Edouard's Story
From Suffering to Strength, From Despair to Faith
Edouard was only 14 when his world changed. While working in the fields with his parents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he developed a painful wound on his leg—one that never seemed to heal. Like many in his village, he turned to traditional healers for help. But despite their efforts, the wound only grew worse.
For years, Edouard lived with chronic pain and uncertainty, unable to work and unsure if he would ever recover. By the time he reached IME Kimpese Hospital at 18, the disease had already taken its toll. Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial infection, had robbed him of his health, his independence, and his hope.
“I just wanted my leg amputated.”
After years of pain and failed treatments, Edouard felt trapped. Even after doctors at IME Kimpese Hospital provided wound care and skin grafts, his suffering didn’t end. The burden felt too heavy, the road to recovery too long.
At his lowest moment, Edouard made a desperate request—he asked the doctors to amputate his leg. He thought that maybe, just maybe, losing his leg would mean losing the pain too.
But God had another plan.
Instead of giving up on him, the hospital team gave him more than medical care—they gave him community, encouragement, and spiritual support. That’s when Edouard met Frédéric Malongi, a driver at the hospital and a faith leader trained through our Church Partnership Initiative.
Frédéric didn’t just check in on Edouard’s medical progress—he walked alongside him in his journey, offering friendship, encouragement, and the hope of Christ. He shared Scripture, spoke truth into his life, and reminded him that his story wasn’t over.
Months passed, and something inside Edouard shifted. Little by little, the despair lifted. The pain that once defined his life no longer had the final word. On Christmas Eve, he made a decision that would change everything:
Edouard accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized—with Dr. Phanzu, the doctor who treated him, with him.
“It’s peaceful in my life now. I have eternal life now. All my future is in God’s Hands”
Today, Edouard is not just surviving—he is thriving. Though his battle with Buruli ulcer left lasting scars, he has found purpose and peace.
He works as a shoe repairman, using his skills to support himself and his young son. He dreams of expanding his business, receiving more training, and providing for his family.
And most importantly? He is no longer defined by his disease.
“I have eternal life now,” he says with quiet confidence. “All my future is in God’s hands.”
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Edouard’s story is a testament to the power of healing, dignity, and faith. Through the Church Partnership Initiative, faith leaders like Frédéric are being trained to recognize NTDs, connect people to care, and offer emotional and spiritual support—ensuring that no one has to suffer alone.
But for every Edouard, there are still so many waiting for hope.
Will you help bring healing and restoration to more people suffering from NTDs?
Hope Starts With Healing
Right now, men, women, and children are suffering—isolated by disease, alone in their pain, and without hope. But together, we can change that.
From delivering critical medicines and supplies to equipping pastors with training and resources to care for their communities, we are reaching even the most marginalized people with the healing and hope they most desperately need. With your support today, Hope Rises!
