A Story of God’s Unwavering Faithfulness

Dr. William Twayigize’s life began in a small village nestled between the borders of northern Rwanda, western Uganda, and the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This picturesque region, adorned with dormant volcanoes and abundant natural resources, held the potential for greatness.

Within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lay vast deposits of the world’s most coveted minerals, including Coltan, a substance powering the circuit boards of smartphones and gaming consoles used globally. These precious resources were embedded within the villages inhabited by the native people of the DRC. Tragically, these villages and communities fell victim to the horrific “Congo Massacres,” marking some of Africa’s darkest and most brutal chapters.

As a young boy, William held a profound dream—to become a medical doctor and assist pregnant women in safely delivering their babies. Life in his village was peaceful, until that one unforgettable night that would forever alter William’s trajectory. In the dead of night, Rwandan rebels descended upon his village, just after his youth soccer team had concluded their final match of the quarter. Awoken by the blood curdling screams of his fellow villagers being mercilessly slaughtered, William emerged as one of the few survivors, instantly catapulted into the relentless plight of a refugee.

For four years, war ravaged Rwanda until the rebel soldiers returned under the cover of darkness, driven by their insatiable hunger for the wealth bestowed upon the land. As a young boy, William sought refuge within the depths of the forest, eventually finding solace in refugee camps. However, tragedy struck once more when another invasion forced thousands of refugees into the treacherous embrace of the Volcanic Forest of Nyiragongo. Many souls met a fiery end, consumed by the wrath of the active volcanoes. It was during this tumultuous period that William was cruelly separated from his beloved parents and siblings. According to the UN Human Rights Mapping Report, over 8 million lives were lost during this dark and harrowing era.

After a perilous journey spanning roughly 6,000 miles on foot, William finally crossed into the Congo Republic. There, he was met by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who loaded the weary refugees onto a plane bound for safety—or so they believed. Unbeknownst to William, this flight was a malevolent ruse, leading them to a nightmarish chamber of torture where survival became their only objective. At a tender age, William found himself plunged into a grueling battle for life.

In the depths of this horrifying chamber, where starvation and unspeakable torture were their constant companions, William found solace in the presence of his Bible—the sole possession he managed to conceal within the cell. From the depths of despair, he courageously initiated a prayer group, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Within the confines of that cell, William’s unwavering faith guided him, leading more than 67 captives to embrace faith and find solace in God. Tragically, 90% of these brave souls would perish in that torture chamber, succumbing to beatings and starvation. William endured unimaginable pain, spending a week amidst the lifeless bodies of his friends, awaiting the cold embrace of death.

Then, on an unsuspecting day, a grenade mercilessly shattered the thin veil of existence within William’s cell. Eighteen of his cellmates were instantly extinguished, while he lay gravely injured, slipping into an unconscious state. The bodies, including William’s, were carelessly tossed into a mortuary, awaiting their final journey. It was a stroke of fate that the Red Cross arrived, their discerning eyes catching a faint pulse within William’s fragile frame. They rushed him to a clinic, clinging to the hope of saving a life. Several arduous months later, William miraculously emerged from the depths of despair, his recovery a testament to God’s mercy and the compassionate aid provided by those around him.Emerging from this harrowing ordeal, William found himself adrift on the unforgiving streets of Nairobi. Reduced to the status of a “street boy,” he scavenged and begged for sustenance, his dreams of education slipping further away. Yet, amidst the harshness of his existence, a chance encounter altered his path forever.

A compassionate missionary from Sierra Leone called Rev. Arnold C. Temple crossed William’s path, pausing to engage in conversation. Struck by William’s intelligence and potential, the missionary uttered words that would change everything: “I don’t think you should be on this street. You seem like a very smart kid. I am rushing to the airport, but I will be back in two weeks, and I hope to see you again.”

True to his word, the missionary returned, determined to rescue William from the depths of destitution. Extending a lifeline, he supported William in pursuing a university education. However, as William delved into his studies, the missionary’s resources dwindled, leaving him in a precarious position. The threat of returning to the streets loomed ominously. But just as hope began to waver, God once again revealed His unwavering faithfulness.

A man named Dr. Tom Englund entered William’s life—a providential encounter that would alter his course forever. Recognizing William’s immense potential, Tom selflessly provided the necessary funding for him to complete his education.

Today, Dr. William Twayigize stands as a living testament to the power of faith, resilience, and God’s unwavering faithfulness. Guided by his profound journey, he now imparts wisdom and knowledge to others as a dedicated teacher in San Diego. His story resonates as a powerful example of how God can transform even the most unbearable circumstances into instruments of profound good. It serves as a testament to the indomitable power of a single act of kindness, capable of forever altering the course of a life.

Dr. William Twayigize’s life is a radiant beacon of hope, reminding us that amidst the deepest darkness, God’s faithfulness prevails. His story echoes the resounding truth that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, restoration, purpose, and blessings can emerge from the ashes of adversity. In addition to his remarkable achievements, Dr. William Twayigize has been blessed with a loving family—his wife, Dorah Anono, and their four children, Natalia, Liam, Lulu, and Simba—creating a legacy that embodies the essence of God’s enduring faithfulness.