Congo Time

Brooks

Once again God has proven himself faithful and has given us such grace and protection. Due to His setup with the Congolese elderly man of influence, Roger and I never even had to get out of the car when passing through the border coming into Congo. The guy just whisked out of the car with our passports and papers and went into the official’s office and got everything stamped (along with the customary bribe $). We were told by others that without his being with us, John Omondi would never have gotten through as a Kenyan because relations are very poor between Kenya and DR Congo…they even kept his passport to ensure that he actually leaves the Congo. Americans typically have a very difficult time at this particular border so now we know why God arranged the meeting prior to our coming here with the American who had been a missionary’s kid raised in DRC. The contact he set us up with is such a GIVER!!!!! He welcomes and does everything he can for missionaries coming into Congo because the traumas and tragedies of his nation are so great. He has even arranged to meet us tomorrow morning to ensure that the three of us get safely back across into Rwanda.

Here are some pictures from our time here in Congo…we met with over 38 folks…lots of them new to the movement and eager to learn. Eight were regional leaders from southeastern and northeastern Congo and the huge city (around 800,000 people!!!) where we are, Bukavu. It was so great to have these guys take turns teaching the newer ones and then leave John Omondi to teach today while we met with the regional leaders to follow up on goals they had made last spring. It was truly inspiring and exciting to see where and how God has led them…the challenges, the disappointments and the victories. Please pray for this team. This country is not easy. One man I met (not part of our group) told me, “You know we Congolese are victims of our minerals.” And, it’s so true and so sad…and so war continues to literally rape this country of not only her people, but her resources.

Here are some pictures of the eight regional guys (and gal) we were with today:

Fremm