Led by Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide

by Immaculée Ilibagiza, Steve Erwin, Rick Warren (Foreword by)

For three months in the spring of 1994, the African nation of Rwanda descended into one of the most vicious and bloody genocides the world has ever seen. Immaculée Ilibagiza, a young university student, miraculously survived the savage killing spree that left most of her family, friends, and a million of her fellow citizens dead. Immaculée’s remarkable story of survival was documented in her first book, Left to Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.In Led By Faith, Immaculée takes us with her as her remarkable journey continues. Through her simple and eloquent voice, we experience her hardships and heartache as she struggles to survive and to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of the holocaust. It is the story of a naïve and vulnerable young woman, orphaned and alone, navigating through a bleak and dangerously hostile world with only an abiding faith in God to guide and protect her. Immaculée fends off sinister new predators, seeks out and comforts scores of children orphaned by the genocide, and searches for love and companionship in a land where hatred still flourishes. Then, fearing again for her safety as Rwanda’s war-crime trials begin, Immaculée flees to America to begin a new chapter of her life as a refugee and immigrant—a stranger in a strange land.With the same courage and faith in God that led her through the darkness of genocide, Immaculée discovers a new life that was beyond her wildest dreams as a small girl in a tiny village in one of Africa’s poorest countries.It is in the United States, her adopted country, where Immaculée can finally look back at all that has happened to her and truly understand why God spared her life . . . so that she would be left to tell her story to the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Africa, Biography, Catholic, Religion, Autobiography

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2008

About the author

Today Immaculée is regarded as one of world's leading speakers on peace, faith, and forgiveness. She has shared her universal message with world dignitaries, school children, multinational corporations, churches, and at many conferences. Immaculée works hard to spread her message and to raise money for her Left to Tell Charitable Fund which directly benefits the children orphaned by the genocide.

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a living example of faith put into action. Immaculée's life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide where she and seven other women spent 91 days huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's house. Immaculée entered the bathroom a vibrant, 115-pound university student with a loving family - she emerged weighing just 65 pounds to find her entire family had been brutally murdered (with the exception of one brother who had been studying out of the country).

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read Immaculée’s riveting autobiographical account of her survival of the Rwandan genocide, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, and wondered if her troubles were over, think again. They had only just begun.

Led by Faith is her painful personal account of life after the massacre of over a million Tutsi during the span of three months in 1994. Officially the killing spree was over, but the suffering, dying, hatred and bigotry went on. As did the unending need for forgiveness.

Even so, thanks to her Amazing Faith—substitute the word “Faith” for “Love” in the familiar song and you have Immaculée—in her Awesome God, and her beautiful prayers, she overcame daunting obstacles, and withstood threats from friends and foes alike, which eventually led her to a new life in America.

Don’t want to spoil the entire book so I won’t say more, except, if you ever need a pick-me-up, read it. Yes, despite everything, this is an amazingly affirming book. It is like a mini-lesson in Prayer. Her prayers were a guide and inspiration for me. We must truly believe He hears our every prayer and wants more than we do to answer us if our faith is firm.

Best of all, Immaculée is guest speaker at our Catholic Women’s Conference in 2018, so I will finally get to meet her!


==================================

Sept 15, 2008: Saw the author interviewed by Raymond Arroyo on EWTN tonight. Her survival story during the Rwandan genocide of 1994 is riveting. Although I can't read this anytime soon, I do want to read it!

[Kirsten Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Left To Tell the month before moving to Rwanda. It was remarkable to see the incredible faith of someone who had lived such tragedy, but a little difficult to imagine the reality. Reading Led By Faith was a different experience altogether.

I currently live across the street from Pastor Murinzi's house where Immaculee hid for three months. When she speaks of killers in the street, it is almost impossible to really believe that she is literally talking about the dirt road in front of my house. Hearing the names of the places I go on runs, or where I like to my spend days off...it really hits a different chord with me.

I realize how grateful I am to be here and to witness a Rwanda so unlike the one she suffered in. It is the most beautiful country in the world, full of people who greet you in the street and watch out for you like family. Immaculee speaks the truth when she writes about the Rwanda now--this country built from the ashes of genocide.

Forgiveness plays a role in all 11 billion people living in this tiny country. Even if they didn't witness the genocide, they live it out in different ways. If I didn't know the tragedy, that most of my village and the surrounding villages were wiped out completely in 1994, I would never imagine there had ever been a war or even a disagreement.

