Our Christmas celebrations in Kinshasa this year were tainted with various difficulties and grief, as Florence lost her older brother, Aristote lost an uncle and an aunt (who was helping his ministry) in the space of 3 days during Christmas week, and Jacques came down with malaria 2 days before Christmas. He still held the celebration for the children as planned, but was very ill afterwards. Fabrice had to change his plans because of civil unrest in the area where he operates and last but not least heavy rains and floods forced Cedric to delay the celebration. They each had to refigure their original plans but still made sure the children they were responsible for had a joyous and meaningful celebration. Some had to relocate, others to delegate and one had to postpone the date of the event, but everything worked out in the end.

Fabrice: Because of civil unrest in the area (Plateau de Bateke), we had to change plans and simply had a celebration with a hot meal for 172 people, including 158 children and 14 adults, instead of the excursion originally planned. They were all so happy, in spite of the difficult times they suffered because of the Mobondo phenomenom[1] which cost the lives of many in their families. Recently, we had been forced to stop our weekly STEPS classes for safety reasons, because of the terror that kept happening in this area (Plateau de Bateke). Nevertheless we were determined to celebrate Christmas with them to give them the joy that Jesus gives.

We had a difficult time to make our way to the place we had secured for the celebration because of the lack of proper roads, but Jesus was with us and He helped us all to arrive safely.

Life is very difficult for the people who live in this area, and they don’t even have a school for their children. God willing, we are determined to resume our Character Building and Foundation of Faith classes with the children in 2026, as the need is so great.

On Christmas Day, we had a happy celebration of Jesus’ birth, we shared the Word with the children, a little group of them performed for everyone, and the mothers prepared a nice meal thanks to the donation we received.

We ended up not spending all the funds we had received, since we were not able to do the excursion, so we will be using the balance to send some of the children to school. Thank you so much for making it possible for these dear children to have a happy Christmas and to know how much Jesus loves them and is with them through the difficult time they are facing

From Théo, SABEC: In Kikimi, 230 children were so happy to celebrate Christmas along with 25 adults (teachers and school staff) and 3 parents. Florence prepared a nice hot meal of chicken, beans and rice to the delight of all, thanks to the donations received.

December 25 is the day when all Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Kikimi, our children were so happy to celebrate and to review what Christmas is all about.

1. Noël (Christmas) come from the latin word NATALIS which means « birth », and was chosen to designate the birth of Christ.
2. Our children understood that Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but it is a time to reflect on love, on unity and on our relationship with others. It is also a time to remember what God has done for us, how He came to us in the form of a tiny baby, to be one of us and to tell us of His Father’s love, of His Kingdom and to eventually give His life for us so we could become children of God.
3. All the children understood the true spiritual meaning of Christmas and they were filled with joy. After receiving the spiritual food, they partook of a delicious meal cooked by Florence, thanks to the donation we received from Espoir Congo, which we thank with all our hearts.

Aristote: Being the older son of his family, he had to help organize the funerals of two family members who passed away a few days before Christmas. He was therefore unable to conduct the Christmas celebrations as planned, as African traditions require a strict period of mourning. He therefore delegated to his youth group to hold a Christmas party in a small orphanage which was very thankful for and the donated sacks of food they donated and the hot meal they had prepared.

Jacques: Our Christmas celebration took place in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. The children fully enjoyed themselves, showing great excitement and participation. The various activities (singing, dancing, games, poetry recitation, helped create an interactive and enriching dynamic while remaining faithful to the spirit of Christmas. The children demonstrated great enthusiasm and strong involvement, taking pleasure in discovering new ways to celebrate.

At the end of the day, the children joyfully expressed their gratitude through testimonies, highlighting the positive impact of this activity in their daily lives.

• Rosa KIYEMBI (Child): This was one of my favorite Christmases. I had a lot of fun, and through the STEPS program, we celebrated Christmas in a different way. There was so much love and joy. Thank you to Espoir Congo, and especially to our mentor Jacques, for this wonderful moment.
• Moise TONDO (Child): Christmas is an extraordinary time for us. It allows us to reflect on Jesus, His childhood, and His life. Through the teachings, we learned to be open toward others, because Jesus was a child like us. He always shared with His friends and showed His love to those around Him.
• Gracia LUVILA (Child): It is always wonderful to spend time together and share love. Christmas is beautiful when we are together. Thank you, Jesus.
• Papa Paulin (Father): It is always a great joy for me to take part in this activity. It deeply reassures me to see that the children receive teachings centered on Jesus and on the love of God. Seeing them sing and dance for His glory was especially moving. Sharing the meal is also a valuable initiative: it teaches children the spirit of living together.

