Hutu Murderer

Transcript

World Vision tells a story about Deborah. Years after the genocide in Rwanda, Deborah could not get over her son's death—so she daily asked God for help. One morning a young man came to her door. He said, "I killed your son. Take me to the authorities. I cannot sleep. I see you praying, and I know it's for me."

Deborah saw before her a hurting young man—a pawn of Hutu extremists. She opened her arms to offer forgiveness and a place in her own family.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. The Bible refers to God as "Him who has destroyed the dividing wall of hostility." Deborah knew Him. We know Him, too . . . in the high calling of our daily work.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)