Last year I told the story of our friend whose child was taken as a child soldier, shortly after we evacuated from Isiro in the 1990's. Akyande was the academic dean of the bible school that Pat directed, in Isiro. Right after we evacuated military troops came through Isiro and Akyande's 10 year old son was taken. Years later (around 2007) Akyande was visiting a town in the East when he heard "Papa, Papa"......there was his long lost son!! Though his son didn't return home with him at that time, he has since come back to the family. We asked our friend how it was, having a former child soldier in the home. The family is thrilled to have him back, but there are adjustments to the personality and coping skills that the son adopted as he "grew up" in the military. He's trying to finish up high school, but is obviously several years younger than those in his class, which has been hard on him. His dad describes him as "hard and argumentative."
We praise God for bringing the family back together again. Despite the difficulties, they are together, they're living as a family, the son is trying to get an education, and he is actively involved in church life.
Please pray for this family. When you read what child soldiers go through and how difficult it can be to deprogram and rehabilitate, one can understand how hard it must be for the boy and his family.
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