People carry themselves with love and friendship...and I think this is the message Immaculee wishes to give the world. Although the Rwandan people are truly a Godly people, they are still human. If they can overcome a massacre of such proportions and live on to tell their stories and love their enemies...who are we to say that we have been hurt too greatly? Who are we to withhold forgiveness?

I am inspired daily by this country and the beautiful people who live here...and I am thankful Immaculee has shared her story with the world, so they can see Rwanda as something more, much more, than a genocide.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Immaculee is an amazing person with a gift for prayer and a faith that, almost literally, moves mountains. While this follow-up book answers a few questions, I found in disappointing. I think that Immaculee’s point in writing this book isn’t autobiographical. She wants to inspire readers to forgive, pray and trust God. As a Christian, I am inspired by her faith, but after reading Left to Tell, I wanted more of Immaculee. Immaculee is a wonderful storyteller when she is writing about prayer, miracles and her faith, but she doesn’t let us truly get to know her. She writes very little about her relationship with her husband, her children or her friends.

Despite the fact that I wanted more, I would recommend this book, because Immaculee continues to show us how to trust God in everything. Her life is an inspiring example of faith and courage.

[Jayli Esber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring testimony of using a life scarred by a genocide for good. While this book focuses on the author's experience after the Rwandan Genocide, it does a good job explaining the context throughout the book. One definitely does not need to know much of the history beforehand in order to follow along. Like the title suggests, it is primarily a personal account of the author's personal faith journey. It is a beautiful and genuine account, but readers should know that the testimony is more emotional than educational. I recommend this book for those wanting to gain a better understanding of the effects of the Rwandan Genocide on the individual level. It rounded out my prior knowledge a bit, and it was certainly inspiring for my own faith.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartening sequel to Immaculee's story "Left to tell"where we now see her prayer life blossom and,with forgiveness as its core message, how her first book came to be written.It is clear that for her it is as St Paul once wrote in his letter to the young Corinthian church:

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.Now we see only an indistinct image in a mirror, but then we will be face to face. Now what I know is incomplete, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
Right now three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While "Left to Tell" is the story of the horrifying genocide of thousands of Rowandans and Immaculèe Ilibagiza's miraculous survival, this book is the horrifying aftermath. When the "war" ended, it took years for things to get better, but once again God answered the prayers of this most faithful girl. "If the evil that was unleashed here could be conquered with love, where could evil not be conquered? If the hearts of Rwanda could be healed through forgiveness, then what heart couldn't?"

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The faith-filled continuing story of Left to Tell.

[Haley McNamera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful & inspiring! Immaculee’s faith & perseverance & forgiveness only continued to grow after surviving the genocides, & it’s remarkable to see.

[Krissie Bushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed by this woman and her great faith!

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this lady once at a conference sponsored by Wayne Dyer. She is a great lady with a great story. A definite must read.

[Lisabcates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of a woman and her dependence on God

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

No personal account shared can be given any less than 5 stars.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have a few pages left to finish but I already know this is a spiritual classic for me and goes in my Top-Favorite file.

If you have not yet read Left To Tell , go back and read it (either reading our Lady of Kibeho first or second) and then finish up with Led by Faith.

I could read a book by Immaculee every week. She inspires me and her words recharge my spirit and lead me to strive to bring God into the world along the path that He has given to me. She can't help but to cause gratitude to well up in your heart because rarely will you encounter anyone else who has suffered so much and forgiven such evil actions of her fellow man; her story (especially Left to Tell) also serves to add more depth to my meditations of Christ's sufferings on the Cross.

Led by Faith has a powerful message for all faiths about God's mercy and providence that Immaculee has been uniquely equipped to spread. Nevertheless Catholics will be overjoyed and encouraged to find abundant examples of the Communion of Saints (shown in her mother's comforting presence in her life in times of great sadness), the great power of God in the prayers of the Rosary and mass, and inspiring examples of holy priests and nuns.

These books do not end when the last page has been read. Our Lady of Kibeho and Immaculee are on a mission to bring healing and forgiveness to the whole world.


I would add only one of my own suggestions to the incredible wealth of Immaculee's life of faith and that is to offer masses for the souls of those who have died struggling to forgive those who have done grave harm to them and their loved ones. Whether they were slaves or holocaust and genocide victims their souls await the purification that will unite them with saints in Heaven like the Ilibagiza family. God will give their prayers the grace of conversions and strengthen the Church Militant here on earth!

