Category: reviews

Book review by Prof. Paul Rutayisire

John 1 Comment

This book is both interesting and enlightening. It tackles one of the consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi that is misunderstood by many Rwandans: the internal or psychological wounds caused by the traumatic events experienced or witnessed during and after the genocide. Such trauma manifests itself in collective and individual life experience. The feelings that resulted among the Rwandans are known: fear, anxiety, bitterness, sorrow, shame, shock, uncertainty, distress, and confusion.

After the genocide a few programs addressed that challenge, if only in a superficial way. These programs aimed at a collective cure leading to peaceful coexistence. They led to a positive outcome but, for the author of this book, their effects would not last long because psychological wounds were not healed. Read More

Quick response to the Study Guides

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Here’s a quick response to the newly released Study Guides, from an Australian in Geneva…

“Congratulations seems to be an entirely inadequate word – what an amazing “ministry” this is. I can see so many applications – Ukraine, Western Balkans, working with refugees and host communities etc – and am looking forward to a deeper dive.”

Kevin Jenkins, World Vision, on ‘From Genocide to Generosity’

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“We rarely fully explore the healing power of forgiveness in our day-to-day lives, so John Steward’s deeply personal, first-hand view of sacrificial forgiveness in the midst of the Rwandan genocide is unimaginable. The personal journeys of pain and reconciliation will break your heart and inspire you. This book, emerging from experience with World Vision staff and the communities they touched, will change your perspective on the human condition.”

Kevin J. Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, World Vision International

Dr Wendy Lambourne on ‘From Genocide to Generosity’

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“John Steward’s book provides a powerful and moving account of how recovery after genocide is possible. He inspires us with the stories of Rwandans who have been able to face their past and find hope in the future as they discover the potential for forgiveness and healing.”

Dr Wendy Lambourne, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney.

Review of the e-book July 2017

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After the genocide of 1994 Rwanda was a country with a national mental health crisis. Not only had most of its citizens suffered horrendous losses and abuses, but to compound the trauma, many were unable to find out what had happened to loved ones, or locate their bodies for burial. In 1997, the author and his wife felt called to go there and work with an NGO in the healing process. This is their story, of all the listening they did to start with, then the workshops they ran with a focus on healing and reconciliation. I was particularly impressed with the community based justice system which was focused more on restorative justice rather than punitive justice. Finally, he includes a 12 step program towards forgiveness which I found very powerful. The individual stories in this book are heartrending, but ultimately it’s a book of hope and healing.

Heather Jephcott on ‘From Genocide to Generosity”

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Rich with insight…how one country can sink so low, so quickly…How ethnic tensions can simmer and then explode, or rather, how easily a group (mostly male) can come under the domination of leaders to do the most vile deeds. But then, the role of HOPE, in bringing people out of the worst darkness. where they encounter healing and learn to forgive…and be forgiven. How extreme enemies can become family…through forgiveness and the desire to restore…reconcile.
Heather Jephcott, poet and author of Open Hearts, Quiet Streams, Indonesia.

Book review by Nick Mattiske, Crosslight.

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At the time of the Rwandan genocide, it was said that there were no more devils in Hell because they were all in Rwanda. In 1994, almost one million people were killed by the systematic interethnic violence. When the massacre stopped, refugees returned to Rwanda, fuelling reprisals and disputes over land. This unimaginable catastrophe created a mental health crisis, with few citizens unaffected.

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Langham Publication Named INDIEFAB Book of the Year Finalist

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Langham Publication Named INDIEFAB Book of the Year Finalist

From Genocide to Generosity named Foreword Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards Finalist.

Langham Creative Projects is pleased to announce that From Genocide to Generosity has been recognized as a finalist in the 18th annual Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards. See our finalist entry in the Grief/Grieving section as well as the complete list of finalist at the INDIEFAB website.

Each year, Foreword Reviews shines a light on a select group of indie publishers, university presses, and self-published authors whose work stands out from the crowd. In the next three months, a panel of more than 100 volunteer librarians and booksellers will determine the winners in 63 categories based on their experience with readers and patrons.

