Stories

Stepping back in time on Thursdays to remember and learn from old memories.  Here’s a blog from our founder – originally posted on October 18, 2009. – – – I have come to realize my favorite thing about cooler weather. There are many. The slight bite in the air that causes you to hug yourself…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

  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…

— “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…

When the LRA entered and attacked her village, they forced Judith, a 7-year-old child, to witness the killing of her mother. Orphaned and abducted by the LRA, she would spend nearly 2 years in captivity and be forced to do the unspeakable. A Heart-Wrenching Start Judith was just 7 years old when the LRA (rebel army) entered and attacked…

Delphin is in one of the most beautifully spirited men you will ever met. He joined our program as a young counselor, volunteering his services to counsel war-affected children and former child soldiers in Goma, DRC. His infectious joy and deep compassion coupled with diligent work ethic made him indispensable. In 2012, he was further…