Books We Recommend to Learn More About Rwanda and Africa

·         Left to Tell, and Led by Faith, both by Immaculee Ilibagiza, who spent the 3 months during the genocide in a forgotten bathroom of a pastor’s house.  All in her family were killed except a brother away in another country to study.  She too has immense faith.

·         Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Roméo Dallaire,  force commander of the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda.  The story of General Romeo Dallaire's frustrated efforts to stop the madness of the Rwandan Genocide, despite the complete indifference of his superiors.

·         The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision.  This is about his journey as a successful businessman, finding Christ, and how later on in life, God called him to leave all of that and work for W. Vision.  He is now a prophet, calling all of us to live out our lives as Christ impels us to.

·         Our God of the Trees by Eric Irivuzumugabe, who faced horrors during the genocide and ended up hiding in some trees for at least 15 days of it.  He also finds God, forgiveness, and peace, and raised his two younger brothers.

·         A Thousand Hills:  Rwanda’s Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It, by Stephen Kinzer. Kinzer delves deeply into the life of Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, who has worked much good in this troubled nation, though he is not perfect.  President Kagame is revered and talked highly about by most Rwandans.  A powerful and in-depth read.

·         Kisses From Katie, by Katie Davis.  A marvelous true story of a senior in high school who goes to volunteer in Uganda for 3 months.  She falls in love with the people, returns the next year, and ends up building quite a mission that is still going strong and expanding.  Her faith is very humble and real, as are her journalings of being a young mom with many children. (How fortunate we were to go and see her work)!