The Story of Kevis

Have you ever met someone that has changed your life within 15 minutes? We’d like you to meet one of our good friends! His name is Kevis and he went to our camp this summer. As soon as he first entered in through the big iron doors of the entrance, we knew he was something else…someone who would teach us much more that we could ever teach him.

Here are some quick facts about Kevis:

Age: 16
School: Sonrise Christian School
Hometown: Musanze, Rwanda
Goals: He would like to be a doctor one day.

Kevis is an exceptional soccer player and a humble leader amongst his peers. It was clear that all the kids in the camp respected and looked up to him. With profound English skills, Kevis expressed to the various American coaches of his desire to come to America in order to study at the university level. (In Rwanda, the educational system only allows the best of the best to enter college. Very few receive their bachelor’s degree after high school.) Kevis has vision for his tomorrow.
Much like Kanakuk and Kids Across America, each night of the camp had a “K-Life” which consisted of worship music, skits, games, testimonies, and a speaker. In the Rwandan language, we call it “K-Ubuzima”! Kevis was chosen to share his testimony for the last night of camp. He story paraphrased is below…
The story of God’s redeeming work in my life is no different than yours. He died on the cross for my sins, despite my rebellion towards him. He died in my place for my sins and paid a penalty that I could not pay. This love propels me to love others.
This truth was put to the test for me 2 years ago when my Uncle murdered my Father with a hammer. They had an argument over finances and he hit my Father on the head 6 times. This killed my Father instantly. My Uncle was thrown in jail and my life was changed forever.
6 months ago, I knew I needed to seek forgiveness. This was my calling as a Christian. I went to see my Uncle in jail and told him, “How can I not forgive you? After all, Christ forgave me.” Although this was hard, the hallmark of Christianity is reconciliation. We must forgive.
As you know, the people of Rwanda are displaying the greatest picture of reconciliation to the whole world. The residual effects from the Genocide are almost overwhelming, yet the people continue to forgive. This is not an easy task, but people like Kevis are an example for the country and to us all.