February 2024 Update
Hearing From the People Behind Exile International
Every day, the work of healing is carried out by people who walk alongside children and youth affected by war.
Our teams in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United States witness both unimaginable hardship and incredible resilience. We asked them to share where they find joy, what inspires them, and what keeps them hopeful.
These are their stories—in their own words.
A dramatic increase in violence from the armed rebel group M23 continues to wreak havoc on Eastern Congo — worsening this week as the rebels advance towards Goma, a major city home to over a million Congolese people. Clashes between the rebels, army forces, and self-defense groups have escalated, forcing entire communities to flee for safety in the oversaturated city and surrounding displacement camps.
The war in Congo has displaced a record-breaking 7 million and is regarded by many in the international community as the world's largest ongoing humanitarian crisis. With fighting imminent and resources dwindling, the people of Congo covet your support and prayers in their daily fight for survival.
From Our Uganda Team
Where do you find or see joy in the middle of poverty?
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"Joy isn't found in having everything. It's found in choosing hope."
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"Accepting the situation as it is while praying and hoping that things will be better helps rather than focusing on what is missing."
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"Helping someone in need brings joy regardless of your financial status. Spending time with family, loving yourself, and loving others are all sources of joy. When people experience poverty and rejection, they can lose hope—but genuine love reminds them they are not alone."
For our Uganda team, joy isn't defined by circumstances. It's found in community, faith, and serving others.
What inspires you about Exile?
- "Working like family inspires me the most. We care about one another, and we pray together in times of happiness and sorrow. That gives me peace of mind."
- "The Hope Initiative has brought healing to so many children and youth. We've seen children give their lives to Christ. We've heard testimonies from children who no longer experience nightmares after processing the trauma they've lived through. Children who once felt isolated now connect with others without fear of being judged. Some have even become leaders in our Peace Clubs."
Get the Facts:
- Over 7 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes and are currently living in displacement camps — a number growing each day.
- An additional 144,000 have been displaced since February 7th, when fighting began reaching new communities just outside Goma.
- 100 youth in Exile's programs remain in M23-occupied territories, jeopardizing their safety.
- 520 youth in Exile's programs remain unaccounted for after running for safety earlier this week. Leaders are actively searching for these youth in nearby displacement camps.
Exile's teams report hearing bombs exploding in the distance and gunfire outside the walls of the residential HQ as rebel violence closes in on the city. Locals fear the violence could shut down major roads — interfering with their ability to access basic necessities and receive much-needed humanitarian aid.
What inspires you about the youth you serve?
- "The youth have learned conflict resolution through our Peace Club curriculum. We see fewer violent interactions, even within families and marriages."
- "Many have taken their education seriously because they know someone believed in them. Some have graduated. Others now work in local government. Some are serving as prefects in their schools. They are becoming leaders in their communities."
What helps young people overcome the hardships of war?
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"Emotional support is key. Young people need someone who recognizes their invisible wounds and walks beside them."
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"Education restores hope. Practical skills give youth opportunities to provide for themselves and break the cycle of poverty."
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"Mentorship, life skills, and psychosocial support help young people move forward from trauma and build a better future."
- Pray for displaced children & families: Ask the Lord to protect them and meet their every need. Pray boldly that the war will end and they can return home safely soon.
- Pray for Exile's staff, volunteers, and pastors: Pray for renewed strength, safety, and endurance for every member of the Exile family in DRC.
- Pray for the safety of unaccounted youth: Ask the Lord to help Exile's teams locate these boys and girls quickly.
- Pray for children and staff residing in M23-occupied territories: Ask the Lord to drive the rebels away from their communities — restoring their lives to peace and safety.
- Pray M23 rebels are stopped before surrounding and occupying Goma: Ask the Lord to fortify the city, protecting it from falling under rebel siege.
- Pray against food shortages and inflation in Goma: Ask the Lord to drive back rebel soldiers who've closed down major roads.
- Pray for Christ's Kingdom to come: Ultimately, we pray that more people — rebels and civilians alike — would come to know Jesus as their Savior through this time of uncertainty. May the Lord's Spirit fall over the nation and capture the hearts of His children.
February 2024 Update
A dramatic increase in violence from the armed rebel group M23 continues to wreak havoc on Eastern Congo — worsening this week as the rebels advance towards Goma, a major city home to over a million Congolese people. Clashes between the rebels, army forces, and self-defense groups have escalated, forcing entire communities to flee for safety in the oversaturated city and surrounding displacement camps.
The war in Congo has displaced a record-breaking 7 million and is regarded by many in the international community as the world's largest ongoing humanitarian crisis. With fighting imminent and resources dwindling, the people of Congo covet your support and prayers in their daily fight for survival.
From Our DR Congo Team
Where do you find or see joy in the middle of poverty?
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"Even in hardship, there are reasons to smile."
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"I often find joy in relationships first. Strong family bonds, friendships, and community support create moments of laughter, belonging, and meaning even when resources are scarce."
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"There's also joy in purpose. Whether farming, building a small business, or caring for others, there's satisfaction in working toward something, even when progress is slow."
- "Faith is another source of hope. God knows the plans He has for me."
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"Then there are the small moments—a good meal after a long day, music, laughter with friends, a child's smile, or a cool breeze in the evening."
What inspires you about Exile?
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"Many organizations provide food, shelter, or schooling. Exile goes further by helping children process trauma through counseling and art therapy."
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"Our work isn't just about helping children survive. It's about helping them rediscover who they are beyond their pain. We restore identity and dignity."
Get the Facts:
- Over 7 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes and are currently living in displacement camps — a number growing each day.
- An additional 144,000 have been displaced since February 7th, when fighting began reaching new communities just outside Goma.
