Recently, Bruce and Anita Paden, missionaries in DR Congo, Africa reported 6th grade children attending New Hope Center for Grieving Children in Goma were asked about their own personal memory book and what it means to them. Their responses are an amazing window into what we have always hoped would happen when children were given an opportunity to tell their stories.
Here are some of their responses:
· My memory book helped me to know when I was born, the meaning of my name, and the family history.
· It helped me to remember my life and express myself in French.
· My memory book helped me to learn that God knew me before I was even born, and that He’s the creator. I am proud to know a God like that and that I am important to Him.
· I have value. I am somebody.
· It helped me to learn about my past.
· My memory book helped me to have an idea about our families
· It helps me remember my school, its history, my friends, my favorite teachers and to have a love for my school.
· My memory book helps me to dream about the future for instance to want to build my own center like New Hope Center and to help orphans like us and to always remember New Hope.
· It helps me live in society.
· It has helped me to be thankful to God.
· It has given me a taste to study and decide what classes I would be interested in to take later on.
· We can even write to our parents who are dead. It is good to remember them.
· The last page reveals something that might be hidden inside us.
The Paden’s ask that we join them in prayer on June 16, African Children’s Day. Please join Memory Books for Children in praying for the Paden’s and the New Hope Center serving children living in one of the most dangerous places on earth.
Founder Tamara Faris in a Goma marketplace with the young girl and seamstress who made her traditional African dress.