The Look of Freedom and Hope

The Look of Freedom and Hope

The women here represent hundreds of widows, homeless and ostracized. When I found them they had been dumped on a remote island in Lake Kivu of the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo their men had been slaughtered in genocide and they were taken captive by rebel forces; beaten, repeatedly raped, starved, tortured and forced into slave labor.

When the team asked me 'what should we do with them, I said, "First, never refer to them as that again. From now on - they are called are Women of Hope!" We fed them and the team showed kindness. These helpless women saw Jesus that day.

Upon release they had nothing. No clothes, no shoes, no home and no food for their children. Some came out of captivity with more children than they went in with. We immediately fed them and their children. We were building the Ray Posgay Center of Hope and gave them day work for the acceptable daily wage of $5.00. Skilled labor earns $10.00 It is crucial to work within cultural norms.

Now these women and their children have the opportunity to learn to read, write and calculations so they can successfully operate a sustainable small business that will feed their families. By offering this community education program, children can also, by law, become vendors at age 12.

Where your money goes:

*Provide a pregnant goat to a Woman of Hope: $145

*Provide a mini start up business of perhaps fish, eggs, tomatoes, baskets, etc. $55

* #WEFEED- monthly partners to feed 2,000 parentless children forced into abject poverty or they are among thousands of refugees who fled M23 Rebel army . They are children with no hope, no Mom, no home. Budget is $2500

*Invest in the public education of kids in High School and College Semester fees, registration, room rent, books and test, $500each per semester. Most are in medical studies or Civil Service

Giving tip for 2024

How about this: every time you buy a Starbucks or a Boba, put that same amount in a safe place - and at month's end - send that in to Hope4Them. Whatcha say - let's change these lives together?

Due to technical issues beyond my control, please send your gift through ZELLE, PAYPAL, VENMO OR $CASHAP. We leave in 8 days for Kenya - let's be a blessing to the nations together. Snail mail is welcomed but please, use the fast kind!