About the Book
The unforgettable, breathless tale of young Bikonzi Moise: alongside his mother and six siblings, Bikonzi is ripped from his home and forced into a concentration camp in the middle of the Second Congo War. Through unyielding hope, unimaginable sacrifice, and the wrestling with God amidst deafening silence, this unforgettable tale will leave you breathless and inspired.
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Praise For Cockroaches, God, Death, and Mangoes
Mary Kaech, Executive Director, Phoenix Refugee Connections
“Leavitt tells this harrowing story with profound attention to detail, drawing the reader into the inner life of then 8-year-old Bizonki, while setting such intimacy within the context of a larger, often overlooked historical happening. This story of forced displacement–a testament to faith, endurance, and the human spirit–is remarkably hard to believe, making its truthfulness only an addition to its vitality.”
Dr. Kit Danley, President, Neighborhood Ministries
“We are changed by stories. We are especially impacted by stories of children who defy all odds, find resilience and courage in themselves, and live to tell the story so that others might live. Read this book and fall in love with young Bikonzi. Read it to remind yourself that we belong to a global village, and when children suffer in a Congolese war, we all suffer. Read it to bear witness to survivors who teach us that horror demands revelation and redemption. And read it for change. Bikonzi will envision it for you!”
Rob Dalrymple, PhD, Executive Director of Determine Truth
“Leavitt masterfully tells the story of Bikonzi and his family as they are forcibly displaced from their home. Bikonzi's story captures the pain of displacement, the resilience of the human spirit, and the struggle to find a home in foreign land. It is a sobering, moving account that forces us to look at some of the real people behind one of our major world crises.”
Olivia Mulerwa, President, Mission ONE
“I have had the privilege of knowing Bikonzi personally and hearing his story firsthand. What Leavitt has captured in these pages is not just a harrowing tale of survival, but a stunning testimony of God’s mercy amid unimaginable darkness. We move through life wrapped in the rhythms of our own routines, often unaware of the suffering, war, and displacement that so many endure daily. This book is a gift—an opportunity to pause, to witness, and to let our hearts be softened toward those whose pain we might otherwise never see. My hope is that as you read, you will be drawn into greater awareness, deeper compassion, and a renewed understanding of God’s presence, even in the hardest places.”
Interviews
Interviews
Check out all the places we’re getting to talk about the book!
Meet The Main Character:
Bikonzi Moise
If there’s one thing to know about Bikonzi, it’s that he loves people. Whether he’s connecting with local missionaries around the world, or just playing a game of pickleball, he’s all about building relationships, learning from others, and making people feel seen and valued.
Bikonzi received an undergraduate degree in psychology at Grand Canyon University, where he worked in the Spiritual Life Department after graduating. He spent several years mentoring students and connecting them to local ministry opportunities in Phoenix—instilling in them the importance of loving their neighbors as Jesus loves. During this time, he earned a masters degree in leadership.
For the past five years, he’s been part of Mission ONE where he now serves as the Programs Manager. In this role, he walks alongside local missionaries, supporting and encouraging them as they bring gospel-centered transformation to their communities.
When he’s not working, you can probably find him on the basketball court, playing pickleball, or spending time with his favorite people—his family. He and his wife, Jenny, have been married for six years and have three boys: Lyman (3), Elyk (2), and Damyn (2 months).
Whether in ministry, sports, or everyday conversations, Bikonzi is always looking for ways to bring people together and point them to the love of Jesus. His heart for global and local missions continues to shape his life and work in impactful ways.