El chico que hablaba con Jesús. Segatashya de Kibeho: La increíble historia de un joven pastor ruandés que conoció a Jesús debajo de una acacia

by Immaculée Ilibagiza, Ricardo Regidor (Translator), Marta Moreno Candel (Translator)

Una gran historia nunca contada antes: la de un chico que hablaba con Jesús, y que se atrevía a hacerle las preguntas más inocentes, a la vez que le cuestionaba sobre los temas que más han preocupado a la humanidad desde los orígenes del tiempo. Su nombre era Segatashya. Era un pastor, analfabeto, que provenía de una familia pagana de una de las zonas más remotas de Ruanda. Nunca fue al colegio, ni tuvo una Biblia en sus manos ni pisó una iglesia…
Un día de verano de 1982, cuanto este chico de 15 años descansaba de su trabajo bajo la sombra de una acacia, Jesús le visitó y le pidió si estaba dispuesto a cumplir una misión: recordar a la humanidad cómo vivir en la tierra de modo que pudieran ir al cielo. Segatashya aceptó con una condición: que Jesús respondiera todas sus preguntas sobre la fe, la doctrina, el sentido de la vida, cómo era el cielo y el infierno… Jesús accedió a la proposición del chico y este inició uno de las viajes más milagrosos de la historia moderna.
La inocencia de Segatashya y el corazón sincero de este adolescente, pronto se impuso a la desconfianza de algunos. Sin saber ni leer ni escribir, llegó a debatir con especialistas en Sagrada Escritura, con sacerdotes y teólogos… Llegó a ser tan famoso en Ruanda, que la Iglesia estableció una comisión de investigación para establecer si las apariciones de Jesús eran reales. Los médicos y psiquiatras que le examinaron llegaron a la conclusión de que estaban siendo testigos de un milagro. Sus palabras, las verdades que expresaba de un modo sencillo, convirtieron los corazones de miles de personas allá por donde iba.
Antes de su muerte, durante el genocidio de Ruanda de 1994, Segastashya continuó viajando por Ruanda y por los países vecinos, conversando con Jesús y preguntándolo todo lo que cada uno de nosotros queremos saber: ¿Por qué hemos sido creados? ¿Por qué tenemos que sufrir? ¿Por qué le pasan malas cosas a los buenos? ¿Cuándo finalizará el mundo? ¿Hay vida después de la muerte? ¿Cómo se va al cielo? Las respuestas a estas preguntas cruciales se encuentran en este fascinante libro, que es el primer intento de poner por escrito la increíble historia de Segatashya.
Escrito con pasión, gracia y ternura, este libro de Immaculée Ilibagiza, que fue amiga de Segatashya y que sobrevivió al terrible holocausto ruandés, llegará a conmover el corazón de los lectores de un modo profundo. Da igual si no se es católico, las palabras de Segatashya nos llenarán de alegría y de calor, y prepararán nuestro corazón para esta vida y para la futura que no tendrá fin.

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic, Spirituality, Biography, Christian, Faith, Religion

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2011

About the author

Today Immaculée is regarded as one of world's leading speakers on peace, faith, and forgiveness. She has shared her universal message with world dignitaries, school children, multinational corporations, churches, and at many conferences. Immaculée works hard to spread her message and to raise money for her Left to Tell Charitable Fund which directly benefits the children orphaned by the genocide.

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a living example of faith put into action. Immaculée's life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide where she and seven other women spent 91 days huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's house. Immaculée entered the bathroom a vibrant, 115-pound university student with a loving family - she emerged weighing just 65 pounds to find her entire family had been brutally murdered (with the exception of one brother who had been studying out of the country).

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a bittersweet story. Although a very easy-read, I took it in short stretches, because of the pain underlying most of Segatasha’s story. Segatasha of Kibeho was only 14 when he first heard Jesus speak to him. After that, his life was never the same.

You might think—and I might as well—that it would be wonderful to hear the voice of Our Savior, see His Face too and ask Him all the questions burning in our hearts?

And yet, what did such privileges cost? Because everything in life comes at some expense. Segatasha paid with the loss of his deeply rooted connection to family. Jesus sent the boy out to preach his repentance message to the surrounding areas, even to other countries other than his native Rwanda. Segatasha’s family was hurt, confused and felt rejected by him in the beginning, suffered the loss of him personally as well as his manual labor, greatly needed by the growing family. Later they became overwhelmed by the hoards of sightseers who overran their farm in search of the boy, his belongings, them, and/or any souvenir they could steal. Eventually things got so bad Segatasha’s family had to move. It was many years before they regained any sort of quiet life again. Segatasha was lost to them forever.

