Seeds of Impact from Rwanda
In March, Widows Forum hosted its first-ever leadership training for widows—a historic and Spirit-led gathering that brought together 10 women from 5 countries. We aimed to develop a framework for running a widow’s ministry and create a Bible study course titled “Navigating Your First Year of Widowhood.”
This gathering in Rwanda was more than just a workshop—it became a birthplace for vision, courage, and action. The fruit that has emerged in just a few months is both humbling and exciting:
Two widows from Zimbabwe—one from Harare and another from Masvingo—have launched small Bible study groups in their communities using the materials introduced during the training.
A Botswana participant who previously shared that she had been running from God’s call to serve widows launched an online social media page after the training. She described the Rwanda experience as the confirmation she needed.
One participant From South Africa has launched her blog to share encouragement and wisdom with other widows. God even provided the finances she needed for web hosting—another reminder of His faithfulness.
Beyond the visible outcomes, Rwanda was planted with something more profound: boldness, healing, and sisterhood. These women didn’t just attend a training; they left equipped, affirmed, and ready to be agents of transformation in their nations.
The seeds sown in Rwanda are already bearing fruit, and we believe this is just the beginning. We’re watching a movement unfold, one widow at a time—and we give all the glory to God.
Why We Chose Rwanda: A Journey from Pain to Purpose
When planning our first Widows Forum leadership training, many asked: Why Rwanda? We chose Rwanda because of its powerful story, deep national pain, and remarkable healing and resilience.
The 1994 genocide left unimaginable scars, and yet, Rwanda has risen. For us as widows, this journey mirrors our own: grief, loss, betrayal, and the daily call to forgiveness and restoration. We believed that learning from Rwanda’s story would bring healing and strength to our own.
The 1994 genocide left unimaginable scars, and yet, Rwanda has risen. For us as widows, this journey mirrors our own: grief, loss, betrayal, and the daily call to forgiveness and restoration. We believed that learning from Rwanda’s story would bring healing and strength to our own.
During our time there, we visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial. One of our associate staff from Sister Ministry, a genocide survivor, led the tour and shared his lived experience. As an 8-year-old during the genocide, he witnessed unimaginable trauma. He spoke with grace and honesty about how difficult it was, even after becoming a Christian, to forgive the perpetrators. And yet, he chose forgiveness, not just once, but as a daily act of obedience and faith.
From the start of the tour to our quiet time of reflection, many tears were shed. One widow stood up and shared her story: she and her late husband had supported a friend during her divorce, offering her a home and a job. After the loss of her husband, this friend betrayed her, using the same training and tools they had provided to open a competing business while she was still grieving. Standing at the memorial, she said, “Today, I choose to forgive.”
What we witnessed in Rwanda was more than education; it was transformation. The women left determined to rise above their pain and lead others into healing and hope.
Rwanda reminded us:
There is life after pain. There is a purpose after loss. There is power in forgiveness.
And just like Rwanda, we are rising—one widow at a time.