FACT:
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group. They cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal, and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.
STORY:
My name is Pendo Esther. I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo but now I am here in Kenya as a refugee and I am being cared for by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kitengela (near Nairobi). When the war moved toward the village I lived in, my family and I were forced to flee. As we ran from the battle I was separated from my parents. I’m not sure whether they are alive or if they died. I have not seen them since the day we left. After running and walking for a long time I met other adults, youth, and children fleeing toward Kenya, and they invited me to join them for the long walk to the refugee camp. Most of the time we walked, but sometimes we rode in trucks until we reached Kenya. It took many days. While on the run, you eat what you can hunt or gather. In the camps, you live off of the food that is given out, like cornmeal and milk.
REFLECTION:
Look at a map and find DR Congo and Kenya. Ask any questions you have about the story. Next draw something about the story and then share with the rest of the group. What would it be like to be separated from your parents? Thank God that Pendo Esther is being cared for by God through the Covenant church in Kenya.
RESPONSE:
There are two ways you can help Pendo Esther and others like her. You can give money that will help the Covenant church in Kenya provide food and clean water for refugee children and you can pray for Pendo Esther and other children who have run from war and have lost their parents.
Weekly, we will be posting the materials from the Kids Helping Kids: Refugee curriculum for your ease on our blog. You can access this project and learn more here. On our website you will find helpful resources for these stories including a powerpoint, prayer cards, and maps. Give to this project here.
