As I approach the halfway point in my summer internship, I cannot help but think back on the incredible week that has ended. The Lord has continued to challenge me in numerous ways as well strengthen me with underserved blessings.
The Lubumbashi office was enjoyed to welcome a group of members from a supporting church in Pennsylvania. The fellowship was wonderful and I believe that everyone was encouraged by the work of the Holy Spirit, both in the Congo and stateside. Needless to say, we had several interesting encounters, be it with flabbergasted clients in the Kisanga marketplace or dazzled children during the Young Life ministry program. Nevertheless, the week was filled with incredible stories. We met Paty Sab, a young adult in the Kenya district, who has managed to transform his street-vending cellphone units business into an outlet enterprise selling 2,000 rechargeable minutes, on average, per day. Full story to come soon!
These testimonies truly demonstrate the power of microfinance, yet I was most revitalized this week by the privileged relationships that were built, be it serving as an interpret during staff worship or sharing a delightful mishopo dinner.
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| Café Jazz at l'Alliance Française on Friday night |
You may be an insular American, a snobby European or a forlorn Congolese, but I am certain each one of us shares some form of compassion for those in need. Today, the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks independence and coincidently the government has decided to release new bills. For those econ savvy nerds, you know that means an unavoidable rise in inflation (prices) and most likely an increase of social unrest. Continue to pray for HOPE clients and their already hard work while lifting up the decision-making and discernment of government officials.
I would also ask you keep me in your thoughts and prayers, that I would be grateful in all circumstances and live a dangerous life for Christ in all things entrusted to me. I would specifically request you pray for my incoming support. I am amazed at the generosity people have shown and can only praise the Lord. Gifts have nonetheless stagnated at the $2,000 benchmark while my target remains $4,750. I have decided to show a breakdown of my budget, specifically for those of you who have at heart giving with a specific purpose:
Cost of Living:
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Monthly
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May 24 - Aug 08
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Comments
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Air-travel
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N/A
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$2,750
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Roundtrip from US to Lubumbashi with detour in Lancaster for Leadership Training Summit
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Tax Airport
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N/A
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$50
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Departure from DRC
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Visas
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$385
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Multiple entries into DRC and emergency visa for Zambia
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Catholic Guest House
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$600
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$1,650
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Covered by HOPE; includes electricity water and Internet
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Meals at Catholic Guest House
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$300
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$750
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Breakfast and dinner
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Lunches
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$90
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$250
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$3/day sandwich close to office
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Transportation
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$60
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$165
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$2/day taxis including field visits
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Bank Charges
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N/A
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$50
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ATM international fees
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Miscellaneous
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$20
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$50
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Laundry and toiletries
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Emergency Funds
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N/A
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$300
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Post-conflict country, poorest in the world according to UN
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Total
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$470
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$4,750
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As you can perhaps tell, stewardship is incredibly important to me, be it ridding in crammed 20 cent taxi buses (rather than private cabs) or living in a distant one-room monastery (instead of a downtown flat). Transparency is essential in life, I encounter this reality everyday in the work of microfinance. Feel free to ask questions and please visit the support tab if you feel led to make a gift: http://empowerment-freedom.blogspot.com/p/support-update.html.
My mission remains the same, to be a faithful ambassador of Christ and to trust the Father in all things. To Him be the glory and - mungu akubariki - may God bless you.
