Overcoming Tragedies

I have thought about writing this book since September 1994, when I started my new life in the United States. As a Rwandan who witnessed and survived genocide against the Tutsi people from 1959 through 1994, I'd like to share my story about the extreme de-humanizing conditions I have suffered. This is not a book on the history of the ethnic conflicts in Rwanda. It is my personal story about God's miracles that I experienced growing up in a country plagued by genocide ideology. I believe that my escape and rescue did not result from my heroism, but from God's grace alone.
I wish this book to be my modest contribution to the effort of creating a peaceful society in the world, especially in places where peace is an elusive commodity. Every member of society deserves to live in peace, free of discrimination and murder threats. Every child deserves to be born in a society where he or she feels welcome and allowed to fulfill his or her God-given potential.
My prayer is for all people to spread more kindness around them, regardless of differences they may have. When human beings everywhere can accept and respect each other, then can the whole world say never again to genocide anywhere in the world.
- Binyenzi Ben Schadrac