I just recently watched the movie, "Beyond the Gates." Not a movie to watch if you have a weak stomach or in the mood for a comedy. This is a movie that is based on the events of the Rwandan genocide.
Based on true events and filmed in Rwanda with genocide survivors as cast and crew, BEYOND THE GATES tells their shared story of humanity in the most inhumane circumstances. In April 1994, a secondary school in Kigali, Rwanda called the Ecole Technique Officielle (ETO), being used as a UN army base, became a refugee camp. Belgian UN troops, school children, NGO workers and over 2,500 Tutsi citizens and their sympathizers took refuge against a raging genocide while the Hutu militia, clad with machetes, clamored outside the school gates.
Five days later, the UN troops withdrew from the school, taking the whites with them. Within hours, almost all of the Rwandans were dead.
Five days later, the UN troops withdrew from the school, taking the whites with them. Within hours, almost all of the Rwandans were dead.
I cried and cried while watching this movie. This only happened 13 years ago. And it is happening again all over the world - Sudan, Darfur, Burma, ... What can I do to make a difference and what can I do to help prevent these tragedies? If you go to the movie's website http://www.beyondthegates-movie.com/ there is a link to many human rights websites where you can make donations.
In Ezekial 16:49 it says, "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.
James 1:27 says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
I will do what I can for the people across the world - prayers and donations. But is there something I can do for the people who live down the street or maybe in the next house? I am challenging myself, with God's help, to make a difference in the lives of the people in my own neighborhood, city, work place, etc... A smile, hug, plate of cookies, hand-me-downs, ride to work, bag of groceries, note of encouragement, ... I would love to hear of any ideas you have to help others - please join me in this resolution.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12.
