resilience and unity in the Rwandan community.

Testimonies

The celebration was marked by emotional testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed by Shalom Ministries.

One of these, Josephine Nyirankusi, President of the Ruhango chapter, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Shalom came to us in our deepest despair and fed us with the word of God. They united us as survivors and our perpetrators. Besides healing our hearts, they provided us with cows and goats, ensuring our children are healthy. They also paid school fees for our children. May Shalom Ministries live long.”

Sarah Mushimiyimana, who once harboured deep resentment, shared her journey of transformation. She admitted, “Before Shalom, I hated Hutus so much that we would destroy their crops and insult them.

We even refused to attend church to avoid them. But when Shalom Ministries came to Ruhango, my guardian convinced me to attend. At first, I was disappointed to find Hutus among the members, but over time, I learned the power of forgiveness. Now, I live in peace with those I once thought I would never associate with.”

Shalom Ministries has also reached out to teenage mothers, rescuing them from despair and giving them a new purpose. Alice, a beneficiary, recounted her experience: “I lived with my grandmother and dropped out of school due to pregnancy. I had lost hope until Shalom Ministries found me.

They provided me with tailoring training and even gave me a sewing machine. When my grandmother passed away, they helped with burial expenses. I am who I am today because of God’s hand through Shalom Ministries.”

Beyond genocide survivors and teenage mothers, the ministry has helped former prostitutes find a new life. Monica, one of the women rescued from the streets, shared her story: “I was a prostitute in Remera, malnourished from drugs, alcohol, and prison. Shalom Ministries preached to me personally.

At first, I accepted Christ only because I wanted my children to get an education, but their love and testimonies changed my heart. Today, I am a responsible mother, free from drugs and prostitution, and I consider myself a living testimony.”

During the celebration, a moment of remembrance was dedicated to honouring members of Shalom Ministries who passed away, acknowledging their courage and contributions to the organization’s growth.

Guest of honor, Mayor of Ruhango district Valens Habarurema, commended Shalom Ministries for accomplishing what government programs had struggled to achieve. “Due to the extent of the genocide in Ruhango, all government efforts to promote resilience and reconciliation had failed. By God’s grace, Shalom Ministries succeeded. We don’t know how much of the Holy Spirit they have, but they have healed the hearts of people we never thought could be healed.”

The mayor pledged continued support for Shalom Ministries, promising transportation for their cooperatives in Ruhango district whenever they needed to spread their reconciliation message beyond Ruhango. He recognized their work as an outstanding achievement that should be shared with other Rwandans.

As part of the celebration, outstanding contributors to Shalom Ministries were honored with trophies and medals, including founders, partners, intercessors, youth, and churches that have collaborated with them. This was a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their dedication to the ministry’s mission.

Currently, Shalom Ministries operates in the City of Kigali, and five more districts from the Southern and Eastern provinces of Rwanda including Ruhango, Muhanga, Rulindo, Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.

The executive director expressed their ambition to expand nationwide, ensuring that their impact reaches every corner of Rwanda.

After three decades of healing, uniting, and empowering communities, Shalom Ministries stands as a beacon of hope, proving that forgiveness, resilience, and faith can transform even the deepest wounds into testimonies of renewal and peace.

In 2008, Jehovah Shalom evolved into Shalom Ministries

Src: Gospel Time