Widows in Kilomoni
Mwanebana (in blue shirt), a student at the orphanage and Sophia (caretaker) distribute clothes to widows and their families.
Outreach into the Community
A 40 foot container was sent from Canada to Congo in June to provide much-needed supplies to the orphanage. After many delays and government red tape, the container arrived in early August and included:
- food supplies (dried vegetable soup and dried apples);
- school supplies (books, pencils, backpacks);
- clothing;
- books – French school books (currently no books to read);
- water tank to collect rainwater as a fresh water source;
- sewing machines to make school uniforms and help some widows earn a living;
- furniture – dining room set, couch, drawer chests, so each child will have their own drawer;
- a generator that will power two stove plates to replace charcoal fire;
- and many other much needed items.
The staff and children at the orphanage were very thankful for the gifts. We also challenged the leaders to share the blessing with the community around them.
Staff and children at Grace orphanage have, over the past two week-ends, gone into the local community to share some of what they have received. They have been handing out children’s and adult’s clothing to widows who have very little to survive on. These widows are struggling daily just to have enough to eat.
They also distributed school supplies to a school in a particularly poor area, and donated a guitar and 4 benches to the local church to help their choir who’s only musical instruments are one self-made guitar and a drum.
Thank you again to all the donors and those who have contributed to the successful shipment of the container.
Lessons in Sharing
We trust that involving the children in the outreaches and sharing what they have received with those less fortunate, will develop within them a spirit of generosity. Sharing with widows who barely have enough to eat, children who survive with just the basic necessities, and a school built from mud with a tarp as roof, had an impact on the Grace Orphanage children. It made them realize that even though they do not have much, there are people on their doorstep, who have even less.
In a country where the political environment is all about power and grabbing as much as you can for yourself, it will take a new generation of leaders to change that. Our vision for Grace Orphanage is to develop a new generation of leaders who will be educated and living for the benefit of others.
Watch a Short Interview with Eliza:
You can also visit our website at www.grace-orphanage.org, and read more about our work at the orphanage.
Eliza with her first ever stuffy toy
New dresses for all the girls!
The girls at the orphanage were very excited to receive new dresses and also some miniature soaps and lotion. The stuffed toys were such a hit and the girls had them strapped on their backs the way babies are carried.
Children’s Stories:
Diye Mlekelwa
Diye Mlekelwa: Diye is a 10 year old boy, born in Waungu village. Both Diye’s parents and two elder brothers were killed during the night when their village was raided by rebel forces. Diye was cared for by a neighbor who could not afford to keep him. Fortunately he was found by GRACE MINISTRIES CHILDRENS HOME and was one of the first children taken into their care. His vision is to become a bus driver.
Amisa Asani
Amisa Asani: Amisa is a 10 year old girl, born in Kavinvira village. She was conceived during a rape attack while her mother was looking for firewood in the jungle. After Amisa was born, her mother rejected and abandoned her and she was left in the care of a widow who was dying of cancer. When the widow passed away, she was taken into the care of GRACE MINISTRIES CHILDRENS HOME. Amisa is doing grade 4 at primary school.
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