The Rwandan geocide of 1994 claimed the lives of about a million people, mostly from the Tutsi minority. The conflict spread to Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, which was the homeland of our guest, Patrick Kizehe. He was a teenager when the conflict forced him to flee with his family to neighboring Uganda. Patrick’s life changed forever. What was once a secure and carefree teenage life was transformed into a life of poverty and uncertainty. Patrick discusses how his family stuck together and pushed through hard times in the Ugandan refugee camp before emigrating to Canada.

This episode covers the first half of Patrick’s testimony where he recounts his experience as a refugee in Uganda for ten years. We’ll discuss the second half of his journey in the next episode.

Takeaways:

1. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Ps 37:23-24. God is in control and He will direct your steps.
   
2. When our future is uncertain, we can hold on to God’s unchanging character and promises and trust in His plan for our lives.
   
3. Even in times of lack and suffering, God will provide opportunities for us to be a blessing to others.
   

Watch on YouTube

https://youtu.be/Ff1-dpQRheM

About Patrick

Patrick Kizehe was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly, Zaire . Due to political instability and a civil war in Congo, he fled into the neighboring country of Uganda where he lived for almost ten years as a refugee. He emigrated to Canada 15 years ago and founded Giving Refugees Hope in Uganda, a charity that supports refugees from all over Africa who have fled to Uganda. GRHU runs a children’s home that supports 18 orphan children, sponsors a training program that equips widows with skills to help them get back on their feet, and is currently in the process of establishing a medical centre in Uganda.

Patrick is also an inter-cultural trainer, pastor, and social worker. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada, with his wife of 16 years, Immaculee, and their five children.

Learn about Giving Refugees Hope Uganda here.

Mabel is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. An immigrant from India who has lived in seven cities across the U.S. in fourteen years, Mabel navigates between cultures, feeling at home everywhere and nowhere. In her award-winning book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth, Mabel draws from her personal experience as an immigrant and examines the lives of biblical heroes to shed light on how we can find purpose and joy as sojourners on earth.

Learn more Mabel here.

Buy Mabel’s book, Far from Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth, on Amazon.

Buy Mabel’s book from End Game Press.

Download the tip sheet, Love Your Immigrant Neighbor : 5 Action Steps, here.