Living with Trauma

Rwanda: 16 Years On

by Cheryl Rippingale

At Solace Ministries, widows and orphans look back over the last 16 years and say thank you, Lord. They are amazed to see how little that remained, could cope after the loss of over 1 million innocent loved ones.

During the three months of darkness from April to July 1994, the trauma and horrendous experiences they suffered have left many shattered with deep physical and inner scars.

With many survivors feeling abandoned and alone after loosing their entire families.

Sixteen years is a short time for those who survived. Although support has been given to survivors many thousand continue to struggle re the trauma they have suffered.

They remain vulnerable not because they live in a poor country but due to the loss of family support.

Many widows and orphans are still trying to find someone they can share their journey with and in whom they can confide in.

Thousand of children and young folk continue to need our support for formal and informal education, including families of child headed households, for their daily living expenses and rental.

Solace Ministries deals with thousands of widows and orphans that survived the tragedy, who continue to struggle with the many hardships including all those with PTDS and HIV/AIDS contracted through rape. This is in obedience to the call: Comfort, comfort my people (Isaiah 40:1)

As a result we have seen thousands of widows and orphans being restored with hope, and the desire to make new goals. We rejoice in seeing many of them carrying on the message of hope and comfort to those who are still overcome by sorrow.

Widows need compassion, understanding and empowerment for their own socio-economic development. And each one feels the need to belong in a caring family environment.

The concept of an alternative family is being materialised through Solace Ministries and their communities where everyone is responsible for everyone else.

Forgiveness and reconciliation have their place here where the spirit of mutual support is encouraged.

We thank the Lord for all of you who have prayed, given or helped in any way so that we at Solace Ministries can continue to care and comfort the widows and orphans.

Anyone who wishes to support Solace Ministries can send gifts to: Solace Ministries Australia, PO Box 425, Blackburn 3130. If you’re committed and feel you’d like to join the board to help these most vulnerable folk, please call me on 0408 525 558. You can also email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to the above PO Box address.