Walking by Faith in Congo

I have been living in Congo for nearly five years now. When I first arrived, I was struck by how many children were on the streets, abandoned and without homes or family. Some of these children are run-aways, some are refugees from villages that are under constant attack, and some are simply abandoned or orphaned children. 

When walking around town, they will come running up, asking for money or food. When sitting at a stop light, they will run to the car and tap on the windows. Late in the afternoon, when it is very hot, many of these kids can be found sleeping on the grass in the medians of roads or on the sidewalks. It is a constant reminder of the poverty of and insecurity of this country and always, without a doubt, the echoing of Jesus’ words to care for the orphan, feed the hungry and defend the defenseless. Over the years, we have seen a growing number of children arriving in our city each day. 

First, I started buying bread and juice. When I would see 10 or 15 kids running at me, I smiled and greeted them. I told them to meet me at a certain store and I would get them some food. Over time, I got to know their names and their faces became familiar. They were always towing along a new face to teach them the ways of the street. My missionary partners and I would talk about the deep sorrow and overwhelming sense of responsibility we felt every time we saw these children – but what could we do?

After many years, tons of tears, and lots of prayers, a small solution has begun to materialize. In April, a feeding program was started through a partnership with a local church, which not only provided nutritious meals for the children, but also offered counseling and biblical teaching. 

The overwhelming guilt of hosting these children and then just sending them back onto the streets never let up – we still were not doing enough. My missionary partner had a vision of a home for these children, a safe place for them to begin to rehabilitate and flourish.

At the beginning of January, this vision became a reality. We found an incredible house and begin hosting and mentoring twelve young people, transforming their minds, bodies, and spirits. For years we have been taking baby steps toward the goal: bread and juice, art classes on the street, street ministry, a feeding program, and now a house.

Over the next few months, programs will be initiated to keep these children engaged and thriving. I will begin doing art classes and art therapy and sports therapy programs. The feeding program for the remaining street children will also continue.

Baby steps are very effective when you are walking in faith. 

Michelle S serves with GlobalGrace in Congo