Part One: Our Journey Into the Forgotten Congo of Africa
Many people have heard of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mainly due to its decades of conflict and the global attention that has followed. But few know much, if anything, about its quieter neighbor to the west: the Republic of Congo. Though they share a border, a river, and even a name, these two nations were split by European colonization in the late 19th century, one claimed by the French (now the Republic of Congo), the other by the Belgians (now the DRC) [source: Britannica].
While the DRC is often in the headlines, the Republic of the Congo tends to stay in the background, less combative, more reserved, and rarely discussed. When we visited a few years ago, we affectionately referred to it as The Forgotten Congoโnot because it’s forgotten by its people, but because it’s overlooked by the world.
The Conversation That Changed Everything
My husband and I have always sought ways to serve those in need and those who are overlooked, whether itโs supporting missions through our local church, caring for widows, or feeding the homeless in our community. But Brazaville came into our lives unexpectedly, through an old friend and a casual catch-up conversation in our New Jersey dining room.
One day, a long-time friend of my husband’s, Danen, stopped by for a visit after years apart. As they were catching up, my husband asked the usual question:
“So, what have you been up to all these years?”
To which Danen casually replied,
“Well… Iโve been living in Central Africa with my girlfriend.”
Hard pause.
“Waitโwhat? Thatโs amazing!” my husband responded, eyes lighting up. Heโs the kind of man who dreams of dirt floors or living deep in a dense forest, far away from all the excess of America.
Danen went on to explain that one day, while walking through a market with his girlfriend, Maria, they came across a simple sign that read:
“Orphans this way.”
They followed it. And at the end of the path was a humble home filled with children, a man caring for all of them with almost no outside help. There was no government support, no proper kitchen, no mosquito nets, and barely any beds. The children, Danen recalled, looked worn down, and none of them seemed happy. Babies were being dropped off without warning, and this one man (whose wife worked as a teacher but didn’t earn enough to support all of them) had to find ways to clothe them, feed them, and provide diapers and milk.
Maria, it turns out, works for the World Health Organization (WHO) and is originally from Spain. She has the kind of heart that doesn’t just break for the broken, it moves toward them. Her calling was evident even at a young age, when she brought home a pregnant woman in need. When her parents told her the woman couldn’t stay, Maria didnโt hesitateโshe left with her. Thatโs just who she is: compassionate, brave, gospel-driven. Sheโs the kind of person who genuinely wants to bring both relief and the love of Jesus to the forgotten corners of the world.
Danen had no idea how much his story would stir something deep within us. By the end of the night, it was clearโthis wasnโt just a conversation. It was a divine appointment.
Not long after, Danen introduced us to Maria over email. That began a simple but powerful partnership. She would share the needs she saw, which were urgent, practical, and heart-wrenching, and we would send financial support through PayPal. In return, sheโd send photos and videos showing exactly how the needs were met. It was honest, raw, and real, and we were so grateful to be a part of this story.
A few months later, Maria came to the States, and we were finally able to meet her in New York. It was during that visit that we knew we had to do more for the orphans in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Years in the Making
Over the next several months, Maria would send us updates, and the transformation was incredible. The children who once looked hopeless and withdrawn were now smiling, laughing, and thriving. With just a few hundred dollars a month, we were able to help provide new beds, consistent meals, school fees, and simple joys, such as soccer balls and shoes. It was humbling to see how far a little could go when it was stewarded well.
The kids began learning English, attending school again, and most importantly, experiencing joy. They went from having nothing to do and going to bed hungry, to learning, playing, and growing in both confidence and community.
Years passed. Maria and Danen got married, adopted three of the orphans, and started a family of their own. Eventually, the World Health Organization reassigned Maria to Switzerland, and their season in Brazzaville was coming to a close.
As God would have it, their transition aligned with one in our own lives; we were in the process of moving out of a rental and had a brief window before settling into our new home. It was the perfect opportunity for us to visit the Congo!
