In 1994, 16-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe climbed a cypress tree where he remained hidden for 15 days without food or water, escaping the largest massacre of the Rwandan holocaust. Here he shares the story of his survival, his spiritual rebirth, and his ministry to hundreds of orphans of the genocide. 205 pages, hardcover from Baker.

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.

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.

“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.” -Immaculee Ilibagiza, author of the New York Times bestseller Left to Tell

“World Vision’s founder prayed, ‘Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.’ The world has too many orphans—children like Eric, children Jesus loves. But this story of horror and tragedy is also a story of healing and hope. This book is important; it teaches us that 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

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.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

http://www.christianbook.com/father-maker-trees-survived-rwandan-genocide/eric-irivuzumugabe/9780801013201/pd/013201

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Author: Tracey D. Lawrence
Located in: Brighton, CO
Submitted: August 17, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I'm a freelance writer and have written for various personalities within CBA, such as Chuck Colson, Gary Smalley and others. I have an M.A. in church history/theology and just completed my D.Phil.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  A friend of mine introduced me to a genocide survivor. I knew I was to try and get his story published and believed God would use his testimony of hope.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope it will help to make sense of suffering and that God is not wasteful when we are in the darkest seasons of our lives.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  I probably experienced a level of trauma myself. The unspeakable evil of genocide is hard to face, but necessary to tell the story. But God also showed how to bring out the hope of the story that really guides the last half of the book.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  C.S. Lewis. Euguene Peterson. Makoto Fujimura. My family is a huge source of inspiration to keep writing and serving others through it.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  Pass this on to anyone who is struggling with forgiveness or have endured severe trauma. I think Eric's story has the ability to offer healing and strength.

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