Tragedy Strikes During Rwandan Genocide
Immaculée Ilibagiza's life was forever altered when the Rwandan genocide began in April 1994. Born in Mataba, Rwanda, she was raised in a loving Catholic family where faith and education were paramount. Her peaceful life was shattered as violence erupted across the nation following the assassination of the Rwandan President. Immaculée, home from university for Easter, found herself in grave danger as a member of the Tutsi tribe.
Hidden in Fear for 91 Days
Amidst the chaos, Immaculée's parents sent her to seek refuge in the house of a Hutu pastor, Pastor Murinzi. For 91 harrowing days, she hid with seven other women in a cramped 3 x 4 foot bathroom, living in constant fear of discovery by the machete-wielding militia. As she later recalled, "I remember pain like a thousand needles going through my body, to wait for them, to think of what they're going to do when they find you."
God's Protection During Persecution
In the midst of this nightmare, Immaculée turned to God. She prayed the rosary her father had given her, clinging to her faith amidst the terror. She found solace in the realization that her battle for survival was as much internal as it was external. "I realized that my battle to survive this war would have to be fought inside of me," she stated.
Divine intervention seemed to protect them on the day the killers nearly discovered their hiding place. Immaculée felt God's presence in those moments and resolved to let His love shield her heart. "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," she affirmed.
Supernatural Forgiveness After Tragedy
Emerging from the bathroom after 91 days, she learned of the tragic deaths of her family members. Yet, in an extraordinary act of grace, she forgave Felicien, the man responsible for her family's murder. "Forgiveness is all I have to offer," she told him, feeling peace replace her anguish.
Immaculée moved to the United States in 1998, where she worked for the U.N. and began sharing her story. Her book, "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust," and her motivational speaking inspire others to embrace faith and forgiveness. She continues her mission through the Left to Tell Charitable Fund, helping orphaned children in Africa. "The power of forgiveness is huge; it is really big, and it can save this world," she proclaims.
