Comfort Babies Congo
The Comfort Babies Congo (CBC) project is run by Comfort Congo at the Village of Hope in Goma. This area is surrounded by conflict between rebel factions and military retaliation. Sexual violence is a tragic normality with tens of thousands of victims each recent year in this province alone**. This results in countless young mothers with unexpected and even unwanted pregnancies and no way of supporting their babies when they arrive into this harsh and brutal reality. Mothers are desperately trying to provide for themselves and their children with the twin monsters of violence and poverty constantly hounding them. The CBC project is a ray of light in the midst of this grim reality, helping provide mothers with food, accommodation and skills to start businesses which can help them forge a future for themselves. Here are a few of these amazing women’s stories:
Evellyne and Joseph*
Evellyne never knew her father due to her mother having many partners. Then, in 2018 she lost her mother when she fell sick after losing a pregnancy. Orphaned Evellyne was 14 years old when she was raped by a drunken man and fell pregnant. When she joined the project, she said her dream was to go back to school and be able to make a living outside of prostitution. Sponsorship has helped make that a reality and Evellyne has been able to watch little Joseph grow into a child that is strong and healthy.
She wrote to her sponsor, “God was wonderful towards us and by his grace we are alive, in good health and we are doing well. Last November Joseph was seriously sick and I was afraid to lose him but with the financial help that you send us and through Comfort Congo, he was cared for at the hospital and today he is a happy boy […] My goal this year is to begin selling salt fish or other fish as I have planned to go back at school in the coming year. I know that with God’s help things will be okay and I must be able to sustain my child’s needs and schooling him without difficulty. What I need is everyone who knows me to continue praying for me for the successes of this goal and plan.”
Devine and Jacqueline*
Devine was born in Goma in December 2002. She cannot remember her parents who died when she was three years old. She grew up with alcoholic grandparents who frequently fought and she often went to stay with neighbours before she left their home at fifteen years old. She finished up in prostitution to earn money to eat and went through numerous pregnancies and abortions. She does not know who Jacqueline’s father is is. When she came to CBC she was broken and hurting. She didn’t have clothes or food for baby Jacqueline. Sponsorship changed everything for them. Physically, mentally and spiritually Devine has been transformed. Last Christmas she told us that it was the first time they had really celebrated as a family. She says, “Today I am emotionally steady even if there are some challenges of life, but spiritually I am on good terms with my God […] God is marvellous. I have met a young pastor who professed his love for me and we will soon become a family […] I and Jacqueline are doing well and nowadays where I live things are going well thanks to God’s intervention.”
Vivienne and Uwineza*
Vivienne lived in a region of North Kivu which was notorious for being dangerous and many women were being attacked and raped there. In 2017 she was raped by a rebel group there and in the midst of her awful fears for her child, Uwineza was born. Vivienne had long struggled with alcoholism, which she turned to as a relief for the terrors she was suffering, but she was determined to live a better life for her daughter and with God’s help and the project she slowly turned corners in her life. Over many years she has turned her life over to the Lord and has been healed and transformed by his mercy. She said at the start of this year, “Emotionally things are good because I and my child are in good health and spiritually we recognize God’s greatness on us and he continues to bless us every day.”
“We would like to take this small moment to express our gratitude to Comfort International. With you, my daughter has a chance to grow up with security, food, good clothes and shoes and our spiritual life has improved. Some have food but they can’t eat because of many problems of life and others can eat but they have no food but us – we have both because of your help and prayers […] In 2024 I am going to do training in cutting and sewing and after the training I will open a small tailor shop where I would like to earn my keep peacefully with my child lacking nothing.”
These women are rewriting their stories. Their past accuses them, tells them they are not worthy, not able. But life in Christ, and his love shown through real people; sponsors, project leaders, partners, visitors on trips, tells a different story. They have a future, they are capable, they are important. They are dreaming big, and chasing their dreams, fighting the constant temptation of turning to prostitution or enforced marriage to provide for their needs. Instead they are launching their own businesses, determined to provide on their own terms. They face many challenges. Life is far from easy. The sponsorship does not cover all of their needs, but it does give them a stepping stone to a new future – a flash of hope for a new life. If you can consider sponsoring one of these amazing women, please do – there are still many who are in need of support.
a little can change a life
*names changed to protect identity
**Sexual violence against women and girls in GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
2024-01-11 Women Leaders Network for Development – Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le développement (RFLD)