When we arrived in Conakry we were appalled to see the large number of homeless children living on the streets trying to find a way to feed themselves and a safe place to sleep. Most were dirty, malnourished and abused, and many used drugs in an effort to try and escape the daily struggle they faced just to stay alive..
We started a weekly feeding scheme and many of these youngsters came to us to get a meal. We found out that most children living on the streets are boys aged between 5 and 21, and most had left home because they didn't have enough food to eat or they were abused. Yet others had been abandoned with no one to care for them and some had left school (or never started going to school) in order to try and find work to earn enough money to buy themselves food..
It was heart breaking to see their hopelessness so we started taking in those who wanted to leave the streets. They stay with us where we give them a place to sleep, food and new clothes. We then start to pray and counsel them as we try and find homes for them to go to. Some have no parents to return to so we try and arrange for them to go and live with family members or friends. Yet others, who we cannot find a home willing to welcome them, stay and become part of our own family.
Once settled in a family environment, these youngsters are encouraged to go to school or, if they are older, we make sure they are taught a skill they can use to earn a living.They often stay under our supervision so that we can make sure they do not find themselves in another situation which forces them to return to living on the streets.
In the 5 years from 2011 to 2016 we have, by the Grace of God, managed to get a total of 324 children off the streets and into homes where they are cared for and they are all either going to school or learning a skill with which to support themselves.
There are many more that need a safe place to go to and we are trusting the Lord to provide homes and carers who willing to give them a safe place to go to, and a home big enough for us to welcome those for whom no home can be found.
Please pray with us. The need is great
Blessings
Sia.