Orphans are a human tragedy in many of Africa's cities. This is also the case in Mbuji-Mayi, a city of over one million inhabitants in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, Freddy and Henriette Mukendi of the Hope of Glory denomination, have long had a dream to show street children the love of Christ by providing them a home in a Christian orphanage.
The first step toward achieving this goal was realized in February 2009, when orphans started living in a church-sponsored facility under the care of an administrator, cook, main caretaker, and numerous volunteers. Once final modifications are made to the building, including a perimeter wall, the orphanage will be officially dedicated and will become home to 22 former street children.
The children's home provides an opportunity for orphans to enter a protected, nurturing environment, learn of God's love for them, and to come to faith in Christ. Already, the lives of numerous children have been transformed through the outreach of the Hope of Glory group (click here for testimonies). In the care of devoted Christian caregivers, the orphans are counseled toward rehabilitation, and reconciliation is sought with members of the children's extended families.
Below are some photos of the facility and some of the orphans who live there.
The Orphans and Their Caregivers…
Administrator Gustave Tshitamba and Children at Mealtime
The Facility Being Prepared for Occupancy with Comments from Freddy Mukendi…
This Is the Building We Purchased
Then We Started the Work to Make It Livable for Kids
And We Continued Step by Step to Get to Where We Are Today
Thank You for Your Faith in Us and Your Commitment to the Advancement of His Kingdom
We Are Still in the Process of Transforming the Facility to Respond to the Requirements
of the Local Government, and Are Trusting God for a Perimeter Wall to Secure the Property
How to Take Part
The orphanage is a shining light in a very dark situation. It is only by God's grace and love that it has been established and will operate in the future. Freddy, Henriette, and their team seek your support in the following areas:
- Prayer for the working of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation in the lives of the orphans living in the home.
- God-given wisdom and protection for the caregivers.
- Funds for the completion of the perimeter fence and other remaining modifications required for the official opening of the facility.
- Ongoing expenses for the purchase of food, which is extremely expensive in the Mbuji-Mayi area. The daily cost for food is approximately US$ 50. Click here to view project 405560 on the Get Involved > Project page.
