DR Congo: The Power of Compassion, The Story of Pastor Élysée

By Tatiana Ballay – Communications Officer

"True faith is measured by acts of compassion. Without it, we are merely believers without impact." — Pastor Élysée

A Call to Serve in Luwowoshi

Eight years ago, Pastor Élysée and his wife Gracia left their former lives to settle in Luwowoshi, in the Kipanta neighborhood south of the DRC. This neighborhood, home to 50,000 people, was vibrant with community solidarity but lacked basic infrastructure.

"When we arrived here, there wasn't even drinking water. Every day, I would walk for miles to fetch water for my family. It was exhausting and dangerous."

The residents of Kipanta mostly rely on agriculture, small trade, and crafts. While farmers head to their fields, others engage in small commerce along the dusty streets. Some, especially young people, travel to the city for various jobs. But infrastructure remains inadequate, with the nearest market located 2 kilometers away, forcing families to make long trips to purchase essential goods. Health centers close by 6 p.m. for fear of frequent thefts, leaving residents without medical care at night. The roads are in poor condition, making travel difficult and finding transportation becomes a real challenge. Life was tough for Élysée and his wife Gracia, but their faith remained unwavering. They knew they were not there by chance.

A Breath of Hope: The Arrival of World Vision

Things began to change with the start of World Vision’s activities in the community. This was not just a passing organisation, but a true partner in transformation.

"The day the first wells were installed, I saw tears of joy. Clean water was flowing, and with it, the hope for a better life", recalls pastor Elysée

These wells not only saved families from waterborne diseases, but they also freed up time for women, allowed children to return to school, and restored dignity to the community.

"That’s when I realized that development doesn't come through isolated miracles, but through concerted and sustainable actions. I saw children wandering, families struggling, young girls deprived of school. My heart bled. I could no longer remain a bystander."

For Pastor Élysée, it was not enough to preach the Gospel on Sundays. He needed to embody Christ's love every day.

In 2016, he founded the association "Union des Sacrificateurs de Dieu : Arche de Noé"  (Union of God’s Sacrificers: Noah’s Ark), to support vulnerable children, assist struggling families, and promote children’s rights. In 2023, through his organisation, Pastor Élysée participated in World Vision’s Channels of Hope (CoH) for Child Protection training, which focuses on mobilizing faith leaders to protect children by leveraging the deep values of each faith.

"This training changed my life. It taught me that protecting a child is an act of faith. You can’t proclaim the love of God and turn a blind eye to the suffering of the little ones."

The Impact of CoH

One afternoon, his wife, Gracia was returning from the water pump when she saw a boy wandering along the road, his eyes empty, his clothes torn.

"He was asking for food, but it wasn’t just hunger in his eyes. It was loneliness, abandonment,fear."

When she returned home, she told her husband about this encounter. They couldn’t remain indifferent.

"Before the CoH training, I might have prayed for him, hoping someone else would help. But after the training, I understood: I was that someone else."

They found the boy and learned his story: an orphan driven away by his stepmother after his uncle left, three months of survival on the street, sleeping in churches during the night vigils to avoid the dangers of the night.

"We welcomed him into our home, as one of our own. He was no longer a street child, but a loved, protected, and educated child. When he slept in a real bed for the first time, he whispered: 'I thought God had forgotten me. That night, I understood that faith is about making God’s love visible."

A Lasting Impact: Transforming a Community

Through his outreach efforts, Élysée encourages families to better understand the importance of education for every child, regardless of gender. 

He explains: "Before, girls were often neglected. Many didn’t go to school, and some were married too young. Today, we raise awareness among families and advocate for the education of every child, regardless of gender."

Since 2020, his association has educated 70 households on children's rights, creating a domino effect of protection.

"Each household we educate spreads awareness about children’s rights throughout the community. Out of the 14 members of our association, 5 have undergone CoH training. In 2023, we trained 23 families, which in turn educated other households. That’s how you build a protective community," concludes Élysée.