Left To Tell

At our house, whenever we hear a news story about the nation of Rwanda, we are quick to give it our attention, because some of our very good friends are Rwandan.

I am sorry to admit that about seven years ago, I didn't even know where Rwanda was. Then, a group of Rwandan students from La Roche College began to attend our church. As we grew to know them, and to learn of their faith, their fortitude and their heritage, our lives were touched. And I learned where Rwanda is.

That summer, my husband, Bruce, our pastor, Jeff Leake, and Mike Santistevan traveled to Rwanda for a ceremony marking the installation of the nation's first Critical Care Unit in a Kigali hospital, which our church financed. They met some of the extended family of the students, and they made new friends. Those relationships have developed and grown with a mutual affection and respect. Bruce has returned to Rwanda two more times with 20 others, including our youngest daughter, Samantha, this past summer. Another trip is in the works for this summer (more on that later).

Much publicity has abounded about the 1994 genocide and civil war in Rwanda, with movies, documentaries, and books. One of our friends was one of the people sheltered in Hotel des Milles Collines (Hotel Rwanda). Another is a granddaughter of Pastor Murinzi, the man featured in the remarkable and compelling story of Imaculée Ilibagiza in her book, Left To Tell. Imaculée's story was covered on this past Sunday's broadcast of 60 Minutes. If you didn't catch the original broadcast, you can watch it online at http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml .

In Imaculée's words, "The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. I believe that we can heal Rwanda - and our world - by healing one heart at a time."