View the 60 Minutes interview here: http://www.immaculee.com/

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I could possibly like this book as well as her first, "Left to Tell", but I was pleasantly surprised today. Where the first book covers her story during the genocide, this one picks up with her position at the UN and follows her life up to publishing her first book with all the tragedy and miracles she experiences along the way.

So I was thinking. Usually life-altering trials are two-fold, right? There's the initial crisis, say, the hours and days after the tsunami, or the weeks or months during the divorce proceedings, or the early days after the death of a loved one. That's the first book - the crisis. This one moves into the aftermath and confronts the healing process - her struggles with grief and her journey to find a "new normal" for her life as we often say. It took me reading the second to recognize what with just the first her story was incomplete that way and I'm glad she let us in on the rest.

That said there were a few differences. The first book contained a lot of detail from a very short time period while this one covers years with less definition. Also I think going into this one already knowing her devout personality made it only a little less compelling as a story, but the title is appropriate and I closed the book desiring to become a better person. I think although she's amazingly devoted to her faith she does a good job of never coming across as condescending or preachy. I've had issues with that in other books. She just states the way things are, and I like that. Good read.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro conmovedor.
En algunas ocasiones me era díficil pensar que lo que relata la autora pudiera pasar en nuestros tiempos, tal pareciera que me estaban contando una historia de una guerra que sucedió hace miles de años y no en 1994.

Me encanta la inocencia (y a veces ingenuidad) que la autora transmite en sus párrafos, era tanta mi curiosidad por saber si lo que se contaba era real que busqué mas de unas vez información acerca de la autora, su ciudad natal, y el genocidio; el sentimiento lo transmite conforme avanzas en la lectura y te hace recordar fuertemente que el poder de la oración es poderoso.

Este fue un libro recomendado por una amiga, y fue muy cierto lo que me dijo...no se necesita leer el primer libro que salió (Sobrevivir para contarlo) para poder leer este segundo libro, así que si alguna vez les llama la atención, no duden en que es una muy buena historia para valorar todo lo que uno poseé y comparte en la tierra, nos hace recordar comunicarnos mas con Dios y nos sensibiliza hacia con las demás personas.

[Roxann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to LEFT TO TELL and I liked it just as much. This is Ilibagiza's account of adjusting to life after the holocaust without losing the faith and spirituality she had attained during three months in hiding. She tells amazing stories about refusing to succumb to hatred and despair in a country ravaged by slaughter and the ensuing economic and social repercussions. She recounts her ability and willingness to rely wholly on God in making decisions and in moving forward along a path that eventually brought her to America. Even her adjustment to her radically altered new life was enabled by her faith. In everything she has achieved, in every accomplishment and triumph, she praises God and gives Him the glory. A remarkable memoir by a remarkable woman of faith.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a bit longer to read than "Left to Tell." I had to put it down several times because of life circumstances. I even had to recheck it out at the library, because I had renewed it too many times! But it was a very good book, a wonderful witness of her incredible faith. When I sat down to finish it today, I only had about 10 pages left. And even in those last few pages, I welled up with tears. Her life, her love, her forgiveness are such an incredible testimony of who God IS. And she is not afraid to share that truth with the world!

[Imaa Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Led by Faith, took me on a roller coaster. I took time before I finished it because it took an emotional toll on me. I had to take a break and come back to it, I shed tears.

I love the raw honesty that immaculée shares her story. It's a lot of pain that has been surrendered to God. In turn, she forgives and loves again.

I mean it's too much pain narrated, but shows love conquers all.

I would like to find out, does she harbour any form of resentment for these people who butchered and slaughtered the Tutsis..

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting memoir by a survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. I didn't know much about that event before reading this, but you can't find a more eyewitness account. This book focuses mostly on the spiritual effects of the genocide in Immaculee's life (she lost almost her entire family), and her journey to forgiveness. Her beautiful spirit is really inspiring to me and spurs me on to a more intimate and constant relationship with God.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book one a picture of the genocide in Rwanda and one person's struggle to re-kindle her country, her faith and a sense of family. It is horrific, but also gives one a sense of reconciliation that a nation can find.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even better than "Left to Tell." It taught me that God has a hand in every aspect of our lives and works for the good of those who love Him.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book. It is an incredible story of the authors life and healing following the horrors of the genocide in Rawanda. The book is just as awesome as "Left to Tell".

