My Father, Maker of the Trees: How I Survived the Rwandan Genocide - Hardcover

Lawrence, Tracey D.; Irivuzumugabe, Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801013208 ISBN 13: 9780801013201

Publisher: Baker Books, 2009

Synopsis

In 1994, 16-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe climbed a cypress tree and remained there for 15 days without food or water. He wasn't trying to win a bet with his friends--he was attempting to save his life. Eric is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed the lives of 1 million people in just 100 days. In the midst of indescribable loss, and without a job, a home, or an education, Eric was determined to start a new life for himself and his two surviving brothers. My Father, Maker of the Trees is the story not only of his physical survival, it is the story of his spiritual rebirth and the role he is playing in the healing and redemption of his land and people. His incredible account will show readers the reality of evil in the world as well as the power of hope. Eric's message of God's relentless love through our darkest circumstances will encourage and inspire.

About this title

About the Author

Eric Irivuzumugabe is the founder of Humura Ministries, an organization that supports orphans of genocide, through which he ministers to hundreds of fatherless children in need of hope. He is a member of Evangelical Restoration Church, the largest church in Rwanda, where he currently resides. Tracey D. Lawrence is a freelance writer and collaborator who has written for Chuck Colson's BreakPoint, the Wilberforce Forum, Promise Keepers, FutureLead, Gary Smalley, and others.

From the Back Cover

An inspiring story of survival, renewal, and hope In 1994, sixteen-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe climbed a cypress tree and remained there for fifteen days with little food or water. Eric is a survivor of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, which claimed the lives of more than one million people in just a hundred days. In the midst of indescribable loss, and without a job, a home, or an education, Eric was determined to start a new life for himself and his two surviving brothers. My Father, Maker of the Trees is not only the story of his physical survival; it is the story of his spiritual rebirth and the role he is playing in the healing and redemption of his land and his people. His incredible account lays bare both the reality of evil in the world as well as the quiet power of hope. Eric's message of God's relentless love through our darkest circumstances will both encourage and inspire you. "Through Eric's story you will hear about the beauty of my beloved country, Rwanda. His story shows how God's love and presence can overcome suffering and evil in our world."--Immaculée Ilibagiza, author of New York Times bestseller Left to Tell "This story of horror and tragedy is also a story of healing and hope. It teaches us there is still a large role for Christians to play in helping Rwandan orphans. Read this book and catch a glimpse of the heart of God."--Dean Hirsch, president, World Vision International

From the Inside Flap

"Though fear and darkness have tried to consume my heart, an incandescent light hovers now over my family's story when I'm willing to share it with others. I know now that evil cannot destroy my heart, even as I remember its force again and again. As you read the accounts of terrorizing escape, don't let the darkness overtake you. I know this to be true: the River's grace sings louder and is much more powerful. The hellish killing ground could not thwart God's plan.

Reviews

The author was 16 in 1994 when he fled for his life as Hutus set out to eradicate Tutsis in Rwanda. Those 100 days of genocide left more than one million people dead and also left 120,000 orphans. Irivuzumugabe survived by hiding for 15 days in a cypress tree, watching from above as Hutu killers combed the brush, killing anyone they found. He wondered about the fate of his family; he wondered if he would survive the lack of food and water. Fifteen years later, the author shares his story—and the stories of other survivors—with American readers. I want you to know of my struggle so that you too may feel the call to forgive, says the young man who in 2005 founded Humura Ministries to help fellow orphans in Rwanda. This story mirrors many told by those who came through Rwanda's genocide, yet the power of this book comes from a call to forgiveness worldwide as well as from the author's understanding of suffering. Americans can only benefit from this story of God's provision and grace. (Sept.)
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Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Books
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801013208
• ISBN 13: 9780801013201
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 208