Stories of Hope: Elie
Elie tends his crops using farming skills learned through Giving Hope.
God’s Love Is Good
Elie became head of his household when he was 12 and his brother was 5. His parents left land for cultivation but he did not know how to utilize it, so he went to town to beg for food. Many times he ate from garbage as street children often do. Living on the streets and in bushes, he was unable to bathe had no new clothes for many years. Often he and his brother were separated.
After joining Giving Hope in 2008, Elie came to realize that there are other many orphans facing the same challenges he faced. He recently stated, “This project has brought a lot of change to my life,” as he shared his accomplishments:
- He and his brother take a bath every day after working in their fields
- He has six trousers
- He produces his own food from farming
- He keeps a cow from a neighbor to make manure for his land
- He produces enough cassava, sweet potatoes and vegetables for consuming and even more for selling.
Elie at his home.
- He is food secure because he eats 2 meals a day permanently.
- He has given a piece of land to his working group for free (without renting) for cassava plantation (25 acres).
The most powerful change is Elie’s story of faith. From June to December 2008, he neglected working group activities, but his group members, group leaders, mentor and social worker never stopped reaching out to him. In December he was arrested for stealing money which he used to buy alcohol and drugs. He was beaten and kept in a local prison.
Upon release, Elie decided to change. He accepted Christ and was baptized in January 2009 and now attends church faithfully. He rejoined his group, confessed and asked for forgiveness. His favorite song says:
“God’s Love is so good that he has taken me out of rubbish and sat me with important persons!”