A New Family

Patricia had just been kicked out of the house. She was living with her father, but there had been a misunderstanding between them. He believed that she was a witch and no longer wanted her in his home. Patricia’s father beat her until there was a gash on her head and she was bleeding badly, and then he forced her to leave.

Patricia had nowhere to go. She had to fend for herself and slept alone on the streets for the first night. But then she met a young prostitute who took her under her wing and helped her. Patricia was quickly drawn into a lifestyle of prostitution. She had no other options – how else could she find shelter and get food to survive?

But it was a hard life on the streets. When she refused to go with older men, Patricia was abused and burned with hot plastic bags. Patricia prayed to God for help the entire time that she was living on the streets.

God heard Patricia’s prayers and one day she met Pastor Mueller who is a caregiver at Mercy Home. Mercy Home provides education, healthcare, clothing, and a home for children who have been living on the streets of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Patricia explained her situation to Pastor Mueller and was eventually brought to Mercy Home.

At Mercy Home, Patricia saw kids who had been in similar situations to her being given another chance. They became a family and Patricia began to see the other children as little brothers and sisters. Whenever problems or difficulties came along, they worked them out together.

Soon after she came to Mercy Home, Patricia began attending church and saw everyone worshiping God and praising Him. She decided to follow Jesus and to serve Him in the church. Now Patricia dreams of graduating from high school and attending college. She hopes to get a job and to help other children just as she has been helped.

Pray that Patricia and the other children at Mercy Home will know and experience the love of Christ each day. Praise God for intervening and providing a home for children who have been living on the streets. Pray also for Pastor Mueller and his wife as they care for the children at Mercy Home and share God’s love with them.

“I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.” – Matthew 25:35-36

If you are interested in supporting Mercy Home (Bomoyi Ya Sika), contributions can be designated to project C0311.

Click here to look at photos from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Click here to watch a video about Patricia's story