A Journey of Truth, Forgiveness, and Friendship: The Story of Jean Felix and Papias

Ayiki Jean Felix was 9 years old when the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi erupted in his area. He was young, but a target. His home was raided, and as fear surged through his body before he escaped with his aunt, he looked at the men attacking his home and his family and recognized them. It was the Interahamwe militia and his neighbors. There was one old man in particular whose face was seared vividly into his mind. That man was Kalasira Papias. 

After the 100 days of killing had ended, Felix returned home, or to what was left of it, and discovered that his father and many of his family members had been killed. At 9 years old, he had nobody to care for him and ended up living on the streets and getting involved in drugs and alcohol. He tried going back to school, but many of his classmates had died, and trauma haunted him. In an attempt to make some money, Felix picked up odd jobs here and there, but would spend it all on alcohol. 

 Meanwhile, Papias deeply regretted his actions in the genocide against the Tutsi. He had joined the Interahamwe militia and participated in the killing of Tutsi in his area. After serving 15 years in prison, he returned home but felt deep shame and fear whenever he saw Felix. 

Eventually, Felix and Papias were both invited to an Empower Workshop. There was a time of open confession when Papias gathered the courage to confess his role in the murder of Felix’s father. He spoke the truth that was painful for Felix to hear but also brought a sense of unexpected relief. For the remainder of the workshop, Felix felt supported by the facilitators and teachings on forgiveness, such that, to Papias’s “surprise and deep gratitude,” he was able to confront him, forgive him, and begin a journey towards healing with him.

Since then, their relationship has been transformed, and they have become close friends and coworkers in sharing community group responsibilities and daily work. Felix held a celebration for his newborn recently, and Papias was there participating and contributing. Felix also said that when he’s in trouble, he can call Papias as a trusted friend to help him. 

Papias testifies that “the fear and guilt that once controlled [him] has been replaced with mutual respect and reconciliation.” For Felix, the pain and confusion had previously led him to feelings of isolation, especially when he saw former perpetrators who had not confessed, but at Empower Workshop, he learnt the power of forgiveness and has “​​forgiven not only Papias but also others who have never said sorry.” Felix now chooses to “help others in need and have restored relationships with [his] neighbors.” In deep gratitude to CARSA, Papias and Felix stand together as neighbors, not enemies. They have both found true freedom and purpose again, thanks to Empower Workshop and are now committed people who bring healing through truth, reconciliation, and the power of God. 

A photo of Jean Felix (left) and Papias (right) smiling as as symbol of their true reconciliation