Orphan Care in a War Zone
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Sister Alvera, a Catholic nun in Goma, DRC, has created a safe space in the midst of a war zone for children left on doorposts, trash heaps, and gutters. Despite living in one of the poorest countries in the world, surrounded by war and calamity, Sister Alvera is determined to bring the joy of her Savior to the lives of the forgotten.
Believing strongly in the idea that every individual has value in God’s Kingdom, she has rallied the widows in the community, a population typically marginalized and forgotten, to continue to have a role by loving on these children. Daily, the widows come to Flame of Love to hold babies, feed children, read books, or give baths, showering the children with dignity and love they would not receive otherwise. In turn, these children give love, value and belonging to widows long forgotten by the world around them.
Into this beautiful place, God has allowed partners to take feeble housing which was once precariously perched on top of lava rock, and build a safe refuge with bathrooms, boys and girls sleeping quarters, and a kitchen.
Additionally, Sister Alvera used $5,000 in 2017 to purchase a piece of land to teach the children valuable farming skills and ensure they can feed themselves every day. This farm sustains Sister Alvera, the children, and their widow volunteers every day.
Into this very dark and broken corner of the world, the Flame of Love orphanage and Sister Alvera's dedication to love and joy shines brightly.
Goma, DRC
2014-Present
100-150 orphans
Flame of Love Orphanage