Emmanuel, now sixteen years old, bears a scar from a cut on his arm sustained during an initiation ritual—a constant reminder of his origins. However, these days, it is his warm smile that immediately catches the eye as he shares his story: a story of a life transformed and rediscovered in Christ through the *Good Samaritan for Children* project run by the Congo Bible Society.

From Vulnerability to Despair

Emmanuel was only nine years old when he had to leave home to live in a children’s home in the Republic of the Congo. His mother was seriously ill at the time and found it difficult to look after him. Emmanuel had no other choice. Vulnerable, lonely and adrift, Emmanuel quickly fell into a bad crowd.

A street gang drew him into the dark world of black magic. He was taught spells and incantations, forced to hold a venomous snake during a mystical initiation ritual, and his skin was slashed with a razor blade as a permanent mark of his membership in the group.

From that moment on, Emmanuel’s life spiralled out of control. He began pickpocketing people on the streets. He was frequently involved in gang fights and committed acts of physical violence against his girlfriends. He often came home late at night whilst drunk.

He was heading down the path of a life of crime. However, just when the future seemed hopeless, everything changed.

A New Perspective

At that time, a programme called *Good Samaritan for Children* was introduced at his children’s home by the Congo Bible Society. Through interactive lessons based on the well-known biblical parable of the same name, this project aimed to educate young people about respect, kindness and community life.

At first, when the facilitators opened the Bible and invited the children at the children’s home to act out various scenes, Emmanuel simply sat quietly at the back of the room. However, after several sessions and as time went on, Emmanuel’s outlook began to change. He eventually joined the group, marking a turning point in his life.

A New Beginning

Emmanuel admits that it was this project that showed him a different way of living. “I spoke to a pastor about all the bad things I’d done. I started praying, reading the Bible… and step by step, my life changed.”

Now, Emmanuel’s life has changed. He has turned his back on violence. Without being asked, Emmanuel happily helps look after the orphanage grounds, coaches football for the younger children, and devotes his energy to his studies. Emmanuel hopes to become an accountant one day. “I’d like to say to young people who have been through difficult situations like mine: stay away from the wrong path. I’ve made mistakes; I’ve stolen and hurt others. But now, my faith in Christ has taught me to love my neighbour,” he said with a broad smile.

Corinne Mampouya, who coordinated the *Good Samaritan for Children* (Good Samaritan for Children) from 2012 to 2019, recalls the significant change in Emmanuel:

“As Emmanuel’s mentor, I witnessed the profound transformation he underwent over the course of several months. A boy who was once steeped in violence, rebellion and bad company has been transformed into a respectful, helpful and committed young man, thanks to his encounter with Jesus Christ. Now, his life stands as a living testimony that God’s love is capable of restoring and bringing new hope to those who place their trust in Him."

Reaching More

Although the official cycle of this project has ended—with the final funding received in 2018—its impact continues to be felt to this day. The programme, originally funded by the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), continues to operate locally using the remaining materials and resources. The Congo Bible Society hopes to secure new funding so that the project can be relaunched and reach even more young people.