How would you like to live in a mud hut, sleep on the floor, and consume a diet of meager beans? Segatashya of Kibeho did, and his sister Christine described him as “one of the happiest boys you could ever hope to meet.” Kind of gives new meaning to that old Abraham Lincoln quote, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
Immaculée Ilibagiza’s fourth book focuses on an illiterate pagan shepherd boy, so malnourished that at the age of 15 he still resembled a young child. Yet Jesus selected Segatashya as His warrior to save souls. Against all odds he traveled Africa begging people to turn their hearts to Jesus and repent for their sins. He was granted the gift of tongues as the holy spirit aided him in preaching in multiple languages, he survived assassination attempts as well as two years in the perilous Congo and endured extreme suffering before meeting his fate with a firing squad during the Rwandan holocaust.
When reading of the savage rapes and murders taking place in Africa during this time, it is terrifying to think what Satan is capable of when allowed into our hearts. One might wonder then what was so special about Segatashya, that Jesus selected him to essentially battle the devil. Was it the purity of his soul or the humility of his roots? I would argue it’s both.
One might think that a penniless and illiterate pagan could never teach them anything about religion. On the contrary, not only did Jesus teach Segatashya prayers and bible stories those of us with advanced degrees would not be able to recite by heart, He used Segatashya’s inquisitive innocence to give answers to our most pressing questions about life and death, heaven and hell.
Lately, I have found that reading stories of the most faithful helps me learn to imitate their passion. Essentially, it’s like praying on steroids. So, if you’re in need of a turbo boost to jump start your heart, grab a copy of this book and read how Jesus answers this boy’s questions. If you doubt the sincerity of this young boy, I promise after you set your sight on his sweet smile and innocent eyes, you will find him to be one of the greatest miracles of modern history.