My Father, Maker of the Trees

How I Survived the Rwandan Genocide

By: Eric Irivuzumugabe

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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 800,000 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.

©2009 Eric Irivuzumugabe (P)2009 christianaudio.com

Journal Accounting of a Genocide

A heart felt rendering of the atrocities committed in Ruwanda as heard through the author's personal accounting of the often difficult process of restoration. Fifteen years after the third genocide this country has experienced in a 35 year period (in 1959, 1972 and 1994), the author (as well as thousands of orphans and survivors like him) attempt to come to terms with this brutal act of racial hatred and move past it by way of God's forgiveness.

I salute Mr. Irivuzumugabe's efforts to bring this to light and his faithfulness in helping the orphans left behind. The vivid detailed accounts are often hard to take, but reflect the depravity often hidden in the hearts of man. Even more difficult was seeing how, as the country tried to heal itself, it would be continually reminded of the baseness that took place every April (when the atrocity happened) and by the sporadic discovery of the bodies of family members. The book is a testimonial for all survivors of this holocaust and a witness to the rest of us of how God can take the tattered lives resulting from this catastrophe and breathe new life into them.

The vocally talented Dion Graham's narration adds a very cohesive dimension to the writing.

Beautiful. Amazing testimony of God's goodness

My heart is full of sorrow and hope as I listen to this incredible story. Pure honesty and raw experience, put you side by side with Eric. I think everyone should hear this story of healing through the pain. A must read for anyone who seeks healing.