Meet Julio

Thirteen years old, Julio is not really what you would call a street child since he has a home he can go to every night. But like many children roaming in the streets of Kinshasa, Julio is forced to work to survive. He worked in a barber shop for a little over $ 2.00 (2000 Congolese Francs) a month. For three months he worked without spending a Franc so he could start his own business. He had to walk for more than one hour every morning to get to work; he would have spent his entire monthly wage to use public transportation in one day. With his savings, Julio bought a few items he sells on busy streets, open air restaurants, and other places people tend to gather.

This is without saying that he cannot go to school. His parents have actually stopped to support any of his needs since he makes money. They are struggling to survive themselves, and Julio does not have any resentment toward his parents, nor anyone else. He has a smile that would definitely win your hearts, Julio lives a life of contentment. When I asked him, he said simply, “I am unable to get upset at anyone, that’s just me.”

Please help me make a difference in the life of Julio and other kids like him before he becomes corrupted. I asked Julio how I can get in touch with him, I said, I want to help you…he said “pastor, you will find me on these streets. When you are ready to help, I will just be where I am everyday, in the streets.” Help me take Julio and children like him off of the streets.