THE BOY WHO MET JESUS (IMMACULEE ILIBAGIZA, STEVE ERWIN

Story Description: 

It's the greatest story never told: that of a boy who met Jesus and dared to ask Him all the questions that have consumed mankind since the dawn of time. His name was Segatashya. He was a shepherd born into a penniless and illiterate pagan family in the most remote region of Rwanda. He never attended school, never saw a bible, and never set foot in a church. Then one summer day in 1982 while the 15-year-old was resting beneath a shade tree, Jesus Christ paid him a visit. Jesus asked the startled young man if he'd be willing to go on a mission to remind mankind how to live a life that leads to heaven. Segatashya accepted the assignment on one condition: that Jesus answer all his questions -- and all the questions of those he met on his travels -- about faith, religion, the purpose of life, and the nature of heaven and hell. Jesus agreed to the boy's terms, and Segatashya set off on what would become one of the most miraculous journeys in modern history. Although he was often accused of being a charlatan and beaten as a result, Segatashya's innocent heart and powerful spiritual wisdom quickly won over even the most cynical of critics. Soon, this teenage boy who had never learned to read or write was discussing theology with leading biblical scholars and advising pastors and priests of all denominations. He became so famous in Rwanda that the Catholic Church investigated his story. The doctors and psychiatrists who examined Segatashya all agreed that they were witnessing a miracle. His words and simple truths converted thousands of hearts and souls wherever he went. Before his death during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Segatashya continued his travels and conversations with Jesus for eight years, asking Him what we all want to know: Why were we created? Why must we suffer? Why do bad things happen to good people? When will the world end? Is there life after death? How do we get to Heaven? The answers to these and many other momentous, life-changing questions are revealed in this riveting book, which is the first full account of Segatashya's remarkable life story. Written with grace, passion, and loving humour by Immaculee Ilibagiza, Segatashya's close friend and a survivor of the Rwandan holocaust herself, this truly inspirational work is certain to move you in profound ways. No matter what your faith or religious beliefs, Segatashya's words will bring you comfort and joy, and prepare your heart for this life . . . and for life everlasting. 

My Review: 

Segatashya was a young visionary who had apparitions of Jesus Christ in the remote Rwandan village of Kibeho during the 1980’s.  The heaven sent messages were of “…great and immediate concern to everyone in the entire world.  They contained warnings for Rwanda, for our planet, and for our individual souls – warnings about the terrible things that could befall us as individuals and as a species if we did not embrace the pure and loving lifestyle being offered to us”. 

It was July 2^nd, 1982 that Jesus first appeared to Segatashya who was a poor, illiterate, African peasant boy who was also a pagan.  Before Jesus appeared to the teenage boy, he had never been inside a church, and didn’t have any real notion of who Jesus Christ was.  The apparitions ended exactly one year later on July 2, 1983. 

The most important message Segatashya shares with us is: “that Jesus urgently desires us to prepare for the afterlife and make sure that our souls are ready to enter heaven”. 

I was totally mesmerized by this book and at 256 pages, I read it in a couple of hours.  I just couldn’t put it down and it gave me a whole lot of food for thought.  It doesn’t matter what your religion is, this book is aimed at everyone.  You’ll be amazed at the innocence of the questions and the bargaining that young Segatashya does with Jesus Christ.  I’m going to sit down and read this book for a second time to ensure I didn’t miss any details at all.  I want to take it all in, comprehend it and then decide what to do with the information.  Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to have a frank and open discussion with Jesus Christ through this innocent and honest teenaged Segatashya.  Excellent, excellent book! 

**PREVIEW COPY COURTESY OF NET GALLEY, WITH THANKS!!**