The Central African Republic is one of the world's least developed countries. Armed militias, bandits, high crime rates and years of political instability only add to its problems.
 

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One American group is trying to change the country's destiny by focusing on young people.

Misery in the Heart of Africa

Recently CBN News traveled to the African nation to find out how the game of basketball is bringing hope to the country's people

"Life is extremely difficult here," said Theodore Kapou, bishop of the Apostolic Church.

This is a country that has truly suffered.

"When you are used to suffering, suffering becomes normal," said George Offong, a Nigerian missionary who runs Adonia Missions International in Bangui.

The Central African Republic is a landlocked nation surrounded by some of the most dangerous places on earth.

Political Chaos Springs Hope

Since gaining its independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured 11 mutinies, numerous rebellious movements both in the south and the north and today is one of the poorest countries on the African continent.

Two friends from two different backgrounds and living thousands of miles apart, are trying to change the country's outlook.

Kapou is a native of the Central African Republic. He runs the largest network of churches in the country.

"We can see the hopeless, but God is our hope and a nation that puts its trust in God will be blessed," Kapou added.

Rob Hoskins is an American. He runs OneHope, a ministry focused on sharing the gospel with young people around the world.

"It seems like in the most desperate situations that's when God sends the winds of His spirit," Hoskins said.

Source: CBN News | George Thomas