Do you believe in the power of God to liberate people from bondage…from impoverished lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically? The teachers and workers at Empowering Lives International (ELI) absolutely do. And they witness marginalized and oppressed people look to the Lord and discover his power to help, heal, and give them an anchor of hope!

Civil war has raged across the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the last fifty years leaving it war-torn, undeveloped, impoverished, and in desperate need of God’s healing touch. Located in the heart of the Congo is the home of the ELI School in a city of three million people called Bukavu. Diseases like ebola, cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis, and pneumonia run rampant; and, most are left untreated.

In the center of the city, in the valley between two hills are the slums of Bukavu where the students live and attend the ELI school. The school has 700 students, one-third who are orphans and another 250 who cannot afford to pay any form of tuition. The school has been called “the jewel that fell from heaven” by the local population as God has touched so many hearts to share his grace, love, warmth, and generosity.

Started in early 2000 with first grade, they have added a grade each year so that now they have had 75 graduates so far! Taught by one hundred percent Congolese teachers who are Christians, the school has a one hundred percent graduation rate and is ranked in the top five percent of all the schools in the Congo. Many of the graduates have come back to help tutor the students after school and clean the classrooms. Graduates have gone on to become teachers, bookkeepers, secretaries, and business owners. The teachers have rightfully gained a reputation for being phenomenal and for building a culture of honor.

Each class has 40-50 students who often have to share desks. Given the impoverishment, the students are given a meal at school as that may be the only meal they receive that day. They wake up at 4:30am to work and do their chores to be able to start school at 7:30am and then finish classes at 2:30pm. Their day is not done as they then go to work with their families in the fields or stay late after school for tutoring, Bible studies, and school clubs.

It cost $200 per student per year to be able to attend school and most cannot afford the tuition. On a successful day, a mother might make $1 per day and a father might make $3 per day. With a family of seven to 10 children, they are unable to afford to have enough food or clothing or a nice place to live. 

Ninety percent of the school budget is subsidized by generous supporters like you, though the school has raised $135,000 locally for school building construction. The school has a goal of growing to 1200 students as everyday they have a waiting line for those wanting to enroll. They could have 2500 students right now if they had the classrooms, staffing, and resources. Currently, it costs over $100,000 per year for the school to be solvent. Their goals are to work more deeply in the community and helping the families with jobs and financial stability and stopping the satanic activity in the lives of the people and the community.

You, too, can be involved, and one hundred percent of any donations go directly to the ELI school in Africa as the overhead costs are covered by other supporters. Inspired by the Spirit, in what ways will you be moved to help?

• You can make donations on behalf of your student.
• Drop by or call the office for ways to give.
• Join our Tupperware fundraiser here.