A New House for an Elderly Church Member

June 30, 2016 • Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rebuilt Church after Lord's Resistance Army attack

People in the Congo build a house for a needy neighbor with the encouragement of Samaritan’s Purse

Agbialogo Onesifolo is a 75-year-old widower in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before he retired, he was a teacher at a local church.

I grew up in Gangala. When I finished primary school, Richard Dix, a former missionary, was responsible for the region. He sent me to study at a Bible school. After completing my studies, I returned to Gangala to serve the Lord as a catechist. The war in 1997 took place while I was serving in the ministry. Due to insecurity, we moved from the city to the bush. We were terrified and lost some of our community members.

Later, the Lord’s Resistance Army attacked civilians without pity. It was difficult for me to remain in Gangala, and I decided to move to South Sudan. I suffered there initially. I had to look for work every day just to survive. Eventually, however, I was assisted by the U.N. When the situation became more peaceful, I moved back to Gangala, but my family members rejected me because they didn’t want the burden of caring for me in my old age.

Gangala church rebuilt after Lord's Resistance Army attacks

Agbialogo stands with his new house

Despite their rejection, the church decided to care for me because they were encouraged to do so by Samaritan’s Purse. I first met the Samaritan’s Purse staff members when they began working in my area. I’m grateful for their work. The house I have today is the fruit of the program here. Participants in the program decided to build a home for me.

Prior to this initiative, no one worked as a volunteer. People always demanded money for their work. But now people are motivated to work without pay. For me, Samaritan’s Purse is like the Samaritan in the Bible, who, through the church, came to give me hope to survive. I’m encouraged to speak with power to the youth in our community about giving their lives to serve Jesus. Please pray that I can serve the Lord successfully in this capacity.

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