It seems that everywhere we look  the news is bleak; on the tv, emails, online, social media and we can’t seem to get away from it.  It gets to the point where we don’t want to hear anymore because we are at our limit.  

Thankfully the  news from our programs in Goma is great! Our school is back in session with record enrollment, our men’s and women’s programs are thriving. Our entrepreneurs and Leadership Academy are in session with impactful learning taking place. With all this good happening, the difficulties  stick out in a more obvious way as there is still so much need around us.

I (Michael) was talking with Esther the other day and she shared with me the following:

“I was at our center for morning meetings and after I walked across the street to our other building.  Our Generation Hope program was having their daily gathering with street kids, teaching them, feeding them and instilling in them that they are valued.  One little boy was in a lot of pain with his hands covering his eyes.  When I inquired about the problem, his eyes were severely affected from dust that was part of the volcanic eruption that happened in May. That was almost six months ago!  He is a little boy who is 6 years old and living on the street. My heart immediately began to hurt as I looked at him and the pain that he was in. “

The result was Esther giving our Generation Hope leader, Nestor, instructions to move this boy (Jeremy) into our street kid home.  He needs to be in a safe environment where he can be cared for and provided for. We previously shared with you about this home and the great work being done by Nestor and his team.

What troubles us about this story is that this is not an isolated case.  There are many boys and girls living on the street for various reasons. We can’t help them all, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try.  We truly believe the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:3-6 when He placed an importance on children. They are not less than because they are young, their age does not make them unimportant. Our role is to care for widows, orphans, those in need, and we are striving to live this out every day. 

Your continued giving keeps this program funded so that our staff can continue to make a difference in so many lives.

Read more about how our Generation Hope program is supporting the journey of people just like Jeremy by clicking here. If you'd like to support this meaningful work, there are many opportunities to get involved. Click here to learn more.

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter below or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.