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Congo Sole: How a Once Barefoot Refugee Delivered Hope, Faith, and 20,000 Pairs of Shoes
A Congolese refugee turned Christian humanitarian shares his inspiring story of survival, faith, and finding your purpose.
Emmanuel Ntibonera's quiet life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was shattered when the Great War of Africa plunged his homeland into chaos. Only a boy, Emmanuel's childhood gave way to a daily fight for survival as a refugee. But when miracle-after-miracle pulled his family from the brink of death, Emmanuel devoted his life to God’s work, whatever that may be.
Fifteen years after escaping the Congo, Emmanuel decided to leave the safe borders of America and trace his footsteps back to the life he left behind. What he discovered in the Congo―disease, extreme poverty, deficient infrastructure, and, worst of all, a prevalent spirit of hopelessness―changed his life forever, setting him on an ambitious mission. As Emmanuel started collecting gently used footwear to bring hope to his people, his work united thousands across the country.
Emmanuel Ntibonera's quiet life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was shattered when the Great War of Africa plunged his homeland into chaos. Only a boy, Emmanuel's childhood gave way to a daily fight for survival as a refugee. But when miracle-after-miracle pulled his family from the brink of death, Emmanuel devoted his life to God’s work, whatever that may be.
Fifteen years after escaping the Congo, Emmanuel decided to leave the safe borders of America and trace his footsteps back to the life he left behind. What he discovered in the Congo―disease, extreme poverty, deficient infrastructure, and, worst of all, a prevalent spirit of hopelessness―changed his life forever, setting him on an ambitious mission. As Emmanuel started collecting gently used footwear to bring hope to his people, his work united thousands across the country.
- GenresNonfiction
196 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2020
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 23, 2020
This book was truly an incredible account of one family’s journey to flee to Republic of Congo during political unrest and how God eventually brought them back to their home county to care for those in need. I teared up multiple times and even dreamed that I was a refugee fleeing the Congo myself. You will be inspired by this book. (4.5/5)
April 28, 2024
Both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story
October 20, 2020
This is such a powerful story told in first person narrative as Emmanuel Ntibonera recalls his childhood in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and how his family had to flee their home and their country because of violence. I could hear Emmanuel’s voice transporting me back with him. I could see, hear, smell, taste, and feel every thing as he did, including the fear, joy, doubt, relief, and gratitude as his life as a refugee unfolded, eventually bringing him and his family to the USA. He shares how his faith and trust in God would sometime wear thin as his family struggled to survive but God always proved faithful. Finally, God gave him a vision and a mission to minister to the people in his motherland with something he needed as a child himself - shoes.
November 19, 2020
Congo Sole is the story of Emmanuel Ntibonera. It is the story of survival in the middle of unbelievable hardships. It is a story of faith on God. As a child, Emmanuel has lived a simple happy life. Congolese people live like a family. Music brought Vincent Ntibonera and Martha, Imani's parents close to each other and they got married in 1986. When Imani's dad was once going for work with his business partners, their vehicle was stopped and armed robbery happened. His dad had a near death experience but God saved his life.
In 1996, after various gunshots in the city, Imani and his family had to leave Bukavu. They spent a year in his Grandpa's village Kaziba. They returned to Bukavo then. Emmanuel family has been saved by God many times. It's all due to the faith his parents had in God and same faith they passed to their children as values. They were blessed that America changed their life and provide them peace and a stable shelter there. When Emmanuel returned from America to his home country, find out what he discovered.
Language of the book is simple. Cover page is nice. This book made me aware about the rich history and the struggles that people had to go through in the past. I couldn't even imagine how hard living a refugee life must be. It's an emotional read and a powerful story. I would like to see this story as a movie so it would reach to more people. Emmanuel's story made me realize how small things in our life plays an important role and we shouldn't take them for granted. We should always keep hope. It's a great story worth reading.
In 1996, after various gunshots in the city, Imani and his family had to leave Bukavu. They spent a year in his Grandpa's village Kaziba. They returned to Bukavo then. Emmanuel family has been saved by God many times. It's all due to the faith his parents had in God and same faith they passed to their children as values. They were blessed that America changed their life and provide them peace and a stable shelter there. When Emmanuel returned from America to his home country, find out what he discovered.
Language of the book is simple. Cover page is nice. This book made me aware about the rich history and the struggles that people had to go through in the past. I couldn't even imagine how hard living a refugee life must be. It's an emotional read and a powerful story. I would like to see this story as a movie so it would reach to more people. Emmanuel's story made me realize how small things in our life plays an important role and we shouldn't take them for granted. We should always keep hope. It's a great story worth reading.
