Transforming Orphans' Lives

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF 20 ORPHANS IN THE CITY OF KINSHASA

reprinted from the Global Fingerprints Newsletter

I just returned from almost 2 months in Congo, enjoying time with many of the orphans sponsored by GlobalFingerprints. I rejoiced with them as they finished another school year and showed me their passing report cards, and I marvel at the spiritual and emotional progress I see in some of their lives. Remember Eyenga from the GlobalFingerprints video? Two years ago, he was afraid to look you in the eye and answer questions. Today, when I share a cup of tea and a piece of bread with him, he looks up and says, "Tobondela" (which means let's pray) - and begins thanking God for His goodness. Almost daily, Eyenga says "God loves me very much." His life has been transformed!

My last week in Congo was spent in Kinshasa, together with other staff for GlobalFingerprints. We launched the sponsorship of 20 kids in Kinshasa (the capital of Congo). On Sunday morning, the children were present to receive their red backpacks, love kits and ID cards. There were many tears...caregivers realizing that their child would be going to school and getting medical help; pastors with overwhelmed hearts touched by the compassion demonstrated by Christians in the U.S.; GlobalFingerprints leaders as we rejoiced that our program could now impact the city of Kinshasa; and orphans as they felt very special being loved in this unique way.

Kinshasa ... a city of over 8 million people with over half of them under 15 years old. I couldn't help asking myself, "Can we have any impact on Kinshasa by touching just 20 lives? This city is too big! And its problems are immense! What difference can we make?"

Yet, on that Sunday morning joy was overflowing. Even after sitting through a service that lasted almost 4 hours, no one was in a hurry to leave. Everyone wanted to greet and thank us, some of them moved to tears. During the service, I asked them how many hands of Christ were represented in that church...and hundreds of hands went up...together. And with that many hands, we can influence Kinshasa, as our hands minister Christ's mercy and leave behind His fingerprint.

That day, I met a 16 year old girl named Carmel. As I visited with her and her mom, who is struggling with AIDS, I tried to get her to smile. But she had no smile, and as we talked she started crying. I tried to comfort her, but she turned away and hid her face in her liputa (skirt).

The next day, we visited Carmel and her mom. They have no home. Some relatives let Carmel sleep in an entryway of their house...with no door for protection. (Only a piece of cloth hangs in the doorway, in a city rated one of Africa's most dangerous crime cities.) As we sat together and visited with Carmel, her mom and the GlobalFingerprints supervisor, I asked her what grade in school she would enter in August. She answered 6th grade and I was surprised. I didn't think she had started school. The supervisor explained that Carmel was ashamed to start 1st grade as a 16 year old. She has never been to school. But there is a program nearby for older orphans who have never gone to school. The supervisor is enrolling her in this program, where she will learn to read and write and learn a skill. She will meet friends her age there who have never had the opportunity to study. God loves her and has a future for her in His plan! And guess what? Carmel smiled! Her smile brought tears to my eyes, and I was the one trying to hide my face in my liputa. Carmel has a future with God. She doesn't have to end up on the street, single and pregnant and HIV positive. With the help of God's people, she will know that she has a greater purpose, to live her life to God's glory.

Pray for Mama Jeanne, Kinshasa supervisor, as she shares with these kids the love of Jesus.

Thank you to all the sponsors who make this story come true in the lives of hundreds of Congolese orphans. I reassure you that your $25 monthly gift is well-invested in the lives of precious children. To God be the glory!

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.

-- Rachel