“The 2015 INDIEFAB finalist selection process is as inspiring as it is rigorous,” said Victoria Sutherland, publisher of Foreword Reviews. “The strength of this list of finalists is further proof that small, independent publishers are taking their rightful place as the new driving force of the entire publishing industry.”

In reaction to the news, Pieter Kwant, Director of Literature at Langham Partnership said “It has been a privilege to publish John Steward and to enable these amazing stories of recovery and restoration from Rwanda to be read by people around the world. Dealing with grief is never straight-forward but even more so when a country’s entire population is individually impacted by these issues as in the case of Rwanda after the genocide. The road to generosity and the transformation of people’s hearts and relationships through the process of reconciliation is something we give thanks for. The nomination of From Genocide to Generosity for the INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards in the Grief/Grieving category is a recognition of John’s labour in writing this book but also the humility of the Rwandans whose stories he tells and the power of God through healing and reconciliation. Langham Creative Projects is very pleased to add our own congratulations to John for this nomination.”

Foreword Reviews will celebrate the winners during a program at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida in June. We will also name the Editor’s Choice Prize 2015 for Fiction, Nonfiction and Foreword Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Publisher of the Year Award during the presentation.

About the Publisher: Langham Partnership seeks to equip a new generation of Bible teachers in the Majority World through its doctoral scholarships, literature resourcing and training and support of expository preachers. Our publishing ministry, Langham Creative Projects, originates and produces affordable books specifically for scholars, seminary libraries and preachers in the Majority World.

More information on our three main imprints – Langham Global Library, Langham Monographs and Langham Preaching Resources – as well as our other supported publishing projects can be found at langhamcreative.org. More information on Langham Partnership and its work can be found at langham.org.

About Foreword: Foreword Magazine, Inc is a media company featuring a Folio:-award-winning quarterly print magazine, Foreword Reviews, and a website devoted to independently published books. In the magazine, they feature reviews of the best 170 new titles from independent publishers, university presses, and noteworthy self-published authors. Their website features daily updates: reviews along with in-depth coverage and analysis of independent publishing from a team of more than 100 reviewers, journalists, and bloggers. The print magazine is available at most Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million newsstands or by subscription. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. They are headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, USA.

From Genocide to Generosity cover image

From Genocide to Generosity

Hatreds Heal on Rwanda’s Hills

Author: John Steward
ISBN: 9781783688838
Imprint: Langham Global Library

Page Count: 200
Format: Paperback
Size: 229 x 152mm

Published: June 2015
List Price: £7.99 / US $15.99 / Au$ 24.95

Purchase a copy directly from Langham, Amazon, Book Depository, or contact your preferred bookseller.

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Book review

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Book Review

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Title:  From Genocide to Generosity: Hatreds Heal on Rwanda’s Hill
Author:  John Steward
Publication details:  Carlisle, UK: Langham Global Library, 2015
Sumbookmary:  John Steward served in Rwanda with World Vision in 1997, where he was engaged in reconciliation activities and programs in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.  He has since undertaken a number of short visits, with 2012 being the most recent.  This book shares insights and lessons learnt from this engagement, within the church and beyond, and gives voice to local staff and friends in the ministry of reconciliation by narrating their experiences and contributions.  There are descriptions of programs that encourage transformation and healing between Tutsis and Hutus such as workshops on personal development, healing the wounds of ethnic conflict, healing of memories and community restorative justice.  Sharing these stories gives hope that change can take place after such trauma and acknowledges the generosity that has flowed, even if there is still much more healing that needs to take place.
Evaluation:  I am delighted that one of my many mission companions has told this story and been vulnerable about his personal journey through this ministry.  This book is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, this book addresses the need for reconciliation within our communities, a theme which lies at the heart of the gospel, and challenges us to be authentic in our practices. Secondly, the book highlights the significance of transformation through the use of a number of intentional, best-practice activities, education programs and resources that seek to demonstrate what genuine forgiveness looks like. A number of these programs are based on traditional approaches to healing and community peace building, and use indigenous art forms in communication.  In short, this book bears witness to the power of the gospel in a world crying out for holistic healing, and provides ways to practically respond to the reconciliation needs of church and society, which are relevant for all Christians, including us living in Australia.
Reviewed by:  David Turnbull