- 100 youth in Exile's programs remain in M23-occupied territories, jeopardizing their safety.
- 520 youth in Exile's programs remain unaccounted for after running for safety earlier this week. Leaders are actively searching for these youth in nearby displacement camps.
Exile's teams report hearing bombs exploding in the distance and gunfire outside the walls of the residential HQ as rebel violence closes in on the city. Locals fear the violence could shut down major roads — interfering with their ability to access basic necessities and receive much-needed humanitarian aid.
What inspires you about the youth?
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"What stands out most is their resilience. Many have experienced conflict, loss, and displacement, yet they continue to heal, learn, and move forward."
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"Their courage to express painful experiences through art, storytelling, and counseling is incredible. Instead of burying trauma, they face it."
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"Some of these young people become leaders themselves, using what they've learned to help others heal."
How do you see healing happen?
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"Healing begins when young people have safe ways to express what they've experienced."
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"As they process trauma, they grow in emotional strength. They rebuild trust with others, return to school, learn practical skills, and begin believing in their future again."
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"They don't erase the past. They discover that it no longer defines them."
- Pray for displaced children & families: Ask the Lord to protect them and meet their every need. Pray boldly that the war will end and they can return home safely soon.
- Pray for Exile's staff, volunteers, and pastors: Pray for renewed strength, safety, and endurance for every member of the Exile family in DRC.
- Pray for the safety of unaccounted youth: Ask the Lord to help Exile's teams locate these boys and girls quickly.
- Pray for children and staff residing in M23-occupied territories: Ask the Lord to drive the rebels away from their communities — restoring their lives to peace and safety.
- Pray M23 rebels are stopped before surrounding and occupying Goma: Ask the Lord to fortify the city, protecting it from falling under rebel siege.
- Pray against food shortages and inflation in Goma: Ask the Lord to drive back rebel soldiers who've closed down major roads.
- Pray for Christ's Kingdom to come: Ultimately, we pray that more people — rebels and civilians alike — would come to know Jesus as their Savior through this time of uncertainty. May the Lord's Spirit fall over the nation and capture the hearts of His children.
February 2024 Update
A dramatic increase in violence from the armed rebel group M23 continues to wreak havoc on Eastern Congo — worsening this week as the rebels advance towards Goma, a major city home to over a million Congolese people. Clashes between the rebels, army forces, and self-defense groups have escalated, forcing entire communities to flee for safety in the oversaturated city and surrounding displacement camps.
The war in Congo has displaced a record-breaking 7 million and is regarded by many in the international community as the world's largest ongoing humanitarian crisis. With fighting imminent and resources dwindling, the people of Congo covet your support and prayers in their daily fight for survival.
From Our US Team
Emmanuel Ntibonera | Program Director
"I was born in eastern Congo and experienced the realities of war and displacement firsthand. After years as a refugee, I eventually resettled in the United States. Exile's mission reflects my own life story."
"We don't just provide aid—we help transform lives. Every day we invest in children who have experienced unimaginable trauma and help them discover their value, purpose, and God-given potential."
"Some of the most powerful leaders emerge from the most difficult circumstances."
"Every child has a story, a future, and incredible potential. When one child finds healing, entire communities can be transformed."
Mackenzie Warner | Executive Assistant
"Before coming to Exile, I didn't know much about the conflict in Congo. Learning about how war affects children made me want to help however I could."
"Every week we hear success stories from the children we serve. I'm constantly amazed by their resilience and strength."
"It's easy to stay passionate about work that truly changes lives."
Get the Facts:
- Over 7 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes and are currently living in displacement camps — a number growing each day.
- An additional 144,000 have been displaced since February 7th, when fighting began reaching new communities just outside Goma.
- 100 youth in Exile's programs remain in M23-occupied territories, jeopardizing their safety.
- 520 youth in Exile's programs remain unaccounted for after running for safety earlier this week. Leaders are actively searching for these youth in nearby displacement camps.
Exile's teams report hearing bombs exploding in the distance and gunfire outside the walls of the residential HQ as rebel violence closes in on the city. Locals fear the violence could shut down major roads — interfering with their ability to access basic necessities and receive much-needed humanitarian aid.
Hellen Nyokusi | International Executive Coordinator
"I was drawn to Exile because of its commitment to empowering rescued child soldiers and war-affected children to become future leaders of peace."
"Hearing the stories of the children and families we serve—their courage, resilience, and hope—has deeply impacted me."
"Knowing that even small efforts help children heal, grow, and realize their potential keeps me passionate every day."
Every story shared by our team points to the same truth: healing is possible.
It happens through relationships. Through safe places to process trauma. Through education, mentorship, faith, and people who refuse to give up on children affected by war.
These are the voices behind Exile International—and together, they're helping write stories of hope every single day.
- Pray for displaced children & families: Ask the Lord to protect them and meet their every need. Pray boldly that the war will end and they can return home safely soon.
- Pray for Exile's staff, volunteers, and pastors: Pray for renewed strength, safety, and endurance for every member of the Exile family in DRC.
- Pray for the safety of unaccounted youth: Ask the Lord to help Exile's teams locate these boys and girls quickly.
- Pray for children and staff residing in M23-occupied territories: Ask the Lord to drive the rebels away from their communities — restoring their lives to peace and safety.
- Pray M23 rebels are stopped before surrounding and occupying Goma: Ask the Lord to fortify the city, protecting it from falling under rebel siege.
- Pray against food shortages and inflation in Goma: Ask the Lord to drive back rebel soldiers who've closed down major roads.
- Pray for Christ's Kingdom to come: Ultimately, we pray that more people — rebels and civilians alike — would come to know Jesus as their Savior through this time of uncertainty. May the Lord's Spirit fall over the nation and capture the hearts of His children.