News & Events

The OLC First Friday Book Club/Bible Study Group will next meet on May 2, 2008 at 7:30pm when we will discuss the book "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust" by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Amazon price: $10.17; 215 pages. Synopsis/Review:
In 1994, Rwandan native Ilibagiza was 22 years old and home from college to spend Easter with her devout Catholic family, when the death of Rwanda's Hutu president sparked a three-month slaughter of nearly one million ethnic Tutsis in the country. She survived by hiding in a Hutu pastor's tiny bathroom with seven other starving women for 91 cramped, terrifying days while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love—a love so strong that she was able seek out and forgive her family’s killers. Her account of the miracles that protected her is simple and vivid. Ilibagiza's remarkable path to forgiving the perpetrators and releasing her anger is a beacon to others who have suffered injustice. This book is a precious addition to the literature that tries to make sense of humankind's depravity and counterbalancing hope in an all-powerful, loving God. The story of this remarkable young woman’s journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.

Everyone is invited to participate in the OLC First Friday Book Club/Bible Study Group. If you are interested in attending, please call the Pastoral Center at 410-255-3677 and leave a message for Deacon Don at x107; or send an email to DeaconDon@OLChesapeake.org. The entire community is invited to attend. DROP-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME--even if you haven't read the book, but just want to observe the discussion!

DJ to provide music; and food/soft drinks available for purchase. Admission is $5.00