There were other dangers and inconveniences Segatasha encountered during his travels. Jesus frequently asked for seemingly impossible or dangerous tasks, like walking into known hostile or forbidden areas, partially to strengthen Segatasha’s faith, but also to teach those around him. Jesus always promised to be at his side through everything and He was. Many flocked to hear this young boy speak and thus many lives were changed for the better thanks to Segatasha’s acceptance of his mission.

This is a story within a story, the author, Immaculée Ilibagiza, telling us of her earliest experiences of the visionaries at Kibeho and her especial fondness of Segatasha. She reveals his story through her return pilgrimages to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide which he predicted through the revelations of Jesus.

His sweet face on the cover haunts me. Needless to say, his messages were not heeded and Segatasha was just one of the more than a million casualties in the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

[Jody Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite quote:(A LONG ONE->)
Jesus knows us all to the very depths of our souls, all our dreams and worries, all hopes and fears, all our goodness and all our weakness, ... He can see our sins and faults and wants nothing more than for us to heal our hearts and cleanse our souls so that we can love him as immeasurably as he loves us. When he sends us suffering, he does it only to strengthen our spirits so we'll be strong enough to fight off Satan, who wants to destroy us, so that one day we can bask in the glory of his presence forever... When I was with him, I never wanted to leave. If he asked me to come and be with him now, I would leave this world forever without the slightest hesitation. To be near him is to live in love; no words need be spoken. In his presence your soul is at peace and completely joyous. Know his love is real, and that it is eternal and ours to have if we love him and do his will on Earth. Ask him into your heart, and all his graces are yours. He will refuse you nothing. If you were able to know only one truth in your life, you should know this truth: Jesus loves you.

[Amy Mosbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring! How obvious the power of God is to take a pagan boy and send him on a mission very much like St. Paul's. The book was well written and captured my attention all the way through. I wish everyone could read it.

[Myrn · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first I found this book fascinating, especially since I had never heard of this before. After a while I found some of the conversations disturbing and somewhat questionable. Is this book fact? Not so sure.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Immaculee Ilibagiza's book Left To Tell in 3 hours and was so fascinated by her story that I was excited to find out she's written a couple other books. I put this on my to-read list a while back and finally had the chance to read it.

This story is about the boy Segatshya who grew up on a poor farm in Rwanda. He heard the voice of Jesus talking to him in 1982 without ever knowing who Jesus was. He was illiterate and practiced paganism in his village though not devoutly. He had no idea about anything in regards to Jesus, but somehow he started to not only hear Him, but saw visions of Him.

I will say that at first in reading this I was hooked immediately to his story because I met Jesus in a dream when I was 4 or 5 and he healed me of my more than partial deafness that I had as well as my terrible speech abilities. I therefore am more open to accepting that Jesus appears to people since I literally saw Him myself. However, although these things were incredible to read about, I had a terrible time accepting this story simply because he states that Jesus said that all religions if they do right are following Him, while when Jesus was on earth, He stated that HE was the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE and that you could ONLY get to God the Father through believing in Him. Jesus also was very blunt with the Pharisees about not recognizing Him as the son of God based on all their knowledge that they should be more accepting of Him. I don't think that Jesus calling those who rejected him the "sons of devils" would slide away because a 12 year old boy stated that Jesus said all religions can go to heaven. That doesn't coincide with scripture. So I am skeptical. Plus I have a hard time with holding up Mary as if she is God herself when she was a vessel to bring forth the King.

The story was good and I definitely don't doubt Segatashya's belief in Jesus, I just don't know if who appeared to him was Jesus. . .however, his words were prophetic by warning the people to clean up their act or there would be blood and machete deaths everywhere, considering the genocide that happened there in 1994. Definitely was an interesting story.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this lovely account of a boys encounter with Christ.

p. 61
a sermon of simple and powerful grace: believe in the Lord, and let everything you do in life be motivated my faith and love

Jesus said to me:
"I will find the hearts of everyone who believes in me and follows my commandments- no matter which Bible they read or which religion they belong to.
When I come looking for my children, I will not only look in the Catholic Church for good Christians who do good deeds and acts of love and devotion. I will look across the entire world for those who honor my commandments and love me with an open and sincere heart... it is their love, not their religion, that makes them true children of God. Tell this one truth to all those to whom you speak of in my name: Believe in me, and in whatever you do in life, do it with faith and love.
Those who do know of God, who have been taught of God's ways, will be held to a higher standard... for to those who much have been given, much will be expected. No one is forced to believe in God, but still, God lives in every person's heart... just follow your heart to God's love. Those who live in love will hear God's voice, because God's voice is a voice of love. "

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very inspirational story, and it's motivated me to spend more time in prayer. I was a little disappointed that more information about Segatashya's conversations with Christ were not reported in the book, though. I felt Immaculee focused a little too much on her personal feelings about Segatashya and the other visionaries of Kibeho, and she only touched the highlights of Segatashya's life before, during, and after his meetings with Jesus. When I finished the book, I was still thirsting for more knowledge. Maybe that was the author's intent.