This Christmas day spent with our Sunday School children was a true moment of sharing, joy, and fellowship. Together, we celebrated the spirit of Christmas through activities that strengthened the values of love, solidarity, and kindness. This day helped remind the children of the true meaning of Christmas, while also offering them precious memories in a warm and festive setting. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who gave their support in favor of these children and this ministry and for their commitment and contribution to the joy of these children.

Finally, we express our deep gratitude to the C.B.CO Church for making its facilities available, allowing our meetings and gatherings to take place.

Cedric: Will be distributing food in an orphanage and hold an inspiring celebration with the orphaned children as soon as the rains have subsided.

New Year Celebration for young people:

As is customary, we began this new year 2026 with the traditional Candlelight celebration, an activity we organize at the beginning of every year to give thanks to God for the blessings and favors received during the past year, and also as an opportunity to submit to Him our wishes and prayers for the new year. It was also a time to wish one another good intentions and blessings for the new year 2026, as well as to strengthen our unity.

It was on Sunday, January 11, 2026, that we gathered to celebrate Christmas and the transition into the new year at the BANA MAYELE Shelter Center, a center that welcomes and cares for vulnerable children, and also provides a setting for retreats and other events.

The celebration lasted approximately two hours and included the following program: welcoming of participants, songs of praise and worship, Christmas carols, presentation of two slide shows—one on the theme “Christmas Is in the Heart” and the other on “Letting Go of the Past”; an exhortation on the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us”, testimonies, and the Candlelight service.

▪ Exhortation

Our exhortation was based on the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us,”  on which we meditated. The author calls on each of us to do everything possible to proclaim that “God is with us” to all those who need Him. The relevance of this theme gave rise to several contributions from the participants. May this Christmas fill you with blessings, today and always, as we celebrate His presence by proclaiming the good news of the Gospel to others.

▪ Candlelight

In this festive and prayerful atmosphere, we offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for all that He accomplished on our behalf during the year 2025, and we also entrusted to Him our prayer requests at the dawn of this new year 2026, relying on the unfailing promises of His Word recorded in the Bible.

“I give thanks to God for everything He has done for me during the past year. The situations and trials I went through helped me understand the true meaning of Psalms 34:20 and Romans 8:28: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

I thank the Lord for healing all my inner wounds and for giving me peace that surpasses all understanding after losing what I never imagined I would lose so quickly.

And for this new year 2026, I pray that the Lord will help me discover His will for the rest of my days and give me the strength to accept it and hold fast to it.

I claim the verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”” — Olivier

“I give great thanks for the realities the Lord allowed me to go through during the year 2025: accidents from which I escaped, flooding at the church, and also the loss of dear people within the ministry and even within my family.

For this new year, I ask God to take the wheel to guide all my projects—within my ministry at the church, in teaching the STEPS program to children. We have started a construction company that is already underway, and I ask God to take the wheel to lead this company. I am turning 30 this year, which is the age of responsibility. I ask God to give me even more responsibilities.

I claim the verse Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”” — Aristote

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I come to give glory to our Lord Jesus Christ for His wonders in my life over the past year.

First, the Lord granted me the grace to obtain my Master’s degree (Bac+5) in Congolese economic and social law—a dream come true. It was a major step in my life after a long journey of struggles and uncertainty, but the Lord provided for everything; I lacked nothing, and I am infinitely grateful to Him.

Second, the Lord healed me of a tumor I had on my head since 2023. My brother had already removed it once but it grew back. Last August, I asked the Lord to heal me. He led me into a time of prayer and praise for twenty days, one hour each day. After that period, I noticed that the tumor had dried up, and I removed it easily. The Lord is faithful and powerful!

Finally, the Lord granted me the gift of prophecy, a gift that has edified many and continues to bless those who listen.

May the name of the Lord be blessed forever!” — Daniel Landu

▪ Refreshments

Continuing in this festive atmosphere, we shared a warm family meal, talking about the highlights of the year, dreams, and memories, thus strengthening family and friendly bonds.

To conclude our celebration, we visited the orphans at the Bana Mayele center, with whom we shared our joy and enthusiasm.

We express our gratitude to all those  who made the organization of this celebration possible, and we thank them for their unwavering support.

We are deeply moved and grateful to Madlen, who offered us this wonderful setting. We pray that you may be blessed by the Most High for the act of generosity you demonstrated.

[1] https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/12/16/dr-congo-militia-massacres-civilians-near-kinshasa