Every few months, we receive reports from some of the many people we support throughout our projects in Africa. This allows us and our partners to make sure that the projects are working for the people they are designed to serve, that resources are being spent wisely and that where we can make improvements, we do. It also serves as a huge source of encouragement for us as, over years, we see dramatic transformation in people’s lives as they experience love and hope in a way they never thought possible before. Some of the realities they face are so far removed from what we in our first world Western countries are used to, that it is truly hard to get our heads round the challenges and dangers they face, and in contrast, the victory of a new life. This is true in nowhere else more than the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Samuel* of the Children of Liberty, a group of ex-child soldiers supported through our partners Comfort Congo, lives. He wrote us a letter that, even in the midst of the hardships, fear, and very real danger he faces, brought joy and comfort to us, and the motivation to keep going no matter what.
Samuel lived in a home where shoes were a luxury and school fees were an unattainable expense, so much so that by the time he reached high school age, he had to drop out of education altogether, unable to afford the necessary payments. A cousin convinced him that he’s be able to make a living looting, stealing and fighting, and that life in the army would be better than living like a beggar at home. Despite excelling in the training, Samuel was frequently beaten by superiors, lived in old ripped clothes, and faced daily danger as they were regularly attacked by rival factions. One day in 2020, his group attacked and looted a village, and Samuel was required to carry the spoils back to camp. He managed to run away and hide in the bush, ditching his army uniform and laying low until he could make contact with his uncle who introduced him to our partners at Comfort Congo.
Samuel escaped almost exactly four years ago. Samuel is not currently sponsored by anyone, so his place at the Village of Hope is covered by geenral funds from Comfort International. He wrote us a letter last month, and we’d love to share it with you:
Dear Comfort International,
It is always a pleasure to write something to inform you about how I’m doing, because for me you are my close friends and family. With you I have reason to express my gratitude and thanks, but also to tell you about my actual news. I am well as you can see on my picture, and I am in good health and I am strong.
This new school year began well because with the money I receive from you regularly, I bought some notebooks, uniform and new good shoes, and when I return from school I usually take food to have strength to sing well during our practice, because I became a singer at les adorateurs de la liberté choir. I hope that when you come to pay a visit to us here at Hope Village you will see how I sing well.
My life continues to improve and I continue to live with other COL here at Hope Village in peace, because we live like true brothers. When one among us finishes to cook, he calls everybody and we eat together, and this has created brotherly love in us. Every time that you pray, don’t forget me because now I am in my sixth year in construction, so I need your spiritual support.
Receive my greetings in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ.
The boy who once walked barefoot has new shoes for school. The boy who once looted villages cooks food for his friends and calls them his brothers. The boy who tore down homes and lives now studies to build houses. He who was forced to commit obscenities sings praises to the God who forgives and saves. And for whom school was a far-off dream, he enters into his final years of high school requesting prayers of support and strength. There are many lives that have been changed through the Children of Liberty project, but we can only do it with your help. Samuel, and others, are still waiting for sponsors who can cover the funds for the project and make sure that we can continue to support them for as long as they need it.
Life in Congo is always difficult and dangerous; there have been no “good times” in recent memory. However, the situation in DRC is worsening on a daily basis and within the last few weeks has reached crisis point. The M23 rebel armies have been advancing to Goma and violence has intensified mightily. Hundreds of thousands of families have been displaced. The ex-child soldiers who have escaped lives of violence live with the very real fear of being taken back into armed groups. Our partners are in continual danger and are with incredibly limited resources in the scale of such a disaster. They need our help now, and we are asking, please donate to our emergency appeal for Congo, to help save as many lives as possible. Thank you.
a little can change a life
*name changed to protect identity