This story is from our September 2009 Update. You can download the complete color mini-mag in PDF format here. If you would like one mailed directly to you, including all of the articles like this one, please contact Far Reaching Ministries in the United States at (951) 677-4474.
“I want to inform you that the Rwanda rebels who did genocide in Rwanda in 1994 are trucked out in the villages/mountains of Uvira and people are running away finding save areas especially in Uvira city.” - Pastor Sepa Mamboleo in Uvira, DRCI had heard rumors from other missionaries in the area that there was more trouble in Congo. For us, hearing that there is trouble in Congo is like being told that a baby is crying. That’s just how it is. The real concern, though, was that the trouble had moved into the region known as South Kivu, a region where we do ministry.
The men and women leaders of
Eglise Calvaire de l’est du Congo. (Pastor Sepa is at top left)
The BackstoryI’m honestly not sure if all of the pages of the 22-volume 1954 Encyclopedia Britannica (the one I grew up with) are enough to tell the full story of the troubles in Congo. It all started hundreds of years ago with an unscrupulous Belgian King, followed by European colonization in East Africa, World War II, unscrupulous African leaders, power hungry warlords, tribalism, hate, and greed. Ultimately it started long before that with our common father, Adam, and his decision to willfully rebel against our Father and Creator God. This rebellion gave birth to sin and death, taking shape most commonly as the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. But getting back to modern times... the short summary is that there are a whole lot of people vying for power, money, natural resources, and pride. They use tribalism, politics, and violence to attain their desired ends, and they all hover around the countries of Rwanda, Burundi, and Eastern Congo. Do a search online on Wikipedia if you are like me and want to know every depressing detail.
Current TroublesThe current troubles involve more Hutu rebels wreaking havoc as they hide from Congolese, Rwandan, and other government forces sent to quell them. Like a cornered animal, they rape and pillage both land and people for food, drink, and natural resources while running from and fighting against their foes.
The most unsettling part is how far south the conflict has now moved. According to my friend in Uvira, the rebels are now entrenched in the mountain villages just outside of Uvira, a city I was just in a few months back, and one that few missionaries will any longer visit. Because of the violence, many villagers are fleeing into the city for refuge.
This latest trouble won’t stop the work the Lord is doing, but only creates additional obstacles. Please pray that the Lord would protect His own and bring many into His kingdom through this tumultuous time. Also pray for the local pastors and church leaders to be used mightily by God to His glory. And lastly, please pray that God would give us wisdom on how we can aide and minister to the people of South Kivu and specifically those in Uvira.
The whole family has been struggling with coughs, congestion, and runny noses for over a month now. I think we are officially on round two. Please pray for strength and patience through these times, and ultimately for complete healing for the whole family.
We were so thankful to receive an infusion of new clothes for the kids from my mom. Our visiting friends were kind enough to lug them over here for us. In addition, they took the kids to town to pick out a few toys from the used toy “store”. Thanks Bond and Heather!
Jon continues to work with our friend Gabriel, a local Tanzanian and recent graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California. Together they are having a weekly Bible Study at Gabriel’s house on Saturday evenings. The response has been very good, with most seats full each week.
Last month, during the question and answer time after one study, a young man asked a bold question about the passage from Romans 1 which Gabriel had taught. He said, “You read that we should be able to see that God exists by looking at the world around us. I don’t believe that God exists. How am I supposed to see Him when I look around me? Can you prove to me that God exists?”
In August we were blessed with a visit from two dear friends from the States, Bond and Heather Gaona. It was so nice to see them both on a personal level, but also to be reunited for the purpose of ministry.
Unreached
more people than I expected to see, and that they were dressed a bit differently and that most were coming from the river to the east. Gabriel inquired of one of them and we found out that many people were coming from the far-off settlement of Mishamo, in the neighboring Rukwa region. While this would create a bit of a logistical issue for the doctor and his crew, it meant more people for us to share the gospel with!
As Bond and I assisted Dr. Len with unloading and securing the helicopter, the choir continued to sing different songs to Heather, jumping and clapping and singing with excitement. They both enjoyed the special greeting very much. When we finished with the helicopter we walked up to the crowd to return the greeting. A short moment later, Bond asked me if he could go ahead and do the first gospel presentation right then, as there were about two hundred people all gathered together already. I said, “Sure. Go for it.” Then, through Gabriel’s translation, the gospel was presented to the crowd and many prayed and asked Jesus to be their Lord. It was a good start to the day.
outreach going on. He gave her a very quick tutorial on taking blood pressure and then left her alone to triage the hundreds of people waiting to see the doctor. I know the pressure was tremendous, but the Lord showed His strength in her and enabled her to do a great job, freeing up one of Dr. Len’s team members for other much needed work.
By the end of the day we had evangelized everybody there, either en masse, in small groups, or individually. We bought a couple of goats, several chickens, and many kilos of rice, so that
everyone in the village, including the many visitors from other villages, could have a very nice meal together. And to top it all off, Dr. Len was able to see nearly one hundred patients and assist them with their medical issues, ranging from the simple to the chronic, to the very serious.
Throughout the day, and especially just before our departure, we were repeatedly asked for two things. For those seeking further spiritual help, we were asked, no, begged for Bibles. For those seeking further medical help, we were asked for a quick return.
The Backstory