[Keenan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really amazing supernatural story about the apparitions of Virgin Mary and Jesus in 1982 in Kabeho, in which they are warned of the genocide to occur 12 years later in Rwanda. I'd never heard of these miracles before so really interesting.

[Crista Giono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increíble que hayan historias así en el mundo y no nos enteremos!!! Lo mas impresionante es el testimonio de vida de Segatashya, no haría falta médicos ni comisiones que digan que lo que él vivió fue verdad. Esta de ahora en adelante en mi lista de Santos amigos.

[Jesús · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha gustado la recreación que hace la autora de la Ruanda anterior a la guerra. Uno puede imaginarse el ambiente en el que transcurrieron los acontecimientos. Una Ruanda a caballo entre la belleza exuberante de la selva y el infierno pre-bélico de un genocidio que empezaba a gestarse. Se trata de unas apariciones poco conocidas en Europa y que no han sido validadas por la Iglesia Católica en su totalidad. Se agradece el trabajo de la autora por difundirlas.

Jesucristo elige lo humilde y pequeño para su causa. Eligió a Segatashya - un niño pobre de una aldea perdida en la selva. Proveniente de una familia poco dada a la religión, era un niño con un corazón de oro: siempre alegre, responsable, muy trabajador, luchador incansable por su familia. Según sus propios familiares, un "salvador de vidas".

Entre Segatashya y Jesucristo se establece un diálogo amistoso a lo largo de varios años. Entre los mensajes de Cristo está:

"Es su amor y no su religión, lo que les hace verdaderos hijos de Dios."

Esto podría contradir algún dogma de la religión Católica y quizás es la razón por la que estas apariciones aún no son reconocidas. Aunque la mayoría de mensajes se ajustan a la doctrina:

"Diles esta verdad a aquellos con los que hables en mi nombre: Creed en mí, y todo lo que hagáis en la vida, hacedlo con fe y amor."

Y este otro:

"Cuando venga buscando a mis hijos, no solo miraré en la Iglesia Católica, en busca de buenos cristianos que hagan obras buenas y actos de amor y devoción. Buscaré por todo el mundo. [...] A los que han oído hablar de Dios y se les ha enseñado a obrar tal y como Dios quiere, se les exigirá más; porque de los que han recibido mucho, se espera mucho."

La frescura, inocencia y espontaneidad en la que transcurren estos diálogos son conmovedores.

Se tratan temas como: el juicio final, el sentido del sufrimiento, el ayuno, el amor, el matrimonio, el noviazgo, el sexo, la priorización de la salvación, el pecado, etc. Sorprende la evolución del vidente:

"[...]Arrancado de un campo de judías por Jesús, quien convirtió al joven pastor en un poderoso guerrero de Dios."

El final me ha parecido algo abrupto y violento, quizás porque la historia continúa en otro libro. En cualquier caso, el mensaje espiritual es totalmente esperanzador y optimista, digno del que proclama la Buena Nueva.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read and a MUST read! Let the messages from Jesus fill your heart.

[Cynthia Dumarin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book left me feeling a deep sense of disquiet. I recognize the author as a true believer, doing her best to live close to God. The instances of answered prayer in two of her previous books were evidence of her deep faith. I see that she believes wholeheartedly in the young man this book is about, but l found myself questioning his experiences. Much of what is related of his conversations seems appropriate, but some episodes, namely his experience of Christ's suffering, and his wearing of a crown of thorns while fasting, frankly had me wondering if he was encountering Jesus or some demonic impersonator. I don't know what to make of it, and of course much of the documentary evidence was destroyed in the genocide, as was Segatashya himself. For me, this book was one better left unread.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating true story about a very poor Rwandan boy who Jesus appeared to many times over a period of months and had conversations with him. It does seem hard to believe, but first read "Left to Tell" by Immaculée Ilibagiza (also the author of this book). You will fall in love with her and her honesty, bravery and faith. After reading her personal memoir, it's hard to not believe what she writes. Her writing is honest and raw, and her stories are captivating, all of which holds true with this book.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a boy who for 1 year had public visions of Jesus and private ones off and on after that until his death in the Rwandan genocide. I though it was a very thought provoking book. Not sure if I believe all of it, but regardless, many good points were made and it really made me think about my daily actions and the goals I have for my life.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very glad I read this book. I'd never heard of the Kibeho visionaries and am happy to have known this modern miracle. It is good to see God working so overtly in the world today.
That said - this had the feel of a newspaper editorial. Not my favorite style and difficult to get into. Once about half the book is done, Ms. Ilibagiza introduces transcripts which I enjoyed much more.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking in a religious sense. Much of the information was included in her other books. Wish there could have been more direct information on the thoughts and life of Segatashya. Truly a horrific time for humankind. It is hard to imagine how a Nation can recover from such a genocide.

