My name is Patrick Fwamba and I am Theresa Kashale’s fourth son. I currently live in Birmingham, Alabama where I am a truck driver. So I am just an everyday, normal guy who has been given an incredible opportunity.
When my mom asked my little brother, Christophe, and I to come with her on her latest trip to the Congo, she told us that our main objective was to lend a helping hand as well to see family and where we came from, our heritage. But, when I arrived, my objective changed.
Seeing how people live every day and the extreme poverty they face, it was humbling for me. This could have been me. If it wasn’t for what my mom and dad did—just one decision— and we could have been out here like everyone else. God had an idea for my mother, and I have been able to witness the courage it took for her to say yes to that idea.
I am now left wondering how I can do more to ensure that other children can be given a chance just like my family and I were given a chance. I have one daughter, Brooklyn, who is twelve years old. What I want for her, and what we all want for all of our children, is to have an opportunity to grow and be successful. How do I make sure I can provide that for others?
No longer can I just witness what’s going on, just pray for the kids. How can we do more as a family to take care of those who are less fortunate? This was God’s idea—for those who are able to lend a helping hand. We can do that in many ways: With our time, with our service, with our investments.
There’s a passage in the Bible that says the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. My mom was the first one to have the courage to say yes, but she didn’t do this by herself. It took the partnership and everyone—our friends, our family—to believe in the same vision. All of us working together is how Theresa’s House came about. And we need to continue coming together and being the workers in this field so that we can provide a future for these children.
I have been able to see these young ladies and young men grow up and become productive citizens, to have a chance at a future. Through this impact on their lives, they are now able to lead and help others. That is how these cycles are broken.
I am so grateful for this opportunity and to be a part of this mission. This experience has changed how me and my family will answer God’s call in the future, and I hope it will do the same for you.
