Reflections from Rev. Fulgence, our Executive Director

Reflection #1

“I remember the day I was starving.  I needed water and food.  I was saved by a perfect stranger.  After 11 hours of torture in the hands of my kidnappers, I was lucky to be taken to a police station by a group of police officers who were unaware of the deadly plan and rescued me. I was hungry, thirsty, dirty, scared, and hurting. I could hardly stand. People from the community gathered. A woman who saw how desperate I was ran home, brought 3 donuts, milk, and a soft drink. She brought me back to life. I do not know her name or how to contact her. And that’s okay.  It is okay because I know that when I meet a person in need, I remember that the best truth is that we are in this together and the best calling, at the moment, is for me to care.

One of the living saints I admire (yes there are living saints) told me that for her, a good life is one that is on the lookout for an opportunity to do good, to lift a person up. There is no better truth.

My work with refugees is made possible by many individuals and organizations who partner with me.  Many have not met the refugees but through me, they do.  The stories I tell and my presence convey something about the refugees. A philosophy of interconnection informs this work.”  

Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana, Kelowna, British Columbia, August 20, 2020

Reflection #2

After word went out that I was kidnapped, a Minister from the Philippines started a petition to the government of Burundi demanding that I be immediately released without harm. In less than 72 hours, more than 1200 people signed the petition. Every morning, a member of my congregation brought a list of people who signed the petition, to keep hope alive for me. By 6 PM, when everyone had left and I was alone in a dark cell with no book to read or telephone to communicate, I thought about the people fighting on my behalf.  I knew some of them—many I will never know. I was looking for a connection between us.  The symbol that kept appearing to me was a Flaming Chalice: a sign of love, compassion, and sacrifice.  There is a strong power in our shared humanity, and we are all connected. Flaming Chalice International carries this belief.  Our work is that belief in action.” 

Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana, Nanaimo, British Columbia, February 28, 2021