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Democratic
Republic of Congo Congo is not only a literal jungle, but also one of war, oppression, and invasion from Rwandan rebels, Sudanese Janjaweed, and the LRA out of Uganda. Add to this the fact that it has been well documented that the UN troops sent to protect the people are guilty of forcing young girls to have sex with them before they will release the USAID or UN food---and even trafficking young girls---and it becomes apparent why God has called MWP to work there. When Milton and I founded Make Way Partners, we knew that our call to protect orphans in war zones and lawless lands was an impossible one. As afraid as we were, we thanked God for not only being Father to the fatherless, but also God of the impossible! One major element to our effectiveness in such closed and dangerous regions is strong indigenous leadership , and we never enter a partnership without it. Lual Atak (our indigenous director in Darfur) has shown us the beauty of a long-term partnership where we are able to watch the children heal and flourish through the years. Other leaders simply ask us to help them for a season as they find their own legs to stand upon or choose other directions. Make Way Partners has been blessed to support ministries for a season in Congo, helping them provide safe housing and complete care for orphans and women who have survived rape and sexual slavery. We are now actively pursuing a long-term indigenous partner through which we will provide complete care for the women and children of Congo. We never “plant” a work, a church, or even an orphanage. Instead, we look for what God has already planted in the heart of His people and humbly ask Him if and how He would like to use what resources He has given us to nurture, tend, and protect His seed or tender sprout. So we suspect this will take some time to find and develop the appropriate relationships which require deep trust and intimacy. We remain excited about building our indigenous orphan-care network in the Congo. For those of you who want to know more of the “why” of Congo meeting the MWP criteria as a place where women and children are the most vulnerable to human trafficking and oppression, and where there is little to no other help, go to the following links:
Your sister on the journey, k Kimberly Smith MWP President
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