A Goatherder from Rubaya

Most of us watch TV programs and read books that feature dramatic stories of modern-day heroes: policemen, FBI agents, and firefighters. We love the thrill of danger and adventure as they rescue the vulnerable and defeat the ""bad guys."" But if you want to read the story of a real-life hero who walks into danger to help the widow, the orphan, the refugee, and the downtrodden, this is a book for you. Francois Batalingaya is one of those heroes. He has gone into war zones, responded to massive natural disasters, and even been kidnapped and held hostage-all in the name of Jesus and on behalf of the ""least of these"" in our world. His story will amaze you, inspire you, and give you a new respect for the challenges faced by humanitarian workers. His story is a real page turner! -RICHARD STEARNS, President Emeritus of World Vision Inc., author of The Hole in Our Gospel and Lead Like It Matters to God From the very first time I met Francois, I knew his life was a book. Not just the personal, but all that his eyes have seen in the challenging places of the world, and yet, here walks a man with continued hope, a brilliant smile, and such savvy wisdom of the countless complex places he's lived and worked. I'm so glad his story has come to life in these pages. Come and enjoy learning about the dear man who has become my brother and learn from his wisdom. -DR. BETH BIRMINGHAM, Development Associates International and co-author of Creating Cultures of Belonging The story of Francois is a story of resilience, a story of overcoming against all odds. I have known Francois for close to two decades, and one thing that is a constant about him is that he enjoys a good challenge, and he comes alive when he has to solve a difficult problem. Francois cares about people deeply, he laughs often and loudly, I cannot recall a time he was downcast, and yet with everything life has thrown at him, one could have assumed sorrow would be his portion, and yet he has defied it at every turn. You are about to read a book of a boy who left the village but never left the biggest tenet of the village-Ubuntu, which is believing in the power of doing things with others. -THABANI MAPHOSA, PhD, Chief Country Delivery Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland Never was a book so timely! As the entire global aid system is forced to reinvent itself, Francois's story is a powerful reminder that human transformation always happens at a deeply personal level. This book will give you new inspiration to keep making the world a better place, no matter where God has placed you. -RACHEL WOLFF, former CARE Country Director and World Vision Humanitarian Response Director This book vividly brings to life the challenges and joys of a humanitarian worker; the constant uncertainty, living in war zones, fear of being kidnapped-and, in fact, experiencing one-to the joys of saving lives, regardless of the cost. It brings the essence of humanity into focus, lending a hand to someone who needs it-particularly the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and marginalized people of this world. Besides the emotional and sometimes heartbreaking scenes, this book is also about a young man's zeal to sacrifice his life so others can live. Influenced by his own pain and challenges of growing up in his native Rwanda-losing his mother, father, and only brother at an early age-François Batalingaya beautifully weaves his life story into a career, which immediately becomes a calling to serve with joy. This book will be an inspiration to you, just as it was for me. -DR. CHARLES E. OWUBAH, Chief Executive Officer, Action Against Hunger-USA