A child’s curiosity becomes a family’s journey to faith and freedom.

In the city of Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, life moves with an energy all its own. With over 17 million people, Kinshasa is the world’s largest French-speaking city. Nearly half of its population—49.75%—is made up of children under 18. And when public gatherings are held, day or night, you can be sure the kids will be there to see it first.

Ebenezer was one of those curious children. A bright and observant 7-year-old girl, she lived with her family on Dreve de Selembao, in the Ngaliema commune, just near the overcrowded Selembao municipality.

When a group of Bible workers pitched a large tent right near her street and began handing out colorful invitations to a Bible study program, Ebenezer was among the first kids to stop by. She took one of the flyers home and waved it in front of her father. “Papa, look! They’re going to tell stories from the Bible under a big tent!”

Her father barely glanced up. “Mmm, sounds interesting,” he muttered, before going back to his thoughts.

For three months, Ebenezer became a regular visitor at the tent meetings. Even though her father never came, she faithfully collected the Bible study guides and brought them home to him. 

When the program ended, a special graduation event was held. Ebenezer went, more to hang out with her new friends than to get a certificate, but while there, she heard an announcement that would change everything: A two-week evangelistic campaign was about to begin — and kids were welcome too.

From the first evening, Ebenezer loved the children’s meetings. She enjoyed the songs, the coloring pages, and especially the picture rolls the teachers used that made each Bible story come alive. It felt like a kind of Vacation Bible School, and the kids crowded in each night—most of them from non-Adventist homes.

On the fourth evening, the children’s teacher made a request. “Tomorrow,” she said, smiling at the group, “bring your parents with you. We want to meet them!”

That night, Ebenezer returned home determined. “Papa, the teacher said parents have to come tomorrow. Please, will you come with me? Just once?”

Her father hesitated. He was well-known in the neighborhood—but not for good reasons. People nicknamed him “Mr. Conseiller,” but it wasn’t a title of respect. He was a heavy drinker, often seen with a bottle in hand, stumbling home long after the sun had set.

After giving it some thought, Ebenezer’s father finally agreed to go to the meeting with her. That next evening, he sat at the back, arms folded, uncomfortable. But the children’s joy was infectious. When he saw Ebenezer singing with the other kids, eyes shining, he began to smile. That night, each child received a Bible verse and was told to practice it with their parent at home. 

On their walk home, Ebenezer turned to her father and announced, “I’m excited to learn my Bible verse with you! Can you please come with me to the rest of the meetings until the end?”

He looked down at her, and something softened in him. “Okay. I’ll come.”

That night, Ebenezer’s heart was bursting with hope. What she didn’t yet know was that God was about to begin a transformation far greater than she ever imagined.

To be continued.

---

Location
Democratic Republic of Congo

Author
Thomas Ongasa, a pastor and formerly a conference president in Congo, founded Train Them 2 Fish in answer to God’s call to equip young people to spread the gospel in the 14 French speaking countries in Africa.

How You Can Help
Pray for Mr. Conseiller’s family as they witness to the power of God in Kinshasa.

Pray for the Train Them 2 Fish team as they send Bible workers to reach the masses in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Give. For $90 a month, you can sponsor one church planter/Bible worker. Mark your donations “Congo Workers” and send to: 

Mission Projects International 
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501

To give securely online, visit: 
missionspro.org/donate