The Problem - Heart wrenching

Kinshasa is a city in distress.  Economic hardship has combined with spiritual terrorism to blindside innocent kids, some of them very young.  It wasn't always so.  Congolese families traditionally have a strong commitment to their children.  However, in the past years, the shortage of resources and a "prosperity theology", combined with some historical practices is bringing parents do the unthinkable.

The crisis will often develop like this:  something goes wrong in the family, maybe a job is lost or a family member has an accident.  Someone or something must be at fault.  A local "pastor" is sought to identify the spiritual problem and it is very often a child who is blamed.  He or she is labelled as a sorcerer, the source of evil.  The family is advised to get rid of the child or else perform an exorcism, and the problem will be gone or will not happen again.  Given the economic stress many families are already under, the parents are open to the counsel.  Some children will run away before being subject to various forms of pressure or abuse related to the exorcism.  Others are simply told, "You must go."

The Solution - Courageous & Compassionate

Addressing the economic wrong thinking and practice is ongoing and will take time.  In the mean time something has to be done to help the children.

We have a truly compassionate team on the ground 24/7 in Kinshasa.  They grew up there.  They speak the language; they know the customs and needs.  They are working to help the children.  We think that's a more sustainable and culturally sensitive model than Westerners trying to do it all.  They provide what we can't, and we provide a little more than they're able to do on their own.  It's a great partnership and it's working.

It looks like this:

1.  Befriend the street kids.
Our Congolese friends win their trust, which often takes time.  They focus on the same groups of children, providing them with emergency aid and food where possible and practical.  They show them genuine love in practical ways and even remind them of the hope to be found in God.

2. Invite them to the Mercy Home.
A secure, gated home is offered as a refuge for those thought to be ready.  It often takes several months to re-orient the child to responsible social behaviour, and to give them time to receive the love that's offered them.  During this time, a balance of education, food, shelter, and healthcare is offered.  The goal is to counter the spiritual terrorism and abandonment issues they have experienced, and to assess their ongoing needs.  Instruction in the true Christian faith is also offered with sensitivity, considering the accusations and sense of confusion and guilt some of the children carry. 

(For a satellite view of the home click here.)

3.  Seek to re-unite them with their family.
Sometimes the parents need only a little economic incentive, or invitations to reconcile.  This is the preferred and first option.  Ongoing support is sometimes necessary.

4.  Place them with a foster family.
Where reunion with their biological family is impossible, living in another arrangement in a home is proves more advantageous than living in an orphanage setting.  Since there are no government programs, support for the needs of the child must be secured through donations from people like you.

5.  Provide them a place at the Mercy Home. 
Those who remain at the Home often express their gratitude for this place of safety and refuge, away from the harsh abuse of the streets.  They are also given growing responsibilities and find themselves part of a household in an atmosphere of family, as much as is possible in such a setting.  If you look at the pictures, you will see the joy on their faces.

6.  Provide them with a future.
Education, health care and vocational training serve to make the transition into adulthood a more hopeful one.  Several children have already "graduated" and are becoming productive members of society.
 

History of the Project

"Bomoyi Ya Sika" or "Home of New Life" began with the vision of Elmer Adams of Fresno, a missionary to Congo. He saw the plight of street children and began to reach out to them, along with a local, Pastor Muller Ndunzi. They offered food, and tents, but unruly members of the military or police would often confiscate or destroy anything of value. It took months for these adults to build trust with the wary street children.  

Elmer returned to North America, but the vision not only continued but enlarged. With the sacrifice of the middle-class poor and a little help from outside, they began to rescue children from off the street. Their vision was not only for an orphanage, but to unite the children with their parents where possible. Sometimes a few dollars a month was all that was needed to restore the economic balance and restore a family.

Pastor Muller was instrumental in the continuation, and adopted two street children as his own (Eunice and Patricia).

For several years, a small rental house sufficed as the transition house and orphanage. Unfortunately it was located adjacent to a drinking hole. Children and teens, whose past often included survival prostitution had to walk within a few feet of these men to get into the home.

A vision was promoted for a larger, more secure house. A home was located nearby. A funding appeal came to interested people in North America. Several individuals and churches contributed generously, and within a year it was purchased. There are still considerable renovations to complete, and some furniture to get in there, but it's in full use.

For a satellite view of the neighborhood of the home Click here.  You may be able to pick out the backward L shaped house.

Staff

Pastor Muller takes major responsibility for overseeing the work and works in cooperation with his church leadership at the Batela Church.  

He is also joined by Pastor Kapay (below right) who is the missions chair of the Congo MB Church.

Furthermore, the amazing church that Muller is a part of throws parties for the kids and adopts them into the church family in a beautiful way.  The Batela church is really a story in itself -- middle class poor who are supporting those with less than they have.  They support various outreach ministries, including the Bon Berger (Good Shepherd) medical clinic -- Truly amazing and inspiring.

Caregivers like Mama Honorine (left), share their love so graciously, and are not adverse to a little happy dance now and then!  Bijou (center) volunteers tirelessly with joy.

Other caregivers and workers are not pictured.  Perhaps you will take a trip to meet them one day.  They would be pleased to show you Bomoyi Ya Sika, Home of New Life!