Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

Immaculee Ilibagiza

I have been anticipating Immaculee Ilibagiza coming to my church to speak. In sharing her story of how she survived the Rwanda genocide and found God during her three months in hiding, in a 3' x 4' bathroom with seven other women, I sat there dumbfounded, choked-up, and amazed at this woman. She was just a college student when this happened.

It starts with her video diary to give you some background information. Her actual talk is so interesting and amazing. It's hard to imagine this just happened in 1994.

I am ashamed to think when this was going on, it was just a blurb in the evening news to me. I never really gave it much thought.

If you listen to her whole story, especially the chain events that happened after her 3 months in the bathroom, you will understand why she believes God has a plan for her and is still helping her deliver it. I bought her book Left to Tell, the detailed story of her experience. Here is the link:

Immaculee Ilibagiza at Kensington Community Church 09/05/2007

Immaculee Ilibagiza

I just found out that Immaculee Ilibagiza, a Rwandan holocaust survivor, will be speaking at my church, September 5th. I am excited to hear her story.

Surviving Africa's worst genocide, she speaks about hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for three months. During this time, one million people were killed, including her parents.

It was 1994, she was only 22, a college student, home, just to spend Easter with her family.

Her story is about forgiveness, how she learned to embrace prayer, and begin a profound and lasting relationship with God.

I couldn't bring myself to see the movie, Hotel Rwanda, when it was out. I think after I meet her, I will decide if I can watch it.

If anyone in my area is interested in hearing her story, I'd be happy to have you join me.