July 8, 2021
The details of Emmanuel's early years and of his time as a refugee were interesting and impactful. But as soon as he got to the States, the story started dragging for me. Also, there were sentences that were repeated a few times in the book, certain similes got used more than once, and other editorial issues interfered with my enjoyment of the book.
But back to the positive, it's a book worth reading if only for the first 2/3. I appreciated how Ntibonera mixed his own feelings in with the facts of what was happening around him in a way that made for smooth reading, and helped the reader track along with the bigger story of the country as well as what was happening right then with him and his family.
But back to the positive, it's a book worth reading if only for the first 2/3. I appreciated how Ntibonera mixed his own feelings in with the facts of what was happening around him in a way that made for smooth reading, and helped the reader track along with the bigger story of the country as well as what was happening right then with him and his family.
September 2, 2020
Humbling, inspiring, and encouraging story of faith
"As the plane rattled and bounded up the tarmac, I watched my old life blaze by-war and hunger, fear and disappointment, sacrifice and heartache flickered and blurred out, like the sunlight over the Kenyan horizon out the window. My body grew lighter as I soared higher and higher. It was the greatest feeling of my life." Emmanuel Ntibonera felt this as he left the Congo behind to freedom in America when he saw the opportunity to serve God and gave life to the Ntibonera Foundation to bring hope to the forgotten people of the Congo.
A true story of, "Love the neighbor as thyself. " Congo Sole is a gripping, real life tale revealing God's promises, miracle after miracle. The story leaves you breathless while reading through the lives of the Ntiboneras as they experience hardships, war, escaping death, and starvation. The visual sagas placed me on their journey, escaping Congo to living as refugees in Kenya, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It was hard to turn the page for fear of what was next, yet I couldn't put the book down. Emmanuel portrays his and the family's experiences so vividly that my heart was beating as if I was watching a thriller in the movie theater, but this was real life for the Ntiboneras before they came to America and for many other Congolese. What they overcame is nothing I could ever imagine.The Ntiboneras faced setback after setback but one thing remained steadfast and that was their faith in the Almighty God.
This book is an awe-inspiring testament of God's faithfulness. Over and over you see God's blessings and the faith shown by the Ntiboneras in Him even when it seemed impossible. It's a must read, an inspiring and encouraging story.
"As the plane rattled and bounded up the tarmac, I watched my old life blaze by-war and hunger, fear and disappointment, sacrifice and heartache flickered and blurred out, like the sunlight over the Kenyan horizon out the window. My body grew lighter as I soared higher and higher. It was the greatest feeling of my life." Emmanuel Ntibonera felt this as he left the Congo behind to freedom in America when he saw the opportunity to serve God and gave life to the Ntibonera Foundation to bring hope to the forgotten people of the Congo.
A true story of, "Love the neighbor as thyself. " Congo Sole is a gripping, real life tale revealing God's promises, miracle after miracle. The story leaves you breathless while reading through the lives of the Ntiboneras as they experience hardships, war, escaping death, and starvation. The visual sagas placed me on their journey, escaping Congo to living as refugees in Kenya, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It was hard to turn the page for fear of what was next, yet I couldn't put the book down. Emmanuel portrays his and the family's experiences so vividly that my heart was beating as if I was watching a thriller in the movie theater, but this was real life for the Ntiboneras before they came to America and for many other Congolese. What they overcame is nothing I could ever imagine.The Ntiboneras faced setback after setback but one thing remained steadfast and that was their faith in the Almighty God.
This book is an awe-inspiring testament of God's faithfulness. Over and over you see God's blessings and the faith shown by the Ntiboneras in Him even when it seemed impossible. It's a must read, an inspiring and encouraging story.
February 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I strongly suggest it to be read by others. The author shares his story well, and both encourages and challenges the readers. I thank the Lord for what He is doing in our world.
May 7, 2021
Such a powerful, heartbreaking, and uplifting story that places God at the center of everything
July 3, 2023
Easy to read and follow his family’s journeys. These refugee stories always fill me with awe. Read in an afternoon. He’s the new Executive Director with Exile International. A great fit for them both!
September 30, 2025
incredibly well written account of Emmanuel's life and all that led him to his foundation today. At least for all Americans, it will not only make you reflect on all that you take for granted, but it pushes you into a "help-others" mindset that I think is lacking from the world today.
October 21, 2025
The African World War that gets little press. Heartbreaking. Tragic. I got to have coffee with the author who’s lived it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews