Confession is Linked to Peace and Prosperity of the Nations

Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda

Rwanda will experience an historical and history-making event July 7-12, 2009.

Fifteen years after the 1994 genocide and fifty years after the Hutu-Tutsi conflict, leaders of churches from Rwanda, neighboring African countries, Europe and North America will gather for representative repentance and healing. Leaders of diverse church denominations will identify with the sins of their people and nations and confess to one another, and seek forgiveness from each other and God. In humility steps will be taken to walk the way of the cross and break the power of evil in the land. After the church leaders confess, they will meet with the government leaders again in acts of confession.

Nehemiah, the rebuilder of Jerusalem, prayed the following prayer, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.”  (Nehemiah 1:5-7)

There are spiritual realities that shape our communities and nations. When we break trust with God and each other, there are consequences in the land. A biblical model for Christian leaders is to bear the guilt of the people, confess to God and one another and seek the forgiveness and mercy of the Lord.

I’ll send you reports as I have been invited to attend, identify with the sin of our past, and seek the mercy of God. Dr. Chris Hall, Chancellor of Eastern University, will join me from the USA.

Stand with us in humility and pray for us and for this historic meeting. Africa, Europe, North America and our world depend on God’s favor! 

Gary Edmonds