Each session includes around 30 minutes of video material plus suggestions for group work and personal reflection. Handouts and additional resources are included on the disk in PDF format. If your computer doesn't have a DVD drive, you can download the files here.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?

"Choices on the way to peace" on DVD is a new study resource for small groups and individuals.

Based on the insights and courage of Rwandese in the years since the genocide, it examines the choices available to communities and individuals after trauma, as they contemplate the hard road back to peace.

Their choices will challenge your understanding of forgiveness, healing, repentance and reconciliation.

SESSION ONE

Finding a response to pain

In 1994, a frenzy of killing burst across Rwanda, leaving enormous loss, pain and shame. Some Rwandese have made startling choices to recover their peace.

This session introduces the choices we all face in dealing with pain and hurt.

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1. Introduction

We take a look at the four normal human responses to conflict or pain: denial, revenge, forgiveness and reconciliation.

2. Denial

Denial is a way of coping with difficult circumstances, but there are drawbacks...

3. Revenge

A victim may feel that there is benefit in the offender suffering in a way that matches their own pain. view sample video >>

4. Forgiveness

A difficult step, and so misunderstood. It is an effective response only when the victim is not overwhelmed with pain

5. Reconciliation

Not easily reached. A healthy reconciliation requires specific steps on the part of both the victim and offender.

6. A choice

By practicing the act of forgiveness, we take a step towards becoming a peacemaker.

SESSION TWO

The underside of forgiveness

The road to peace can be very complicated. What about the times when our dream is to be able to sit and eat with those who were our enemies? When I do want to act in a positive way, where do I start?

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1. Introduction

Session Two explores the hidden parts of forgiveness which move us towards hope and change.

2. Josephine's story

Three years after the Rwandan genocide, Josephine decided to contact the neighbour who had killed her brother. view sample video >>

3. Ndahimana

Feelings which are held inside will affect our body and impact our moods, relationships and choices. As a two year old boy, Ndahimana lived through the horrors of 1994...

4. Healing takes time

Forgiveness is never simple.Experience in Rwanda suggests that we should not be too quick to declare a person forgiven. There are essential steps...

SESSION THREE

Forgiveness for life

How can we keep our relationships open and our confrontations healthy?

Practicing the act of forgiveness only takes a moment, but it is a chance to step onto the path of becoming a peace-maker rather than a peace-breaker.

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1. Introduction

Our world needs forgiveness desperately. In this session, we look at some of Jesus' teachings on keeping relationships open.

2. Constructive responses

We met Prisca in Session One. How is life for her, ten years after the genocide? view sample video >>

3. Keeping it flowing-part 1

Even with the best intentions we all miss the mark and damage relationships. Here we look at some of the things Jesus had to say about healthy confrontation.

4. Keeping it flowing-part 2

The gentle story of three Rwandese widows who face the challenges of living with HIV. A reminder that wealth is not life, and poverty is not a character...