God moved quickly. A team came together. Flights were booked. And after years of praying, supporting, and building relationships from afar, we were finally going to Brazzaville. I couldn’t have been more excited!
The Team
We had two main goals for our trip to Brazzaville:
- Find someone to carry on Mariaโs work with the orphans so we could continue sending support.
- Capture the heart of the missionโthrough stories, footage, and firsthand experienceโto bring back home and raise support.
God, in His perfect timing, assembled the team in a way only He could.
First, my brother-in-law, who just so happens to be a wizard with a camera, joined us to film the journey. He captured interviews, raw footage, and the real needs on the ground with such skill and sensitivity. Every shot was intentional, and every moment documented felt like a sacred glimpse into what God was doing.
Then there was Myca, a long-time friend who felt the Lord prompting her to come. As it turned out, she spoke Frenchโan absolute game changer, especially when we had to navigate conversations with airport officials and local authorities.
Our pastor, Tucker, came with us as well. His wife joined the group later, adding warmth and encouragement. And then, just before leaving, we met Pastor Jean, a Congolese pastor living in the U.S. who had deep ties to Brazzaville. Could God have made the timing any more perfect? We knew right away he was meant to be part of this mission.
There was no itinerary. No overplanning. Just prayer, obedience, and the expectation that God would lead the way. And what followed was one of the most Spirit-led mission trips weโve ever experienced.
Landing in Congo
The excitement kicked in the moment we touched down in Brazzavilleโbut not in the way we expected.
Within minutes, things took a turn. Airport officials began trying to extort us for money. Then, our pastor was taken into custodyโfor taking photos. Tensions rose quickly. What started as eager anticipation turned into a chaotic mess of confusion, intimidation, and anxiety.
We had no idea what to do. My husband was just about to hand over money to secure our release when, by Godโs grace, the U.S. Embassy arrived. After a few stressful hours of waiting, everything was resolved. No bribes were paid, no items lost, and we walked out of that airport with all our belongingsโand a deeper gratitude for diplomatic backup!
Once we were finally outside, things began to shift. Maria, who knows the area well, had booked an apartment for our stay. It was safe, clean, and gave us the peace we desperately needed after the chaotic start. She also arranged for a local driver named Hubert to help us get around.
At the time, we had no idea what a gift Hubert would become. He wasnโt just a driver. He was part of the story God was writing.
A Table, a Meal, and a Mission
With no real itinerary, just faith, a few goals, and a lot of curiosity, we set out for dinner our first evening in Brazzaville. Hubert, our driver, and Pastor Jean, our unexpected translator, took us to a local restaurant just minutes from our apartment.
We sat around a table, sharing a meal and laughter, still unsure of what exactly we were doing there. Yes, we had come to find someone to take over Mariaโs work. Yes, we wanted to document and share the story. But in many ways, we were walking by faith, trusting God would reveal the purpose as we went.
As we were finishing up our meal, a few young boys approached the table, their eyes wide and filled with silent desperation. They werenโt asking for money, they were asking for food.
We looked down at our plates, mostly scraps at that point, but handed them over without hesitation. The boys began scarfing it down like they hadnโt eaten in days.
My husband began to sob, right there in the restaurant. The reality of their hunger hit him so hard he couldnโt hold back the tears. It was one of those moments that sears itself into your soul. And what those boys didnโt know was that the next two weeks were going to be all about them.
After they finished eating, they motioned for us to follow. They led us to a spot in the nearby parkโthe place they slept. By now, more boys had joined them; a whole group had arrived!
We told them to meet us there again the next day, and they did.
This Was Just the Beginning
We came to Congo with a few simple goals, but God had something much bigger in mind. What started as a conversation with an old friend turned into a calling. And what began as a faith-filled trip with no itinerary quickly became a Spirit-led mission focused on the lives of hungry, forgotten boys sleeping in a city park.
This was just the beginning.
In Part Two, Iโll share how those boys became the heartbeat of our time in Brazzavilleโhow God moved in ways we never expected, and how seeds of long-term impact were planted right there on the dusty streets of The Forgotten Congo.
