Immaculée Ilibagiza grew up in a loving Catholic family in Rwanda, surrounded by the warmth of her parents and three brothers. Education was highly valued, and Immaculée thrived academically, pursuing engineering at the National University of Rwanda. However, during the Easter break of 1994, her life changed forever when the Rwandan President's plane was shot down, igniting a horrific genocide.
Hidden During Rwanda Genocide
As violence erupted on April 7, 1994, Immaculée's father urged her to seek refuge with a local Hutu pastor, Pastor Murinzi. There, she and seven other women hid in a cramped 3 ft x 4 ft bathroom for 91 harrowing days. Despite the constant threat of discovery by the killers searching the house, Immaculée held on to hope and faith.
God's Call to Forgive
Tragically, during this period, Immaculée lost her parents and two brothers to the violence. Overwhelmed with anger and grief, she turned to prayer, clutching the rosary beads her father had given her. Through intense prayer, Immaculée began to hear God's call to forgive. As she later shared, "I knew that my heart and mind would always be tempted to feel anger — to find blame and hate. But I resolved that when the negative feelings came upon me, I wouldn't wait for them to grow or fester. I would always turn immediately to the Source of all true power: I would turn to God and let His love and forgiveness protect and save me."
Forgiving Her Family's Killers
Miraculously, Immaculée and the other women emerged from hiding alive. Weighing only 65 pounds, she sought refuge at a French military camp. Her journey of forgiveness culminated when she visited the prison holding Félicien, the man who led the gang that killed her family. Taking his hands, she told him that she forgave him, an act that left a profound impact on those around her.
Sharing God's Healing Power
After the genocide, Immaculée worked with the United Nations in Rwanda before moving to the United States in 1998. She became an author and motivational speaker, sharing her transformative journey. Through her books, such as "Left to Tell," Immaculée spreads the powerful message that forgiveness is possible, even in the most unimaginable circumstances. Her story is a testament to God's healing power and the strength found in forgiveness.