[Chally · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and faith affirming book;however, the message is quite redundant if you've already read Our Lady of Kibeho. I recommend starting with Our Lady of Kibeho first. Both are well worth it, especially for Catholics looking for inspiration.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of young Segatashya, a young poor illiterate pagan shepherd boy who Jesus Christ choses to carry his message to the people of Rwanda and beyond is moving, heart-wrenching, and thought provoking. Well worth the time!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segatashya's story and ministry is fascinating and inspiring. I never heard of the apparitions in Kibeho, but now my curiosity is piqued. It's a shame that such a gentle, obedient soul was lost so early and violently in the Rwandan genocide.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly wonderful. I had never heard of Segatashya of Kibeho but this story is wonderful, inspiring, and important. Beautifully written, thank you Immaculee for sharing these messages.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good read, only if the author did not speak about herself so long!

[Sarah Giammarinaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how these books are written, they are so beautiful.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Lots of great details. Recommend for believers of every faith. Universal message of love.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!! I am so glad I got to read it! My devotion to Jesus and Mary have grown. I also learned a lot with this story. I recommend all Catholics to read this!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book with a bit of skepticism. I finished it thinking that perhaps the apparitions of Jesus and Mary really happened. A remarkable story that has given me a lot to think about.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel as though I have come to know Jesus Christ a little better by reading this book. If you want to get to know him a little better too, read this book.

[Patricia Hentges]

As you read the comments on this book, the ones with the most stars were written by people who believed before they read the book. I'm definitely cynical about this case...but I try to keep an open mind. Immaculee talks about her own self incessantly ...the book might as well be about her. Everything the boy said came straight out of the Bible...absolutely nothing new here. If Jesus really appeared and talked to him, you'd think he'd have something new to say so we non believers could have something to think about. His words on the end of the world are straight out of the book of Revelation and his message on love your neighbor is old stuff. The boy's purported "glimpse of heaven" is contained in a few sentences and says nothing at all worth remembering except it was "wonderful". I don't know what language this book was written in originally. If it was translated I could forgive the the clumsy way things were reported, but if it was written in English I'm embarrassed that we are expected to believe the childishness of it. Read it if you want to be informed about the case, but don't expect anything new.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro incrível sobre uma história pouco contada. Em 1983, 11 anos antes do genocídio em Ruanda, Nossa Senhor apareceu a três meninas ruandesas e pediu que espalhassem a sua mensagem: que as pessoas se convertessem a seu filho Jesus Cristo, amassem seus vizinhos, renunciassem à violência, abadonassem todo o mal que praticavam em suas vidas.

Essas aparições são reconhecidas como válidas pela Igreja. Além dessas, Nosso Senhor e Nossa Senhora também aparecem a esse menino chamado Segatashya e essa foi a mais impressionante de todas. Para começar, Segatashya era pagão e analfabeto, jamais tinha ouvido falar em Jesus ou Maria ou mesmo visto uma Bíblia. Assim, quando Jesus aparece a ele, ele faz com imensa simplicidade as perguntas que muitos de nós teríamos vergonha de fazer... as perguntas dele e as respostas de Cristo estão entre as melhores partes do livro - lembre-se, ele recebeu catequese do próprio Cristo por um tempo. Sua simplicidade, honestidade e humanidade são marcantes.

Recomendo fortemente a todos os cristãos.. uma leitura rápida que fará um bem a sua alma.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Immaculee's complete and childlike faith that was illuminated in this book. It was calming and reassuring to read. It was told in the slow African storytelling style that reminded me of Alexander McCall Smith's 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series.

Unfortunately, I was not taken with Segatashya. His meetings with Jesus were never confirmed (or denied) by the Catholic Church, although the Catholic Church did confirm that Mary appeared to three school girls in the same general time/place. It is left up to the faithful to decide what they personally believe regarding Segatashya - a point Immaculee is very respectful about in her book. I found myself not wanting to waste time and pages on it. Eventually I stopped forcing myself to read and just left the book unfinished.

I could see myself picking this book up again, just to experience Immaculee's sweet personality within her storytelling.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved "Left To Tell" and read it in a matter of hours because I was unable to put it down. "The Boy Who Met Jesus" was not nearly as compelling and many references to "my previous book" which I haven't read, were disappointing. The second half was better than the first, with more direct interviews, and I am glad I stuck with for the very last chapter, "What you need to know is this...".
.
I am trying not to get hung up on why Segatashya said "I won't ask you to leave your religion to become Catholic. Rather, I will ask you to continue to believe sincerely in what your religion teaches you...You must follow the promises you made to that religion." when he was able to speak of the difficulties in following God's will in other instances such as in his message to people in polygamous marriages. There must have been clarification that was not included in the book about Jesus' words that one "...will be judged by what you know."