Off the Street and into the Family

Pastor Mupepe and two street boys who now attend his church, Jacque and Reagan.

At ECM, one of our most important ministries is our outreach to street children.  Ministry to street children is one of the most difficult ministries that an organization can be involved in.  The life issues that these children face are extremely complicated, and either contribute to the reason they live on the streets, or are a direct result of living on the streets without a home or a family. In the past couple days I have met six boys who live on the streets, but who have received assistance from ECM staff here in Congo.  Let me introduce them to you:

• Henok is working now as a carpenter’s apprentice, a three year program that will prepare him to open his own shop.  His participation in this program is a result of ECM’s ministry in Kinshasa.
• Jerry completed his apprentice program recently and now has his own shop near his trainer. 
• Jeancy and Gloire are working as mechanic’s apprentices.  This program is also three years and will allow them, upon completion, to get jobs as mechanics.  Like the carpenter’s apprentice program, the mechanic’s program is part of ECM’s ministry to street children.
• Jacque Bombele is an albino child.  His family abandoned him because of his albinism, and he was forced onto the streets, where he was constantly ridiculed and discriminated against.  He was taken in by the church of Pastor Mupepe, where he was introduced to Jesus through the loving actions of the church members.  He accepted Christ as his Savior and can be found in the church every Sunday.  Actually, he can be found there every night, since the building serves as his “bedroom” as well.
• Reagan was kicked out of the house when he became a Christian, by his parents, who adhere to traditional African religion.  Out on the street, with no where else to turn, he was taken in by Pastor Mupepe’s congregation.  Like Jacque, he sleeps in the church building, since he doesn’t have a home to go to. He accepted Christ as his Savior, and plays the drums in church every Sunday morning.

Each one of these boys found hope and a reason for living in Christ; but that hope was made real through the loving actions of Christians.  Hearts are softened to receive the gospel when we live out our faith through our actions!  These boys face countless problems as they go through life, but with a loving family to help them, and a Savior who will never abandon them, they have a chance to make something of their lives.  Reagan and Jacque even expressed a desire to go out on the streets and help other children who once, like them, lived without hope.  To all of you who have helped ECM bring hope to the forgotten children of Africa, THANK YOU!!

Sunday School at Pastor Mupepe's church. A great way to welcome street kids into God's family!