A sound of hope

Shemeza Music in partnership with Jehovah Jireh Association (AJEJI) has given a live concert at Buterere on 8th March 2014. Celebrating the International Woman’s Day and sharing the Word of God with a message of hope was on the agenda.–By Yves Didier Irakoze

Apostle Apollinaire Habonimana: «Even though the flood has damaged your houses and belongings don’t lose hope; God is still on the throne. We have come to tell you that there is a place of liberation, freedom and healing for our country,”.©Iwacu

“It’s not your sins that caused the flood; it is not your sins that took your house and everything inside. God knows you and he has eyes on you. Remain strong and hopeful,” encourages Aimable Izere, a Project Leader of Shemeza Music. Music with hope and message to heal the souls has been welcomed this last Saturday at Don Bosco (Buterere). Women, children, men, etc were gathered at Don Bosco ground to hear the gospel message as well as celebrate the International Woman’s Day.
“Even though the flood has damaged your houses and belongings don’t lose hope; God is still on the throne. We have come to tell you that there is a place of liberation, freedom and healing for our country,” says Apostle Apollinaire Habonimana.He  expresses that people are familiar to hear sounds of hatred, misfortune but now, they need to hear sounds that relieve and heal the souls. “Those people who have been rescued from the flood that occurred on the dark night of 9th February 2014 need hope from God. They also need support and assistance from everyone,” he highlights. “It is in this way, we organize such an event to tell them that there is still hope for the future. Furthermore, we needed to reach people at home with a message of hope and worship through songs and, dances after the flood”, says the Apostle. This event is an occasion to provide a gift composed of soaps, clothes, food, cooking utensils…to 100 women.

A woman, the invisible force for change

“Woman is the pillar of the family and she contributes much in the development of the family though she is sidelined,” insists Natacha Nduwimana, Chairperson of AJEJI. She goes on saying that the women development must be the concern of everybody. This involves everyone to fight against violence to women and remove challenges they face for their own development. “Women have to really show up that they are able to achieve great things. They have to know that being born as a girl is not a misfortune. We have to plead for their rights, protect them against abuses, and provide them the place they deserve,” states Nduwimana. Pauline Ruratotoye, the Administrator of Buterere is happy of the event that occurs in her Commune. However, she notes that the day comes when women from Buterere face a huge problem of avoiding registration at the commune office for administrative purposes or duties. In many cases, their husbands marry other wives regardless of the official law related to marriage. Consequently, both wives and children endure setbacks ignorantly and innocently respectively. “Then, we sensitize them even if the results aren’t perfect yet. But step by step, we hope that things will be much better,” concludes Ruratotoye.