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Newsletter Articles

6 Sep 2009

by Joie Pirkey

An inspiring story of survival, renewal, and hope

In 1994, sixteen-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe climbed a cypress tree and remained there for fifteen days with little food or water. Eric is a survivor of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, which claimed the lives of more than one million people in just a hundred days. In the midst of the 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 not only the story 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 his people. His incredible account lays bare both the reality of evil in the world as well as the quiet power of hope. Eric's message of God's relentless love through our darkest circumstances will both encourage and inspire you.

How the Book Came to be is Nothing Short of Miraculous!

"During Douglas' and my first trip to Rwanda, Africa, we met a young orphan named Eric Irivuzumugabe. Eric had arranged a meeting with a number of orphans from Rwamagana that he had been ministering to for years. We sat in the crowded conference room and spoke about all of the things that God was about to do. During that meeting God asked me to assist Eric in sharing his testimony with the world. Later that week I had Eric come to our apartment to share his story with us at length and then I explained to him what God was asking me to do. Upon our return home my Pastor connected me with a writer of Christian books. I pitched the idea and Author Tracey Lawrence took the project."

Quote by Joie Pirkey of Shouts of Joy Ministries

Click here to read more about the miraculous story.

Click here to order the book 'My Father, Maker of the Trees.'

"I started the book this morning, worked 6 hours, came home and got right back to it and am almost done with it. I am overwhelmed by it, as I was by the first book, Left to Tell. You can be so proud of your part in it. I would love to have time to talk to you about your trips there sometime. How lucky you are to have found a husband who shares your passion for helping the country and the people there! I am going to give you a huge hug the next time I see you!!!"
—Elaine, Kaukauna WI

"An unbelievable story of the horrors of the Rwandan Holocaust and this young man's survival and faith. Could not put this story down and read it cover to end in 2 hrs. It's a must read - and at times seems surreal that this could have happened in the world in 1994."
—Schwa, Brighten CO

"I finished it last night. There was so much in it that I'm going to read it again."
—Sue, Kimberly WI

"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

Joie Pirkey, from Shouts of Joy Ministries, will be signing books at Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee, 819 Schelfhout Lane, Ste. 108, Kimberly, WI, on Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and at The Carpenter Book and Gift Shop, 123 East Main Street, Little Chute, WI, on Thursday, September 17 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

If you would like to sign up for the Shouts of Joy Ministries Newsletters please click here and then follow the instructions.

Quotes from the book:

"Though fear and darkness have tried to consume my heart, an incandescent light hovers now over my family's story when I'm willing to share it with others. I know now that evil cannot destroy my heart, even as I remember its force again and again. As you read the accounts of terrorizing escape, don't let the darkness overtake you. I know this to be true: the river's grace sings louder and is much more powerful. The hellish killing ground could not thwart God's plan."
Eric Irivuzumugabe

"It was 6:00 a.m. on the dot, and daylight was just creeping in. I woke up my first morning in Rwanda to the most unexpected, angelic sound: 'Hallelujah, our God reigns, hallelujah...' From my bed I fell into the trance of this sweet, African melody that echoed through the surrounding amphitheater of hills-just one voice singing freely, with no care of who might hear. This first light's song gave me faith and courage to enter into the individual testimonies of genocide I would hear in the days to come."
Tracey Lawrence