Stories
20 Recently Rescued Child Soldiers Baptized!
These 17 boys and girls were rescued by the UN in DR Congo. After their rescue, they were later brought to an EI care center to receive the care they desperately need — so they may be restored and empowered. A tradition at EI is for “senior” program beneficiaries (Young Peacemakers) to wash the feet of each newcomer…
Read MoreThe Privilege of Seeing Graduates Lead
They were rescued child soldiers. They are now leaders for peace! One of the greatest privileges of my year was visiting 3 graduates of EI’s program in DR Congo. Each of these young men exemplify what EI is striving to accomplish. Out of their own initiative and passion to serve others in need, Bahati, Shalom…
Read MoreMeet Joshua
Restored and Empowered Less than two years ago, Joshua was rescued from a rebel army in DR Congo. Plagued by illness and nightmares from his time in captivity, the road to healing included major hurdles. Yet, with proper care, even these traumatic experiences and scars can be overcome. Trauma and Scars Can Be Overcome Through EI’s programs and…
Read MoreMeet Nighty
Taken for 3 years As she was returning home from school, 7-year-old Nighty heard rumors that rebels were attacking near her village. She ran to hide with her aunt but they were soon separated. The rebels found her in the bush, alone. The LRA forced Nighty to walk until her feet were bloodied and raw to…
Read MoreMeet Martin
A CHILDHOOD TAKEN A Childhood Taken: Martin walked us to the very place where he had hid, fearing the rebels and fearing for his life. There, high in a tree, he hid and watched as the LRA rebels attacked his village. He had been just 12 years old. Sadly, at 12 years old, Martin was…
Read MoreMeet Alice – Graduate Leader
War has taken much from Alice… family members, freedoms and childhood. Yet to look Alice in the eyes today is to see not a victim, but a survivor. A strong, beautiful survivor. At 14 years old, her village was attacked and burned to the ground. She and many boys and girls were taken from their home and…
Read MoreOne at a time. That’s how you change the world.
Sometimes something touches your heart so deeply that “doing nothing” isn’t an option anymore. It becomes more about finding a way to make a change than it is about finding excuses. Not because the fear goes away, but because the hunger to do Something is deeper than being afraid. That’s how Exile International was born. It was…
Read MoreMeet Arthur
from survivor to leader At 15, Arthur’s home, family and village were violently attacked by a rebel army. That day he was taken from his home and forced to become a child soldier… forced to see and engage in acts of destruction… forced to witness countless acts of murder and rape. After 3 years, he…
Read MoreMeet Angela – Survivor, Artisan, Leader
reclaiming her independence Thanks to opportunities to make and sell her jewelry, Angela is reclaiming the independence that was once stolen by the LRA. Today, she is able to care for her children and save money to buy her own land. Angela also leads local development projects serving young mothers and children who were formerly…
Read MoreLetter from a Former Child Soldier in DRC
Congolese, former child soldiers (from Exile’s program in Goma, DR Congo) wrote letters to their peers in northern Uganda – child survivors of the LRA. The following transcribes one teen’s powerful message of encouragement, hope and blessing. – – – – – Dear brothers and sisters in Uganda, We great you in Jesus name, Shalom.…
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