Standing in the gap for CAR’s children

By Julie Mad-Bondo

As the days grow shorter and we head into autumn, I would like to share what the Lord has been doing in the lives of the children in our Youth at Risk program.

Your investment in the Central African Republic’s (CAR) young people is opening doors that would never have been available to them otherwise. Because of your faithful support, our ministry is able to provide an education, housing, medical care, and biblical mentoring as we promote self-sustainability.

CHALLENGES CONTINUE

But many obstacles still remain as the CAR tries to rebuild after a long, devastating war. There is a pronounced lack of qualified teachers, and school buildings are overcrowded and under-resourced. Public schools throughout the country are experiencing a shortage of classrooms, textbooks, seating, and other necessities.

The war claimed the lives of numerous parents, and countless others died from preventable diseases. In many instances, relatives have taken on the responsibility of caring for the orphans left behind. Unfortunately, these family members are unable to provide basic school supplies and uniforms for these children. Worst of all, many of these youngsters now find themselves in abusive situations.

Local churches are doing their best to meet needs, but they are ill-equipped to provide adequate services. How can we ignore the fate of these children, knowing that without an education, many of them will remain sentenced to a lifetime of poverty?

UNICEF recently noted that, “the Central African Republic’s 3 million children are the world’s most deprived, with widespread malnutrition, inadequate healthcare access, and instability. … That means CAR is now ranked as the country most at-risk for sliding into humanitarian crisis.” This news does not surprise us because we witness that reality every day. 

That’s why our Youth at Risk program is intentional about standing in the gap for these young people.

Through this initiative, we provide school fees, materials, uniforms, shoes, and medical care. We have also partnered with a reputable private Christian school to enroll these vulnerable children at a cost of $400 a year.

A TIME TO CELEBRATE 

Because of your financial gifts, all the Youth at Risk students and their families gathered recently to celebrate what the Lord has done for them through our ministry this year. They sang several worship songs in Sango, the national language, and learned a hymn in English.

Julie’s Heart Cry awarded gifts to students who significantly improved their grades during the school year. All the children received a Bible and worship songbooks. We spoke to them about the importance of regularly reading and obeying what God says in His Word. Biblical literacy continues to take precedence in their education. 

A WELL-DESERVED THANK YOU

As we enter a new school year, I want to thank all of you, our faithful partners, for touching the lives of these children through your many prayers and donations. You are making an eternal difference!