When Masereka Paul Karimu’s parents learned he had left Islam to follow Jesus, they chased him out of their house in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Suddenly alone, Karimu did what he could to earn an income but struggled to provide for himself.

“I had no one to support me,” Karimu said. “I had to leave school and survive by doing (temporary) work in customs just to get something to eat. Life was hard because the work was not stable, and it paid very little.”

International Christian Concern (ICC) staffers learned of Karimu’s needs and found a creative way to help him gain independence. ICC provided him with everything he needed to start his own business and begin a new life.

“When ICC came to help me, my life took another direction because I got support that I never expected,” Karimu said. “They gave me business items to start working, domestic items to live decently, and even paid my shop rent. This support gave me hope again after I had lost everything due to persecution. I am very happy because someone cared for me when I had nowhere to turn.”

Karimu said his life has changed dramatically since his shop opened earlier this year.

“Running my own business brought back confidence and peace into my life after all the suffering I went through,” he added. “I no longer depend on (temporary) labor or wait for people to help me because I can now support myself. Every day that I open my shop, I feel stronger and hopeful about my future. Truly, my life has changed.”

He said ICC’s help has also given him a strong foundation to build on. He said running his business has given him skills and experience that will lead to more opportunities.

“My future looks brighter because of this support,” he said. “I pray that in the next five years I will expand into a bigger shop and probably employ other young people and continue strengthening my faith and life.”

Karimu asked readers to pray for him and the success of his new business, among other things.

“My prayer request is for safety and protection since my life was threatened once,” he said. “I also pray that my business will continue to grow and that God will give me strength every day. I ask for prayer for education opportunities in the future, if God opens the door. And pray for me to have peace with my family one day.”

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