[Daniel K Jensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Positives: This book provides a look into post-genocide Rwandan life. Too many stories end without picking up the pieces, and this book accomplishes some of that. Her faith appears to have genuinely assisted her in eschewing a life of hatred and vengeance in favor of pursuit of peace and forgiveness.

Drawbacks: I *really* struggle with her. Candidly, she focuses on faith and God to the detriment of authenticity. I can’t decipher what is true. As in her first book, her assessment of numerical measurements is clearly off. She uses God and prayer as an escape that results in a largely avoidant personality. It was painful to read about her relationship with her boyfriend. She was never capable of telling him how his words hurt her. Instead she pivoted to prayer and God’s plan. I fully believe that God can be a source of strength, but not used as a tool to hide behind. Throughout the narrative she exhibited a case of main character syndrome. Perhaps in real life she really is remarkably charming and many people, even new acquaintances, place demands on her time and go out of their way to assist her in unnaturally significant ways. It may very well be so, but it came across as pretentious and, frankly, unbelievable.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Led by Faith Immaculee Ilibagiza continues her story by sharing the aftermath of the genocide and her journey to a new life in a world and country that was forever changed. Rather than a continuous story like Left to Tell, Led by Faith is a collection of vignettes the help to pain a picture of how Immaculee's life changed. The beauty of this book is really seeing the "what happened next" aspect. Often, we are taught about genocide's and wars with a focus on the actions during the events, but this book told the tale of how a country and a people go on after those events. How does a country with so much mistrust and hatred learn to live together and rise to prosper. It was hard to read of how much animosity still existed and the petty acts of revenge, but it was also important to see that healing and forgiveness can take time but do eventually come to pass.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I truly feel like it underlined the power of forgiveness in a way that is so convicting and challenging. It challenged me to understand that forgiveness leads to true reconciliation and that is the ultimate goal. It also shows the miraculous hand of God at work in Immaculee's story, and gives me hope that God is moving in my own story in miraculous ways. It taught me about the power of prayer and faith and how God moves for the good of those who love Him. I suggest to anyone who is struggling with unforgiveness in their heart to read both Left to Tell and Led By Faith. It's truly such a staggering realization to have about what it means to forgive. No matter what has been taken from you, God is still with you. You still have the power to impact people for His kingdom and live on a mission.

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a catholic, Immaculee’s experiences with prayer and mother Mary resonated with me. She makes prayer look so easy that I feel I need to change the basic structure of my prayer.
The message of forgiveness was especially relevant since that is what I personally struggle with. But as the author points out forgiveness stems from love which in itself is tough but not impossible.
Her story is beautiful because of the way she always depended on the lord and the miracles she experienced were simply astonishing at times. I have experienced these miracles personally but this book reminds me to surrender more to the lord and to give thanks beforehand.
Beautiful book. Will recommend.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The follow up book to "Left to Tell" is a great book. As in her first book, Immaculee continues teaching the world about what happened in Rwanda and about faith in God. This book is not just educational but also heart wrenching and enjoyable to read. Immaculee discusses what it was like during the following years after the war began and during the rebuilding of Rwanda. When she writes you can see her love for God, her country and her fellow country Women/men. It's a beautiful tale of faith, growth, love and healing.

[Zasher Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely remarkable, disturbing, hopeful, and just everything I wanted from this novel! Immaculée story is such an incredible story of faith and forgiveness, and I truly and honestly believe she deserves the world. I feel like anyone who has faith and God or is uninformed about the Rwandan genocide should 100% check this novel out. But do note that this book isn't meant to tell the Rwandan Genocide as much as it's impact, so just keep that in mind.
Still, great novel
(Edit: So, I read the wrong book. I thought I had downloaded Left to Tell, but turns out this was actually the book I downloaded. Whoops. Still great though.)
4.5⭐

[Michal Paszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exceptional tale continues - how can a genocide survivor live after what has happened in the past? How can one navigate the straits of justice, forgiveness and mercy and find hope for the future.

Immaculee Ilibagiza has the answers for the modern world that struggles so much with the evils of conflict.

I highly recommend reading the first book (left to tell) first - it gives more context to understand how remarkable this book and author is.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good follow up book after "Left to Tell"
In this book, Immaculee Ilibagiza goes into more details on the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda especially in regard to herself, her family and neighbors. She finds out how some of her neighbors had participated in the murdering of her own family. She also hears of how her brother was killed explicitly because he was a Catholic.
Interestingly, she finds out the hell that the Hutus also went through after they fled from the RPF into Congo.