Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives: The Impact of CARSA’s Empower Workshop
Last month, CARSA ran the Empower follow-up in Muhanga District, Southern Rwanda in a close partnership with our friends at Compelled By Love. We deeply thank this partner for enabling us to host 70 Empower certificate holders who attended workshops between 2020 and 2024. CARSA staff and facilitators were able to review past material with participants, asses their progress on the goals they set after their initial workshop, and set new goals to fit their current circumstances. This edition will share their stories of transformation and flourishing.
Nsengimana Dismas, a former genocide perpetrator, struggled with deep remorse and inner turmoil after participating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. His guilt persisted through his conviction, prison sentence, and return home. It wasn't until he attended CARSA's Empower Workshop that he began to find peace by accepting his role in the genocide and embracing Scriptural truths about equality and human rights.
Elia and Delphine are a couple who lived together for five years in a conflict-ridden relationship without a civil marriage. Their lack of trust and separate finances caused much strain, as did Elia’s drinking habit and belief that all household work was for women. Delphine was especially hesitant about marriage because she feared the financial vulnerability it entailed. However, attending CARSA’s Empower workshop revealed the core issues in their relationship. Elia realized the importance of shared responsibility and teamwork, which led Delphine to forgive him and build trust. They were officially married before the workshop was over!
Marie Jose and Jean-Marie Vianney (JMV) entered the Empower workshop constantly in conflict. They lived in separate rooms and often had physical fights, especially related to JMV’s alcoholism. Marie Jose, suffering from depression, began neglecting her family to emulate her husband’s lifestyle. During the workshop, Marie Jose’s struggles led to legal trouble, but with rehabilitation support from CARSA, the workshop marked a turning point for the family. Embracing lessons on relational, economic, and Biblical responsibility, the couple began managing their anger, improving communication, and working together on agricultural projects. The couple is deeply thankful for CARSA’s intervention and overjoyed by the reconciliation and peace that now define their home, symbolized by their sharing a bed again.
To hear from Dismas about his heart transformation that led to friendship with former genocide victims, to celebrate the happy marriage of Elia and Delphine, or to witness the restoration of JMV and Marie Jose’s family, click the link below!
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1CUTBDQ96k
