Andrew Palau is an  international evangelist and the major organiser of Kigali Hope Festival.

The Luis Palau Festivals in collaboration with Hope Rwanda and churches in Kigali, considered it vital to conclude the 100 days of the commemoration period with the hope festival.

Andrew has organized several successful Christian festivals around the world, and his dream is to make the Kigali Hope Festival a remarkable event in the country.

Andrew, who embraced salvation in a Festival in Kingston Jamaica, believes that festivals are a unique way of preaching and enjoying the word of God.

"My father was a pastor but I had never believed in Jesus Christ. I received God at the age of 27, after I had attended to a certain festival in Kingston.

Andrew was born in Portland, Oregon. In an interview with The New Times, he talks about the Hope Festival and his passion for Rwanda.

TNT: What should we expect from the Kigali Hope Festival?

AP:  All Rwandans to hear the word of God and to understand the good news of Bible. Also people will understand the benefits of forgiveness that live within them.

The Hope Festival will also increase unity among churches and the government.

TNT: What is your message to Rwandans 15 years after the Genocide?

AP:  At the stadium, I will share with Rwandans what I normally share with other people around the world.

God loves Rwanda and He is among you. He offers hope, life and reconciliation with him and between each other.

TNT: How do you see Rwanda today?

AP:  Rwanda offers to the world a view to what happen for good. When the foundations were taken down to the earth, you did not stay down. Rwanda has stood and rebuilt its foundations, people and nation.

The entire world also wants to see if there is hope for them. As Rwanda continues to succeed, it has set an example for the whole world.

Infact Rwanda has restored hope to other parts of the world.

TNT: Which lessons will Rwandans derive from the Festival?

AP:  The Rwandans will know that God loves them and wants to use them. The hope festival is also a sign of what unity can offer.

It has brought together the Kigali City authority, churches and partners from abroad; and with unity in Christ, everything is possible.

The festival’s target is to change lives of Rwandans. And with changed lives, other institutions can change as well for example families, communities and institutions.

TNT: Is this the first Palau Festival to be held in Africa?

AP:  Well we have partners in many African countries. We have also been partners with Hope Rwanda for the past two year but this is the first time such a mega Festival is being held.

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