An Easter Message from Camille and Esther: Hope In The Darkness

To have hope is ultimately a personal choice. A bold decision - especially for Congolese people, who live in a place often referred to as “the darkest place on Earth.” 

Africa New Day Founders Camille and Esther Ntoto understand this well – yet they see the opportunity for the light within every Congolese person to guide their path out of the darkness. 

“When something feels so dark, even the smallest amount of light can make a difference,” they shared recently. “Easter represents the death of Jesus. It is a time of resurrection and hope for people of faith. These concepts apply directly to the changes we’ve seen unfold in Congo. In one of the most dangerous and corrupt places in the world, we’ve watched men, women and children realize they themselves are the light. These are the people who have become our leaders – they have risen to say ‘I can do something, because I am something’.” 

Understanding that each Congolese person is inherently the solution and that change starts from within, Africa New Day’s programs are taught and led entirely by Congolese people. According to Camille and Esther, this is the only way to build the long-lasting, sustainable change and the quality of life that the people of Congo deserve.

“Each Congolese will become the solution for a more peaceful Congo. Our programs help them discover, develop and deploy their potential – and then share that with others in their community,” said Camille and Esther. “Everything you learn, you teach someone else - that's how we as a community multiply and create change.”

Since the founding of Africa New Day, Camille and Esther have remained steadfast and dedicated to the role faith plays in this work. “We believe God sent us,” they said. “We responded to him. He is in the center of everything we do.”

With programs that have touched an innumerable amount of Congolese lives, Camille and Esther understand that there is still much work to be done. They know this work requires a deep commitment to going inward, finding faith and deciding to try hope as a beacon when things feel darkest.

Read more about how our Women of Congo program is changing lives of people just like Clarisse and Claudine by clicking here. If you'd like to support this meaningful work, there are many opportunities to get involved. Click here to learn more.