FACT:
The majority of Congolese children being ministered to by the Evangelical Covenant Church in Kenya are orphans, single-parented, or separated from their family.
STORY:
Excellent is a seven-year-old boy who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has not seen peace there in his entire childhood. In 2010, Excellent and his family fled because of war. During their journey they spent many weeks running from violence and went many days without food. Their feet were sore and they were weak from lack of food and water. They had to be on the watch for soldiers so they didn’t get caught in the middle of a battle. They often slept near the road that would take them to Kenya. They had no tent and there were no places to stay. Sometimes Excellent wondered if he and his family would live through the long trip. The closer they got to Kenya, the safer it seemed, but the more tired they became. Weeks passed. Finally, when it seemed Excellent and his family could walk no further, some truck drivers helped them travel the rest of the way.
Excellent and his family finally arrived at the refugee camp in Kenya. Since that time Excellent and his family have moved into a one-room home. Excellent feels fortunate. He is still with his parents and sister. But many children who have fled the Democratic Republic of Congo have lost their parents. Eight of these children now live with Excellent and his family in their one-room house.
Excellent never expected to have so many brothers and sisters. Sometimes it isn’t easy. But he is thankful to God that he is away from the fighting and for his new brothers and sisters.
REFLECTION:
Excellent was in a difficult situation, not because of anything he did wrong but because war forced him and his family away from their home. What would you have found difficult if you were Excellent? What kind of person do you think Excellent is? Find the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya on a map.
RESPONSE:
Today we can pray for Excellent and for his new brothers and sisters. We can thank God for them and we can pray that some of the children will find their parents. We can also thank God for Excellent’s family who is caring for the children.
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.
