Blog Posts
11 Former Child Soldiers Find a Home
11 former child soldiers recently rescued from rebel groups join The Peace Lives Restoration Center in Goma, DR Congo. Talk about a reason to dance! No longer shall they be known as “child soldiers.” At the Peace Lives Center, each child is empowered to reach their God-given potential. For this reason, all youths at Peace…
Read MoreA personal letter and invitation from the founder
Dear Friends, My fingers are typing this in Nashville, but my heart is with our children & team in DR Congo where bullets and mortars have, again, begun to fly (BBC). My heart is there, and it is hurting. Hurting for the boys recently rescued from the bush who need physical and emotional rehabilitation from the…
Read MoreI am not dirty anymore
Stepping back on Thursdays to remember and learn from old memories. Here’s a blog from our founder – originally posted on June 12, 2011 – http://theheartofexile.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-am-not-dirty-anymore.html – – – I am not dirty anymore. Not like I have been. Especially the last few weeks. There is no longer dirt under my nails that I can’t keep…
Read MoreI Gave Up My Gun for a Guitar
Nathan was one of the first child survivors sponsored through Exile Int’l. Abducted by rebel forces at 14 after his family was killed, Nathan spent several years witnessing and being forced to participate in terrible acts of violence. Thanks to God’s grace, we’ve watched Nathan heal and grow into a confident leader and positive role model while participating in the programs at the Peace Lives…
Read MoreBeautiful Scars
On Thursdays, we’ll be stepping back to remember and learn from old memories. Here’s a blog from our founder – originally posted on May 7, 2012 – http://theheartofexile.blogspot.com/2012/05/beautiful-scars.html – – – What does a breaking heart sound like? And what does it actually feel like for a tear to be shed? And if Jesus is closest…
Read MoreMeet Dillish | Northern Uganda
Dillish witnessed horrendous acts the day the rebels raided her home. As a young girl, she was forced to watch as her mother, father, and infant brother be murdered by the LRA Rebels. Then, as her home was being engulfed by flames, she was tied up and taken into captivity to be used as a slave. – After…
Read MoreImpact: Update from DRC Program Leader
There is nothing better than getting these updates from our project leaders in Africa! The most recent update from DRC was so touching, we wanted to share part of it with you. Because of your support, this and more is happening: Dreams are coming true. Former child soldiers and children orphaned by war are sponsored…
Read MoreThe Poza Project: Painting Peace with Former Child Soldiers
Through art, elements of their stories too difficult to share with words have been released… a major step in their healing. “We are seeing them come to life. We are watching them be renewed.” – Jeremy Cowart Partnering with Jeremy Cowart to create collaborative art pieces with LRA child survivors that will be sold to fund/support art and rehabilitative…
Read MoreSongs of Healing
During Richard’s abduction, his father and grandfather were murdered by the LRA. His younger siblings were left and his mother given instructions by the rebels to “raise them well… one day we’ll return to take them too.” Richard was trained in the bush to be a “doctor” for other LRA members and child soldiers…
Read MoreLove Gets Sweaty
— “I used to think knowing God was like going on a business trip with Him, but now I know He’s inviting me on an adventure instead.” – Bob Goff, LOVE DOES Occasionally, stars align and fun opportunities arise to partner with and run alongside organizations we believe in. This is one of those times. Our…
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